Minerva Cafe

The most curious in Barcelona already know about Seneca Street, located in the lower area of Gracia, this street has given places in recent years to small local fashion firms, design studios, art galleries and restaurants, like Fan Shoronpo, a place for noodle lovers. The surprise was to discover Minerva Street, a small alley attached to Seneca and gives name to the Minerva Cafe.

We know the lovely couple Jordi and Nina, who only three months ago started this adventure to open a restaurant. Jordi comes from the world of restaurants and clearly has a commitment to quality. Nina is responsible for the renovation and decoration of the local, which, although small, is very warm and cozy. They specialize in breakfasts and meals during the week. An ideal proposal for the area, as at mealtimes, the restaurant becomes a small oasis for all those who work in the vicinity, and once they have tried the food from Jordi (yes, the cook is also named Jordi), they return for more. The promote the takeout option, because very close there is an idyllic place to go eat on a sunny day. They bet on a small menu, but with full, nutritious and tasty dishes. The specialties are the bowls, of which there are three varieties: Thai, pibil and Hawaiian. The burgers, vegan and pibil, have nothing to do with a regular burger.

The Hawaiian bowl is a dish that we love. Made with a base a sushi rice, we find marinated salmon, avocado, edamame, cucumber, sesame and sprouts. And if that’s not enough, they have the option to include trout roe. As Jordi says, “It’s like eating a giant maki”. We accompany the food with what is probably the coolest thing here: they have their own beer, an Indian Pale Ale called Minerva that is soft and fruity.

As good healthy food lovers, all products are chosen with detail, and include local ingredients and eco, and options for people with allergies.

The time comes for farewell, and it does so sweetly, with a raw vegan coconut and chocolate mousse that surprises us with its flavor and lightness.  It is said that Minerva cafe is one of those places where everything is done with care and a necessary break in a day of hustling and bustling.