Sant Antoni is the hottest neighborhood in Barcelona these days, and Benzina’s lively terrace is perhaps the center of the whole scene. The owner is British, the chef is Italian, the playlist is from the ’ 70s and ’80s, and the feel is distinctly New York. The restaurant, which opened in 2018, serves unexpected takes on traditional Italian dishes, like eggplant parmigiana with parmesan ice cream or a sferamisu (a deconstructed spherical take on tiramisu), plus strong cocktails and an excellent selection of Italian wine.

Named for the car-mechanic shop that once stood here, Benzina blends industrial-chic elements with splashes of color and excellent music (on vinyl, naturally) to create a hip but cozy Italian restaurant. The food, however, is center stage: the freshly made pasta is among the best in the city, while next-door Doppietta, by the same owners, is home to one of the hottest brunch buffets in town.

Some come to this former mechanic's garage just for the cocktails. The entrance and left side are packed with glammed-up stool-perchers lapping up social lubrication and listening to a thumping soundtrack of classic rock before they head onto more formal dinners. But the bulk of attendees are here to hunker down with comforting, unstuffy Italian food.

Benzina: un restaurante de cocina italiana que late bajo la cromada carrocería de un club de aires neoyorquinos. Y en un lugar inmejorable: en el pasaje Calders de Sant Antoni."Nuestra intención es hacer cocina regional romana con un ambiente que pueda ser neoyorquino", explican, "y que la gente coma como en una típica trattoria, algo no muy corriente en Barcelona". Pero si algo diferencia al Benzina de los restaurantes clubs con más pretensión que oficio, es la cocina: se come muy bien, con raciones abundantes, excelente producto y un ticket nada desmedido.Carta corta y efectiva: 'antipasti', seis pastas (la fresca hecha en cocina) y algo de carne y pescado.

An experience between Italy and Brooklyn in the Sant Antoni neighborhood. In this establishment, absolutely everything is carefully considered, from the music to the lighting or the names of the classic cocktails. Bennis, the entrepreneur with over seven years of experience in the W Hotels chain, defines it as “a modern Italian restaurant, open to trying new things.” A concise menu that changes almost completely every two months to give more prominence to creativity.

The once low-key Sant Antoni district has grown into one of Barcelona’s liveliest hangouts since its beautiful historic food market relaunched in 2018. BENZiNA is at the heart of the neighbourhood’s culinary action, hiding along a pedestrian alleyway in a stylishly converted garage space. It lures a cool regular crowd with knockout cocktails, rock’n’roll playlists and regularly changing contemporary Italian creations by chef Nicola Valle.

BENZiNA is an Italian restaurant in Barcelona that gives a twist to the typical dishes of Italian gastronomy. Its innovative dishes such as linguine with lobster & avocado or sferamisu (its modernist version of tiramisu) attract more and more lovers of Italian cuisine. Its modern industrial atmosphere and Rock n Roll music, makes BENZiNA the perfect place to enjoy, in company, an intimate lunch or dinner in the heart of Barcelona.

I was a bit reticent to try Italian food in Barcelona given the many great Spanish restaurants I wanted to try in my short time in the city, but the word of mouth was just too good when it came to Benzina. I’m so glad I did give it a try because it was hands down one of the best meals I had during my stay. Owner Badr Bennis and head chef Nicola Valle were inspired by the creative Italian restaurants in New York.

Benzina is an Italian restaurant located in Barcelona’s Sant Antoni neighbourhood. Opened in 2018 in a former car workshop, it offers dishes inspired by Italian gastronomy in a setting that reminds us of the industrial premises of the 70s Brooklyn. Not surprisingly, another of Benzina’s main attractions is its New York-inspired cocktail bar, which combines classic cocktails with custom-made in-house creations.

By night, Catalonia meets Italy with a side order of rock n roll. Housed in a double height room with bold artwork, stripped back surfaces and retro furnishings, you will be serenaded (gently) by the Rolling Stones as you feast on contemporary pasta dishes with the zingiest of fresh flavours. A comprehensive italian wine list and cavalcade of exotic musical themed cocktails complete a unique picture.

The first time I visited Benzina was with the sole purpose of impressing a group of Italian friends (including Anna), and since then, it has become a source of pride. It’s a modern and industrial venue with Rock & Roll music, an informal atmosphere, and a great vibe. They offer Italian cuisine with innovative and original ideas that deviate from tradition but maintain classic and authentic flavours.

BENZiNA, known for its Italian-American fusion cuisine, brings a unique and trendy vibe to Barcelona’s dining scene. Its retro decor and inventive dishes create a perfect setting for those craving a blend of Italian flair and American spirit. Their Italian food is “bold, authentic, and original” flavourful, and ingredients are locally sourced to create the best dishes.

What was once a car mechanic's shop has transformed into a stunning space infused with a chic Brooklyn vibe and hints of Moroccan flair. It's uniquely attractive, setting the perfect tone for the evening ahead. Despite being established for years, Benzina maintains a fresh, welcoming atmosphere that speaks volumes about their dedication to their guests.

BENZiNA is a stylish Italian restaurant that combines tradition with a modern twist. The menu offers creative dishes like linguine with lobster and avocado, and their signature sferamisù, a fresh take on classic tiramisu. With its industrial-chic decor and exclusive cocktails, it’s the perfect place for a special night out with friends or your partner.

This neighbourhood modern Italian Restaurant is located in Sant Antoni, serving up sophisticated Italian cuisine and an extensive list of creative cocktails to match. Our personal favourite dish would have to be the braised oxtail cannelloni, served with a scrumptious taleggio béchamel sauce, confit artichokes and mint. It is simply superb.

The final entry on our list of best restaurants in Barcelona is an Italian restaurant that's set in a New York-style club. A mechanic’s garage turned into an eatery, Benzina is renowned for its Italian Mediterranean offerings. Roman chef Daniele Moretti’s culinary skills demand more than one serving.

Benzina combines Italian cuisine with a Brooklyn inspired interior, and has been named the best Italian in town by many. Benzina has gained a reputation as one of the most authentic Italian restaurants in Spain. They are known for delicious pasta, seafood and meat plates.

But Benzina seem to have succeeded, creating an effortlessly cool and industrial venue in which they serve cracking Italian food with equally good background music. Details: Open Weds-Sun, 8pm-12am, plus 1:30pm-5:30pm (Fri-Sun) | Passatge de Pere Calders, 6 | €€€

Located in the heart of Sant Antoni neighborhood in an old car workshop (Passatge Pere Calders, 6), Benzina offers a daring and original Italian food menu that includes the best Italian and local ingredients.

It used to be extremely difficult to find vegan food in Barcelona – but things are changing, and quickly. During a recent trip I was surprised by how much choice there is for vegans now.

If industrial chic had an Italian cousin, Benzina would be it. Dark tones, ambient lighting, and a bar that’ll make you want to kick back and chill. It’s edgy without trying too hard.