A highly-rated food establishment featured on Yelp's list of top restaurants in Barcelona.
Insights
KoreanFrenchGreekMediterraneanModerateBreakfastBrunchDinnerLate Night
Last updated: 4/17/2026, 5:04:47 PM
Key Information
Gata Mala, meaning 'Bad Cat', is a charming and unpretentious neighborhood bar and restaurant located in Barcelona's Gràcia district. It's renowned for its unique concept of offering a free tapa with every drink, a tradition increasingly rare in the city. The establishment prides itself on a philosophy focused on sustainability and serves gourmet-quality food in a simple, welcoming setting. The menu, often displayed on a blackboard, features creative and diverse dishes.
Customer feedback for Gata Mala is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the delicious, creative, and well-prepared food. Many reviewers praise the friendly and efficient service, noting that the staff genuinely cares about the food and customer experience. The atmosphere is described as pleasant, simple, and welcoming, though some mention it can be small and a bit noisy, occasionally requiring a short wait for a table. The free tapa with drinks is a frequently appreciated highlight, and the bakery items also receive high acclaim.
Additional Details
The name 'Gata Mala' translates to 'Bad Cat'. It's celebrated for preserving the traditional Spanish custom of providing a complimentary tapa with each drink, a practice that has become a distinguishing feature in Barcelona's culinary scene. The menu is typically presented on a blackboard, suggesting a rotating selection of fresh and seasonal dishes.
Vegetarian options available (e.g., fritters with halloumi, various pastries)Dairy-free options (e.g., coconut-milk French toast)
Best Times to Visit
Gata Mala is popular for both breakfast/brunch and evening tapas. It operates from Tuesday to Saturday, opening in the evenings (from 6:30 PM) and staying open late (until 1:30 AM or 2:00 AM on Saturdays). Given its small size and popularity, there might be a wait for tables, especially during peak meal times. Visiting earlier in the evening or during off-peak brunch hours might offer a more relaxed experience.
5
Little Fern Café was without a doubt our favorite spot in Barcelona for breakfast, brunch, and coffee. During our one-week stay, we came here twice—and even after the trip, it’s one of the places we still talk about.
The food is truly outstanding. The banana bread and the French toast were honestly the best I’ve ever had—no exaggeration. Both were perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, and you can really tell that a lot of care goes into the preparation.
The coffee is just as impressive. I’m quite picky when it comes to flat whites, but the one here was excellent—smooth, rich, and very well made.
What also makes this place special is the menu. It’s not your typical brunch offering—they have a variety of interesting international dishes, including Turkish eggs, which you don’t even easily find everywhere in Turkey. That alone says a lot about how unique and thoughtful their menu is.
The overall atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, making it a great place to start your day in Barcelona.
All in all, this is a must-visit spot if you’re in the city. Whether you’re into great coffee, high-quality brunch, or just memorable food experiences, Little Fern Café absolutely delivers.
Exceptional attention to detail. The food was beautifully put together and the tastes were sublime.
Set your expectations high.
I had the Eggs Benny with a side of Avo. Every aspect of the dish was considered. The goldern turmeric hollandaise is no joke, the oyster mushroom is prepped by someone who knows how to entice every last ounce of umami from this noble shroom. The paprika dusting elevates the dish to comical heights - visually and sensorially.
I almost wish I’d never had it. How will I ever go back to normal?!
The flat white was also fantastic - but of course.
Staff were friendly and welcoming. Still thinking about the eggs. Perfect yokes.
The people next to me were raving about the kimchi pancakes for what it’s worth.
Excellent cuisine, with a style and philosophy truly focused on sustainability. The dishes are very good and well prepared. The place is quite small and can be a bit noisy, but the atmosphere is pleasant. You may need to wait a few minutes before getting a table, but it’s definitely worth it.
food was great! had the fritters and added halloumi. loved that the fritters came with guacamole and delish tzatziki. they also had pastries that looked amazing!!! i wish i could have tried their scones or chocolate croissant bc it truly looked delish
chai latte was also very will spiced and tasty
They said the vegan kimchi pancakes were good but qué exquisito!! Tiene mucho sabor! Every bite full of tantalising savoury flavours that never leave you bored. I paired it with the Ayurvedic tea.
Service very friendly. It gets busy, if you’re after a cosy pace I’d recommend a late brunch.
