Patara Cocktails & Tapas — Restaurant in Barcelona

It was entirely by chance that we discovered Patara after doing tons of research on the coolest/best places to eat and drink in Barcelona. We were staying around the corner and while exploring our general area we discovered this spot, the ultimate hidden gem. We were tired and hungry so we popped in our first night in town and we ended up coming back almost every single day. WOW is the only word that describes the service, atmosphere and food/drinks. 🤩🤤😍

The staff was absolutely amazing. Some of our favorite conversations were had here. Not only were they perfectly polite, interesting, and legit the coolest people but they shared recipe secrets with us and even pointed us in the direction of other restaurants they thought we should try.

The atmosphere was great. This place smells so good! Which is a reprieve from other parts of Barcelona (no shade it's just how it is). The lighting is warm and relaxed. And the music is perfectly appropriate for the vibe.

THE FOOD AND DRINKS! Between my husband and I, we tried pretty much everything on both menus. Every cocktail I tried was more inventive and delicious than the last. Even when I stretched outside of my traditional preferences, I just loved everything they made me. And every check came with a complimentary shot! On our last night in town we had dinner at a different spot and swung by just to thank them and say goodbye in our way back. We got a complimentary shot then too! Just amazing humans and service.

The food was phenomenal and blew my expectations out of the water. Surely, a place with such excellent and inventive cocktails would provide basic food right? Wrong! The food was equally amazing and inventive! From traditional spanish tappas to more unique signature dishes I'll never be able to find anywhere else, we were impressed and satisfied with literally everything we were blessed to eat.

I honestly miss this place and the people so much. Counting down the days until we can go back and relive the most amazing experience on one of the best vacations we've ever had. If you're even thinking about popping in, stop and make it happen asap. Thanks...

Let me set the scene. You walk into this unassuming establishment—dim lighting, soft music, the faint clink of glasses in the distance—and suddenly, you feel it. The shift in energy. The gravitational pull toward the bar. And there he is: DAE DAE.

Not Manpreet. Don’t even THINK about it. It’s DAE DAE, and he’s not just a bartender. He’s a one-man show, a symphony of flavor and hospitality, an absolute phenomenon behind the bar. The moment you sit down, you’re not just a customer—you’re entering his world.

The Environment? Welcoming doesn’t even cut it. This man could charm a brick wall. Dae Dae greets you like an old friend, whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth. There’s no awkward drink menu scanning or overplayed specials—just a conversation, a vibe check, and then… BAM. The drink arrives, crafted like it was tailored to your soul.

The Cocktails? Masterpieces. These aren’t just drinks. They’re liquid art installations. He’ll whip out flavors you didn’t know existed, infuse herbs like he’s casting spells, and finish it all with a flair that would make Tom Cruise in Cocktail look like a rookie. One sip and your taste buds write a thank-you letter. I had a drink that tasted like a warm summer night under fireworks while listening to Stevie Wonder. How do you even DO that?!

The Experience? Transcendent. He doesn’t just make drinks—he makes moments. People come here to feel something, and Dae Dae delivers every. single. time. You laugh. You cry. You consider proposing marriage. Dae Dae will tell you a joke, remember your dog’s name, and serve a smoked mezcal old-fashioned that redefines the genre.

The restaurant is great, sure—but let’s not pretend. We all know why people come back again and again. It’s DAE DAE. The man, the myth, the maestro of mixology.

If there’s a Hall of Fame for bartenders, build him his own wing. Give him a crown. Carve his name into the cocktail Bible (but remember—it’s Dae Dae. Never Manpreet.)

Final Verdict: If you haven’t had a drink by Dae Dae, you haven’t lived.

11/10. A spiritual...

Patara was hands-down one of the best parts of our trip to Barcelona. We originally wandered in for a drink and ended up coming back three times because we loved it so much. The atmosphere is incredibly warm, with great music, cozy lighting, and a vibe that instantly makes you feel relaxed and at home. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time, in the best way. The cocktails are on another level—crafted to perfection with thoughtful ingredients and stunning presentation. Every drink we tried was delicious, refreshing, and totally unique. But what really made our experience unforgettable was the bartender. He wasn’t just good at what he does—he was so welcoming, funny, and genuinely kind. We ended up talking with him for hours, and by the end of our first night, he felt like a friend. Each time we came back, he remembered us and made sure we had an amazing time. That personal touch meant everything.Oh—and don’t skip the pasta dish. It was one of the best we had in the city: full of flavor, perfectly cooked, and made with real care. We ordered it more than once and still talk about it. If you’re in Barcelona and want a place that combines great drinks, incredible food, and the kind of energy that makes you never want to leave—Patara is the spot. Can’t wait...