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Photos
Shot by a City Insiders curator.
Ocaña
★ 4.0(1 review)Café
livelyhistorictouristy
About the Vibe
Ocaña has been holding court on Plaça Reial since 1970, and it wears its history well. Yes, it's touristy—this is one of Barcelona's most famous squares, after all—but the real reason to come is the Apotheke cocktail bar tucked inside, where Mario Greenfield turns out inventive drinks in a converted pharmacy space. The terrace is prime people-watching real estate; just don't come at peak tourist hours unless you enjoy a crowd. The food is solid Spanish tapas done right—patatas bravas, tortilla, fresh fish—nothing groundbreaking but reliably good. Come for the cocktails and the atmosphere, grab a table on the terrace at off-peak hours, and you'll see why this place has lasted half a century.
Why it's worth it
The Apotheke cocktail bar inside this 1970 Plaça Reial institution is worth the visit alone—Mario Greenfield's inventive drinks in a converted pharmacy space.
Highlights
Apotheke cocktailsterracepeople-watchingclassic tapas
Before you go
Go during off-peak hours—weekday afternoons or early evenings—to skip the tourist crowds and actually enjoy the terrace on Plaça Reial.
Known For
- •Apotheke cocktail bar
- •Plaça Reial terrace
- •Classic Spanish tapas
- •Live music and nightlife
Best For
evening cocktailspeople-watching on the terracelate-night drinks
1 review
City InsidersEditorialMarch 31, 2026
Classic Plaça Reial institution with a standout cocktail bar
Ocaña is one of those Barcelona institutions that's been around long enough to feel like part of the city's furniture. Sitting on Plaça Reial since 1970, it's seen the square transform from bohemian hangout to tourist magnet, and it's adapted accordingly. Yes, you'll hear plenty of English and German at the tables around you, but don't let that put you off—there's genuine quality here if you know where to look.
The star of the show is the Apotheke cocktail bar, a converted pharmacy space where Mario Greenfield crafts inventive, properly made drinks. This isn't your standard mojito-and-gin-tonic operation; the cocktail program is thoughtful and the reason many locals still bother coming. The terrace overlooking Plaça Reial is fantastic for people-watching, though I'd strongly recommend going during off-peak hours—weekday afternoons or early evenings—unless you want to fight through a wall of tourists.
Food-wise, it's standard Spanish tapas done well rather than anything revolutionary. The patatas bravas and tortilla are reliable, the fresh fish dishes are solid, and the paellas get praise from regulars. Service can be hit-or-miss depending on how slammed they are, which is often. Come for cocktails and atmosphere, not for a culinary revelation, and you'll have a classic Barcelona night out.