Review: Casa Bonay

Bodega Bonay is a food lover’s dream. Head Chef Giacomo Hassan creates Mediterranean sharing plates with imagination and flair. Standouts include glazed eel with coleslaw, sea-urchin royale, and the artichoke tatin, inspired by his Tunisian grandmother. The braised pork jowl on pan tumaca was a favourite on our last visit – rich, tender and perfectly balanced. Natural wines take centre stage on the 250-strong list, with a focus on small, organic producers. It’s buzzy, welcoming and effortlessly cool, a true reflection of the city’s dining scene.

The heart of the hotel

Libertine, the hotel’s central bar and lounge, is the beating heart of Casa Bonay. By day, it doubles as the breakfast spot, offering a buffet alongside an à la carte menu packed with sweet treats, sandwiches and eggs. The pancakes were decadent on our visit, but the Eggs Benedict with salmon fell short – the salmon was disappointingly gummy.

Later in the day, Libertine becomes an easy spot for light snacks, natural wines and highballs, while at night it transforms into a buzzing cocktail bar. Signature drinks by Eric Stephenson are well worth a try and dishes borrowed from Bodega Bonay’s menu keep things interesting. Some have grumbled about inconsistent service, but we’ve always found it friendly and efficient.

Coffee and croissants

Tos Tao, the hotel’s small coffee and pastry shop, is a magnet for locals and guests alike. It’s always busy, with the hum of conversation – and laptops, everywhere laptops. The biodynamic coffee, roasted locally by Nomad, is excellent, and the pastries, baked in-house by Japanese patissier Natsumi, are exceptional. We couldn’t resist lingering over a perfectly flaky croissant and a second cup of coffee.

A shop worth visiting

At Casa Bonay’s entrance, a small Art Nouveau kiosk serves as the base for the gift shop manager. Inside, the shop offers a curated selection of books, design objects and small keepsakes by Apartamento.

Rooftop escapes

Casa Bonay offers two rooftops, each with its own appeal. In summer, the public Chiringuito rooftop brings a relaxed beach-bar vibe, serving crisp salads, fresh sardines, roasted asparagus and skewers straight from the BBQ. Natural wines and city views complete the experience.

For guests, the exclusive rooftop feels more private. With sunbeds, outdoor showers, seasonal yoga classes and views stretching across Barcelona, it’s the perfect escape. We loved being able to order food or drinks from Libertine with a quick call from the wall phone – there’s something indulgent about cava and snacks delivered straight to your lounger.

Cultural touches

Yoga classes and curated events round out the experience, adding a cultural and wellness edge to Casa Bonay’s effortlessly social atmosphere.