The Best Italian Coffee in Plaza Real
Coffee is one of the most popular hot beverages found in restaurants and bars worldwide, especially in cosmopolitan cities like Barcelona. A unique specialty that boosts our mood, improves performance, and delights us with its intense flavour. Coffee is always welcome to accompany any moment of the day.
However, for true connoisseurs and coffee enthusiasts, preparing or finding high-quality coffee in Barcelona isn’t easy. Various factors such as temperature, brand, water quality, and type of drink influence the experience. While there’s stiff competition among coffee brands, origins, and consumer preferences, today we present the best Italian coffee you can find in Plaza Real.
Why Choose Italian Coffee?
Italian coffee is a treasured gem of Italian gastronomy. Over time, its preparation tradition has spread globally. Scientific studies show that Italian merchants were trading and importing this drink from the Far East as early as the 17th century.
While its origins aren’t entirely Italian, coffee became a staple in Italy across all social classes. This popularity led to brands like Illy and Lavazza starting to prepare their own ground coffee. Italian coffees are prized for their rigorous production processes and quality control. Their taste is a fusion of aromas and colours, featuring a smooth texture and bitterness-free profile that melts on the palate.
Types of Italian Coffee
Espresso
One of Italy’s most popular coffees, espresso is quick to prepare and boasts a strong, concentrated flavour. Known as "café solo" in Spain, it’s typically served in smaller quantities. Variants include double espresso, long espresso, and ristretto.
Decaffeinato
Decaffeinated coffee has its caffeine content removed from the beans. It’s a smooth drink, similar to a strong infusion. Its taste is close to regular coffee but with fewer nutrients. Some studies question the health benefits of decaffeinated coffee.
Caffè Latte
As the name suggests, this is a variation of the traditional café con leche, one of the most popular breakfast combinations. It typically consists of hot milk topped with foam or cream. Another variation is the crema caffè.
Caffè Shakerato
This coffee features an espresso base mixed with vanilla liqueur and ice. Its sweet and refreshing flavour is enhanced by the cold ice, making it akin to an Italian version of iced coffee. The word “shake” refers to its preparation method, where it’s shaken with ice.
3 Recommended Italian Coffees to Try in Plaza Real
The coffees on our restaurant menu are made with top Italian brands and coffee machines. Their taste will leave you impressed, and their quality will captivate your senses. Here are three recommended coffees to enjoy in the tranquil setting of Plaza Real in Barcelona.
Cappuccino
A variant of espresso made with steamed milk and dusted with cocoa powder or cinnamon. A purely Italian coffee, it combines sweet and creamy flavours with a unique texture, creating a sublime drink popular across Europe.
Decaffeinated
As previously mentioned, decaffeinated coffee contains less caffeine but retains good bean quality. Its nutrients include vitamins and minerals that can improve blood circulation and focus.
Cortado
This Italian coffee option is perfect if you want an espresso with a less bitter taste and a lighter profile, topped with generous foam. It’s one of the most popular choices at our restaurant for its texture and well-crafted bean composition.
