Guru (Barri Gòtic) Cocktail Bar / Fusion Restaurant

Barri Gòtic, Barcelona –

Not to be confused with the rambunctious bar with the same name on Nou de la Rambla, this Guru bar is an altogether more refined, low-key venue.

A smiling Buddha in the window greets customers as they arrive, while inside, the ornate sofas, piles of plush cushions, somber browns and deep red tones, and burning incense create a soothing atmosphere for enjoying the slow life with an inventive and well-mixed cocktail.

Add to that the benefit of a largely English-speaking staff, tasty Tex-Mex and Italian eats, and sensual ambient tunes on the sound system, and it’s no wonder why many locals recommend the place for a first date.

Romantic and mellow early in the evening, the largest influx of chic regulars tends to arrive around 11:30pm before venturing out to the surrounding clubs. This crowd can be a bit cliquey, however – and the house soundtrack turns up around this time too – so it may not be the best place for meeting new people.

Nonetheless, Guru is an enlightened spot to bring someone who visitors would like to get to know better.