Elsa y Fred
By Melissa Leighty
When you ask the good people at Elsa y Fred what their philosophy is, it’s no surprise the answer is taking care of people. At this charming bistro in the Born district, with its warm, living room-like atmosphere, Argentine sisters Camila and Sofí and Catalan chef Ramón have made it their mission to make their guests feel like family.
Lucky for us, their kitchen is open all day. The weekend brunch is a local fixture, offering staples like pancakes and Eggs Benedict. They have a set menu at lunch, while dinner is a tapas style affair with dishes like burrata & beet salad, crispy grilled octopus, crab burgers, steak tartar, Pastrami sandwiches and patatas bravas.
Finish with the apple crumble or chocolate coulant, or simply cozy up to the bar for a glass of wine – maybe their own Elsa white or Fred red – or one of many gin & tonics and make yourself right at home.