Usually I’m good at keeping secrets, but after my most recent trip to Barcelona there is one secret spot that I just can’t keep to myself anymore: Placa d’Osca! This is a hidden plaza in a residential neighborhood where you can find more than ten local restaurants with tables spilling out onto the shady, tree-lined plaza, blissfully free from the crowds you’ll find in many other parts of Barcelona.
I was first introduced to Plaça d’Osca by a local who lives within walking distance of the square. We visited on a cool winter evening in 2015, but fortunately it was still warm enough to enjoy drinks and snacks on the pretty plaza. Since then, I’ve been returning every time I visit the city, including my most recent trip in 2026.
In this guide I’ll show you the different bars, cafés and restaurants in Plaça d’Osca, highlight a few other local businesses that you might want to check out, give you an overview of the plaza’s history and finally tell you exactly how to get there from anywhere in the city (or beyond!).
Restaurants and Bars in Placa d’Osca
The main draw at Plaça d’Osca in Barcelona is the wide variety of restaurants, bars and cafes that line the edges of the plaza. Here are a few that you might want to visit.
La Bikini Vermouth Bar
Although vermouth originates in Italy, I’ve always felt like Barcelona is the heart of vermuth culture. Here, in bars across the city like La Bikini, locals stop in the early afternoon for a glass of this fortified botanical wine (sometimes served with a few plates of tapas too). Don’t expect scantily-clad waitresses though, as bikini in Catalan refers to a pressed sandwich on thin white bread, usually with ham and cheese.
Homo Siberis Craft Beer
This craft brewery in Placa d’Osca features a rotating list of craft beers (and the occasional cider), plus fun cheese plates. I saw on Instagram that they just celebrated their 11th anniversary, which means my first visit back in 2015 must have been right around their grand opening!
La Mestressa Tapas Bar
I wanted to note this tapas bar on Placa d’Osca because they have some interesting vegetarian options on the menu, including croquettes with Gorgonzola cheese and pear, a vegetarian paté platter, and a tropical salad. Of course, they also have more traditional meat and seafood tapas, like shaved Iberian ham and fried eggs with garlic prawns.
Passados Focacceria
Recently opened by an Italian chef, this focaccia restaurant makes their own bread (including a two-day fermentation process) and then tops it with creative ingredients. If I was taking a long-distance train from Barcelona-Sants I would come here first and grab a meal to go.
Las Tres Mentiras Barcelona
Mexican food abroad can be hit or miss, but this is one of those rare restaurants where they get it right. The menu includes appetizers, tacos and large plates, including a number of vegetarian options. They only use homemade tortillas, which are made using the traditional nixtamalization process for maximum flavor and nutrition.
Teta de Monja Tapas Bar
This family-friendly Italian restaurant in Placa d’Osca serves both tapas and traditional Italian dishes. If you’re in Barcelona with kids this could be a good choice, as they have a children’s menu with three types of pasta (tomato and basil, Gorgonzola, or sage butter). You’ll also find pizzas to share and a few tapas to nibble on as you wait.
L’Arrosseria de Sants Mediterranean Restaurant
This Mediterranean restaurant is best known for its paella, which is available in seafood, meat and even vegetarian varieties. They also serve my #1 favorite tapa, which can be a bit hard to find: fried eggplant chips with honey and salt. If you’re coming with a crowd and everyone has different tastes this could be a great option. Just be sure to reserve in advance via their website.
Other Places to Visit in Plaza d’Osca
Aside from the many cafes, bars and restaurants in Placa d’Osca, this square in Barcelona has some other businesses that are worth checking out. Barra / Llibre is a popular local bookstore, and Groucho & Yo has a huge collection of posters that could make perfect souvenirs. For vintage clothing hunters, Heritage Checkpoint is a new second-hand clothing store that you’ll want to visit as well.
The History of Placa d’Osca
Placa d’Osca is in a residential neighbourhood called Sants. This used to be the industrial heart of the city, but industry gradually moved to the outskirts and in the 19th century the neighborhood was developed with typical apartment buildings.
Back in the day, Placa d’Osca was the main market for the residents of Sants, where they would come to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and bread. If you’re interested, I have more on Barcelona markets here. The market eventually moved out of the plaza to a purpose-built building a few blocks away, creating an opportunity for locals to set up cafes, bars and restaurants around the plaza.
Today, Placa d’Osca is primarily a place for locals to enjoy meal or drink together. In late August it usually plays an important role in the neighborhood’s summer festival (Festa Major Sants), hosting live music and other festivities.
What’s Nearby
There aren’t many significant attractions in the immediate vicinity, which is why the square has remained more popular with locals than tourists.
That being said, Placa d’Osca isn’t too far away from Plaça d’Espanya, which is the gateway to Montjuic and the starting point for Barcelona’s famous magic fountain show. You could easily go see the magic fountain show in the evening and then head to Placa d’Osca for a later dinner, tapas and/or a drink.
You’re also not too far from Parc de Joan Miró, a pretty public park featuring a 22-meter high Miro sculpture (shown above), multi-level walking paths and lots of cute green parakeets.
How to Get to Placa d’Osca
Placa d’Osca is just steps away from the Plaça de Sants metro station, which serves lines L1 (to Placa de Catalunya) and L5 (to the Sagrada Familia). The best exit for Placa d’Osca is the one marked Riego, but none are too far away.
It’s also easy to walk to Placa d’Osca from Barcelona-Sants, Barcelona’s main long-distance train station. Just walk along the pretty Parc de l’Espanya Industrial (with its row of white towers) and turn left on Carrer de Premia. The plaza is two blocks ahead.
Before you go to Barcelona, read these guides!
☀️ Where to Stay in Barcelona (Solo Female Traveled Approved!)
⭐ The 25 Best Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain
🗺️ One Day in Barcelona, Spain: The Perfect (and Easy!) Itinerary
🚅 How to Take a Day Trip from Barcelona to Tarragona
🐈⬛ The Best Things to Do in El Raval, Barcelona
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