The third wave of coffee
The third wave of coffee, as it is known today, began in the late nineties when independent coffee shops in the United States started striving to offer higher quality and complexity in their cups, drawing comparisons to the winemaking process. For newcomers to specialty coffee—also known as it—this means a more nuanced brew with a crisp flavor profile, Arabica beans instead of robusta, and a focus on origin and the role of the professional at every step of production.
Today, third-wave coffee shops can be found all over the world, and no two are the same. In recent years, Spain’s specialty coffee scene has blossomed, leading to a surge of coffee shops across the country aiming to change the national coffee culture—torrefacto begone! Here’s a selection of the best places to enjoy your coffee drink of choice in different Spanish cities with thriving independent coffee scenes.
MADRID
Madrid jumped on the specialty coffee bandwagon in 2012 and hasn’t looked back since. It all started with Toma Café, opened by Santiago Rigoni and Patricia Alda on La Palma Street, in the heart of the trendy Malasaña neighborhood. Its laid-back atmosphere, international staff, and selection of cakes and sandwiches have made it a favorite with visitors to the city. It recently opened a second location in the nearby Chamberí neighborhood, on Santa Feliciana Street, a testament to their continued popularity.
MADRID
Located within the Iberostar Las Letras Gran Vía, Gran Clavel Restaurant and Bar offers a trip to the most genuine Madrid, a city that worships coffee in good company. In its 'Vermouth' facet, it offers very Madrid breakfasts, where coffee is paired with 'pinchos' of tortilla, Nocilla sandwiches (the Spanish Nutella), and the famous churros. Additionally, its location and views make it the best option to start the day connected to the city's main artery.
MADRID
Hola Coffee burst onto the scene in 2017 and immediately raised the bar for specialty coffee houses nationwide. The brainchild of 2016 Spanish Barista Champion Pablo Caballero and Nolo Botana, an expert coffee roaster, Hola’s attention to detail is unparalleled. Everything from its graphic design to its custom-made ceramic cups has been carefully selected to enhance the coffee-drinking experience. Pablo describes it best, “We strive to be a cutting-edge specialty coffee shop that is also focused on human connections.” While they serve a variety of original drinks such as homemade kombucha and fruit shrubs, the star of the show is, of course, their coffee, which they roast themselves. Don’t leave without trying their famous muscovado-and-cinnamon toast or their toasted banana bread with coffee butter.
BARCELONA
Any coffee tour of Barcelona should inevitably start from Plaza de Cataluña. In the heart of the city, you’ll find the charming Mmmallorca Coffee Bakery Bar, a café located in the lobby of the Iberostar Selection Paseo de Gracia hotel, perfect for gathering strength before a day of work or sightseeing, whether you are taking a break between meetings or sightseeing or simply enjoying an excellent cup of coffee in a cozy atmosphere.
BARCELONA
Barcelona’s third-wave coffee scene has been steadily blossoming for several years, with a slew of coffee shops satisfying the palates of discerning tourists and locals alike. The following cafés are all within walking distance of the Iberostar Selection Paseo de Gracia hotel in Barcelona, making it easy to start your day right by having an exquisite brew before exploring the city. Our first stop is Satan’s Coffee Corner, the first specialty coffee shop to open in the city, best defined as refined coffee with a wild streak.
TENERIFE
Spain’s burgeoning third-wave is by no means limited to the peninsula, meaning you can enjoy the warm climate of its islands while getting your caffeine fix. If you are gluten-intolerant, you are in luck: Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s Star Café at the Iberostar Selection Sábila hotel is a beautifully designed gluten-free café where you can enjoy a cup of your favorite beverage in five-star surroundings while munching on sweet or savory snacks.
PALMA DE MALLORCA
La Molienda, run by cousins Toni and Miguel, serves specialty coffee from its state-of-the-art La Marzocco machine, with a focus on Spanish micro-roasteries and fresh milk from neighboring Balearic island Menorca (with plant-based milk available for vegan or lactose-intolerant coffee lovers). Its organic breakfasts are made with local and seasonal ingredients, including their pistachio-and-cinnamon rolls, sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
PALMA DE MALLORCA
A relative newcomer to Palma’s coffee scene, Cala Coffee is a modern and inviting coffee shop and roastery in the heart of the city. Although coffee is their passion, they differentiate themselves from other cafés by serving high-quality tea and hot chocolate as well. Don’t miss their selection of homemade donuts.
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