The first thing you should understand is that Rilke is like that secret club you only hear about in the pages of luxury magazines, or through the who’s who of a particular city. The entrance is like those restaurant experiences in New York or London where unless someone you know guides you, you just may not find it!

Rilke is set in one the classical buildings just off Passeig de Gracia, and has such a grand entrance. Once I stepped through the oversized solid wood doors, and into the bar area, the only thing I could think about was the movie Casablanca. I mean, I was expecting classy and elegant Humphrey Bogart to walk out and take me to my table, or maybe out on a date!

The interior design is stunning. The colors, the furniture, the little cozy alcoves for intimate cocktails all scream elegance and style. Susana, the general manager, took me on a brief tour of their wine cellar, which has a secret door (secrets everywhere here!), and two private rooms for group experiences. One of the private rooms is a wine cellar in style, decorated with bottles on the ceiling in an amazing sculpture, and the other is styled like a classic whiskey bar. It’s complete with some of the top whiskey, only available in Spain at Rilke. Where is Humphrey Bogart again?

The main dining area is as delish as the cuisine. Looking over a gorgeous garden area, and guarded by a Venus sculpture, I immediately was relaxed as I sunk into their classical style chairs.

The interior is amazing, but the culinary experience is even greater. It was an amazing delight of delicacies with a spin on Caesar salad, pheasant cannelloni, Maresme green peas (in season only), crispy Iberian piglet, and my fave in the deconstructed lemon pie (truly wow). I mean, what can I say? INCREDIBLE. I could write a book about the styling and the flavor combinations, but just look at the photo gallery below to get those juices flowing.

The wine list is superb with a combination of top local wines from Priorat, Penedes, Montsant regions of Catalonia, plus additional greats from Rioja (including some vintage years going back to the 60s). Rilke also has some of the top Italian and French names as well. I definitely have fallen in love with the Priorat red by Marco Abella; may I have another bottle or two please?

Saving the best for last? The cocktails are epic. Colo, one of their two bartenders, not only has the style and the flair to throw vodka around like he was firing a 3 pointer in the NBA finals, but the flavours, combinations, and decorations were a visual symphony. Bonaparte, with a smokey surprise is their version of an “old fashioned,” is definitely one to check out.

When you’re in Barcelona, or if you live in Barcelona, Rilke is a must. Lunch and Dinner reservations are recommended as they are usually full every night. I love going at 8 pm and having a cocktail with Colo before the dining room opens at 8:30 pm.

Say hi to Humphrey for me when you go. He’ll be by the bar waiting for your arrival.