Hola, dessert lovers! On a sunny Barcelona afternoon, I slipped into the Mandarin Oriental on Passeig de Gràcia, one of the city’s most glamorous boulevards. Behind its discreet façade and chic entrance lies Blanc, the hotel’s luminous all-day dining restaurant, a place that feels both timeless and contemporary, much like Barcelona itself.
The first thing that struck me was the light. Blanc sits beneath a soaring glass atrium; its high ceilings draped with soft white fabrics that ripple gently with the air. The atmosphere is elegant but never intimidating – golden light pours through the glass, glinting off marble floors and mirrored columns. It feels like stepping into serenity, right in the heart of the city.
Desserts to Remember
I came for coffee and stayed for dessert heaven! The presentation at Blanc is as graceful as its setting. My table soon became a small gallery of sweets:
First came the strawberry cheesecake – creamy, silky, and impossibly smooth, with a buttery base and berries so bright they tasted like early summer. Beside it, the strawberry tart added its own charm: thin, crisp pastry layered with ripe strawberries glazed just enough to catch the light. Together, they were a perfect contrast – one rich and velvety, the other delicate and refreshing – the kind of treats that linger in your mind long after the plates are cleared.
Then came an assortment of chocolates, delicate and artfully plated, each piece offering a different texture and intensity, from soft praline to crisp hazelnut and velvety ganache. Finally, a tiramisu, reimagined with the precision and style you’d expect from a Michelin-trained pastry chef – light, airy, and irresistibly elegant, with the perfect dusting of cocoa.
Every bite spoke of craftsmanship and care, each flavor layered with subtlety rather than sweetness.
Coffee & Calm
To accompany the desserts, we ordered a cappuccino and an americano, both beautifully served, each cup a small ritual of refinement. The cappuccino was topped with a perfect cloud of foam, lightly dusted with cocoa, while the americano carried that deep, comforting aroma only a truly skilled barista can achieve. The service was attentive and warm, just as you’d expect from the Mandarin Oriental – gracious without being formal. Every gesture felt effortless: the gentle pour of water, the timing of the courses, the smile that made you feel welcome without words. As I sat there, the soft hum of quiet conversation and the faint clinking of cutlery created the perfect soundtrack for an unhurried afternoon.
Atmosphere & Design – Elegance Under a Glass Atrium
Blanc is one of those rare hotel restaurants that makes you exhale the moment you walk in. Set beneath a soaring glass atrium at the heart of the Mandarin Oriental, it feels light, open, and almost ethereal. Sunlight filters through the glass canopy and settles gently on pristine white columns, soft cream fabrics, and sculptural light fixtures that glow like floating lanterns. The palette is calm and minimalist, yet undeniably luxurious – a signature Mandarin Oriental balance of sophistication, serenity, and understated glamour.
At the center of the restaurant, a series of exquisite floral arrangements anchor the space like living art installations. Tall orchids, lush hydrangeas, and exotic blooms create bursts of color that soften the modern design and echo the elegance of a private courtyard. The feeling is both refined and inviting: a quiet hum of conversations, polished service flowing effortlessly between tables, and a warm atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and enjoy the moment. Every detail, from the delicate tableware to the gentle lounge music, feels intentional, creating a space so beautiful you can’t help but linger.
Bubbly Tips
- Location: Blanc Restaurant, Mandarin Oriental, Passeig de Gràcia, 38-40, Eixample district, Barcelona.
- Hours: Daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (desserts and coffee available throughout the day).
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon, when sunlight filters softly through the glass atrium, ideal for a quiet coffee or sweet escape.
- Must-Try: Strawberry cheesecake, tiramisu, and the chocolate assortment (perfect for sharing… or not!).
- Style Note: Smart casual, this is a space where a little elegance feels right at home.
Final Thoughts
Blanc at the Mandarin Oriental isn’t just about dining, it’s about savoring the art of pause. In a city known for its vibrance and creativity, it offers a moment of stillness and grace, where Mediterranean flavors meet understated luxury.
Whether you come for brunch, dinner, or simply dessert and coffee like I did, Blanc reminds you that sometimes the most memorable experiences are the simplest ones – a beautiful space, a perfect cappuccino, and a slice of sweetness shared with the city.
xoxo,
Bubbly 🍰
