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Barcelona › Eixample › The Melrose Café Barcelona – Brunch & Restaurant
The Melrose Café Barcelona – Brunch & RestaurantB-Worth Trying
Carrer del Bruc, 164, Eixample, 08037 Barcelona, Spain
· Restaurant, Brunch restaurant, Halal restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (1245 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout
Playful pink brunch spot with photogenic plates and fluffy Japanese pancakes, but slow service and long waits are common; plan for patience to enjoy the highlights.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
The Melrose Café Barcelona delivers on its niche appeal—fluffy Japanese pancakes that justify the destination factor and a photogenic pink interior that draws Instagram-savvy diners. However, inconsistent execution on savory items and variable pancake quality, combined with notably slow service and long waits, prevent it from competing with stronger neighborhood brunch spots. Best visited with patience and a focus on the sweets.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels playful and pink, a photo-forward cafe where plates arrive crowned with fruit and cream. Guests rave about the airy pancakes when they land, though one diner noted, "The photos sparkle, but we waited far longer than expected." Service is friendly at its best, yet delays and occasional clutter can dull the shine. Cooking leans toward brunch comforts with flair: Japanese-style fluffy pancakes, glossy french toast, benedicts, and a raclette-pour chicken burger. It is more about presentation and sweetness than culinary fireworks, ideal for those who prize beautiful plating and a treat-like brunch. Savory items can be satisfying but run hot-and-cold in execution. Families do fine here: kids gravitate to pancakes and french toast, and portions skew medium. The current menu offers straightforward kid-friendly picks (pasta, croissants, bowls). Expect waits for pancakes; if timing is tight, choose faster dishes or visit off-peak.
At a Glance
- Instagrammable space with standout fluffy pancakes
- Friendly vibes and family appeal
- Long waits for pancakes and slow service during rush
- Inconsistent execution on benedicts and some sweets
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- fluffy_japanese_pancakes
- tableside_raclette_burger
- highly_photogenic_space
What People Love
- Airy, towering pancakes when done right
- Beautiful, photo-ready plating
- Warm staff interactions on good days
- Central location near major sights
Points of Concern
- Waits of 40–100 minutes for pancakes reported at peak; equipment bottlenecks cited
- Operational lapses: lost orders, staggered courses, and limited communication
- Some cleanliness and ventilation complaints during busy periods
- Review patterns show signs of hype via decor focus; experiences vary day to day
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€28-38 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Prioritize pancakes or french toast if you came for the signature experience
- Choose Santorini toast for a lighter savory option
- Order mains first; add sweets once ticket times are clear
Perfect For
- Birthday photos and sweet-centric brunch
- Touring Eixample then a treat stop
- Girls brunch with mocktails and pancakes
- Families with patient kids who love desserts
Location Insights
Area: Elegant Eixample block with residential buildings and boutiques; attracts visitors and locals for daytime dining and photos.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit streets with steady foot traffic; typical central Barcelona safety norms.
Nearby: Near Passeig de Gràcia landmarks, shops, and other cafes; tourist footfall plus neighborhood residents.
Dreta de l'EixampleDreta de l'Eixample is characterized by elegant streets lined with modernist buildings, boutique shops, cafes, and a variety of dining options ranging from casual to upscale. The area attracts a cosmopolitan crowd seeking quality dining experiences in a lively yet refined urban setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:30–19:30
Tuesday
Wednesday09:00–20:00
Thursday10:30–20:00
Friday10:30–22:00
Saturday10:30–22:00
Sunday10:30–20:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout
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