Dalston's narrow café on Carrer de les Ramelleres, in El Raval on the western side of Barcelona's old town, has little space beyond its coffee counter. Espresso and filter are the main reasons to stop, with pastries and sandwiches for a small breakfast. Expect limited seating and be prepared to take your cup away.
The house-roasted beans give this little bar a reason to linger over the order, even when there is nowhere to sit. Dalston opened its first café in 2017; its roastery is now in La Garriga, outside the city. Ramelleres 16 is the Barcelona café.
Coffee
Start with an espresso or flat white, or choose filter coffee for a longer cup. Matcha is also on the menu. The roasting programme covers distinct espresso and filter selections, so a bag of beans can be as much a reason to come as the drink itself.
Food
A bikini, Barcelona's familiar toasted ham-and-cheese sandwich, makes a straightforward savoury pairing. Croissants and cakes cover the sweeter side. Choose this as a coffee-and-pastry stop; the small room and short food offer suit a quick breakfast better than a long brunch.
Service & Room
The counter, shelves and narrow entrance keep the visit close to the barista. There is room to ask about the coffee, but little space to spread out. Takeaway is the sensible option when the seats are occupied; this is a short coffee break rather than a place to settle in with a laptop.
Why Filter Notes shortlisted Dalston Coffee Roasters
Come for a house-roasted espresso or filter and a bag of beans to carry home. Dalston fits a walk through the old town, with enough coffee choice to justify stopping at this small counter. The tradeoff is space: plan around the coffee, not a guaranteed table.