Faire. Brunch & Drinks

Let’s get one thing straight: I’ve spent a lifetime being cynical about brunch. It’s usually the graveyard of Saturday’s leftovers, served with a side of overpriced mimosa and a desperate hope that the hollandaise covers up the chef’s hangover. But then you walk into a place like Faire. Brunch & Drinks on Carrer de Girona, and you realize that maybe, just maybe, someone is actually trying to do it right. This isn’t just another 'Instagrammable' spot with pink walls and zero soul. This is a high-ceilinged, industrial-chic bunker in the heart of Eixample that actually gives a damn about what’s on the plate and what happens to the planet after you pay the bill.

The first thing that hits you isn't the smell of avocado—though there’s plenty of that—it’s the hum of a serious espresso machine and the organized chaos of a kitchen that knows how to handle a Sunday rush. The space is all raw brick, hanging greenery, and the kind of light that makes you feel human again after a long night in the Raval. It’s a vegetarian and vegan joint, but don't let that scare you off. You won't miss the bacon when you’re staring down a skillet of their shakshuka. It’s a deep, spicy, soul-warming red sea of tomatoes and peppers, served with bread that’s actually sturdy enough to do the heavy lifting. If you’re feeling adventurous, the green shakshuka—loaded with spinach and feta—is a masterclass in how to make vegetables taste like something you’d actually crave on a rainy Tuesday.

Then there’s the Eggs Benedict. They don't just slap an egg on a muffin and call it a day. They serve it on a croissant that’s buttery enough to make a Frenchman weep, or a thick slab of brioche that acts like a sponge for that rich, velvety hollandaise. It’s messy, it’s decadent, and it’s exactly what brunch should be. For the plant-based crowd, the avocado toast isn't a lazy afterthought; it’s a punchy, textured affair that proves you don’t need animal fat to feel satisfied.

But the real kicker here—the thing that separates Faire from the pack—is the 'Faire' part. It means 'to do' or 'to make' in French, and they’re actually doing something. For every single receipt, they plant a tree through Tree-Nation. It’s a small gesture that feels massive in an industry that’s usually about as sustainable as a plastic straw. You eat a stack of pancakes, they plant a tree. You drink a flat white made with specialty beans, they plant a tree. It’s a rare moment where your gluttony actually contributes something positive to the world.

Is there a wait? Usually. Is it loud? Often. But that’s the sound of a place that’s alive. It’s dog-friendly, human-friendly, and remarkably devoid of the pretension that usually plagues the Eixample brunch scene. You come here for the food, you stay for the vibe, and you leave feeling slightly better about your place in the universe. It’s honest food served by people who seem to actually like being there. In the world of cynical hospitality, that’s a goddamn miracle. If you’re looking for the best brunch in Barcelona that doesn't feel like a tourist trap, this is your spot. Just get there early, or be prepared to wait with the rest of the hungry masses. It’s worth it.