Las Muns

Walking down Carrer Major de Sarrià feels like you’ve accidentally tripped and fallen out of the chaotic, tourist-choked lungs of Barcelona and into a quiet, wealthy village that doesn’t much care for your presence. This is Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, the 'upper zone,' where the old money lives and the streets are paved with a certain kind of hushed, limestone dignity. Right in the middle of this refined silence sits Las Muns, a bright, unapologetic orange beacon of Argentinian handheld efficiency.

Let’s get one thing straight: Las Muns is a chain. Usually, that word makes me want to reach for a stiff drink and a fast exit. But here, the rules are a little different. They’ve taken the humble empanada—the working-class fuel of Buenos Aires—and given it a high-gloss, gourmet makeover that actually holds up under scrutiny. They aren’t deep-frying these things into oily oblivion. They bake them. The result is a clean, precise pastry that doesn’t leave you feeling like you need a gallbladder transplant an hour later.

The first thing you notice is the color. They use natural ingredients like beetroot and spinach to tint the dough, creating a tray of vibrant, edible jewels. It’s a bit flashy, sure, but the substance is there. Take the Beef with Malbec. It’s a heavy hitter—slow-cooked meat that’s spent enough time with a bottle of red to know its secrets, tucked into a thin, flaky crust. It’s rich, savory, and exactly what you want when you’re standing on a street corner with five minutes to spare. Then there’s the Thai Chicken, a curveball that shouldn't work in an Argentinian joint but does, bringing a hit of ginger and spice that cuts through the usual dairy-heavy landscape of the neighborhood.

For the plant-based crowd, this isn't an afterthought. The vegan options here, like the 'Cheeseburger' empanada or the mushroom-heavy varieties, are treated with the same respect as the meat. In a city where 'vegetarian option' sometimes still means a salad with the tuna picked out, that’s a win. The ingredients are fresh, the assembly is consistent, and the price point is honest—a rarity in a neighborhood where a coffee can sometimes cost as much as a small car.

The vibe at the Sarrià location is strictly 'grab and go' or 'perch and chew.' It’s a small, clean space designed for the local lunch rush—students from the nearby private schools, busy parents, and the occasional traveler who wandered too far north. There’s no pretense here. You walk in, you pick your poison from the glass case, and you’re back on the cobblestones in minutes.

Is it the most 'authentic' hole-in-the-wall experience in Barcelona? No. You won't find a grandmother in the back hand-crimping every edge while she curses the government. But what you will find is a damn good, reliable meal that respects your time and your palate. It’s the best empanada in Barcelona for someone who wants quality without the grease. Take a box of six, walk two minutes up to the Plaça de Sarrià, sit on a bench near the church, and watch the world go by. It’s a simple, visceral pleasure that doesn't need a white tablecloth to justify itself. In a world of over-complicated dining, a hot pocket of spiced meat and good dough is sometimes all you really need to keep the engine running.