Ma'i

Diagonal Mar is a strange beast. It’s a neighborhood of glass, steel, and high-rise ambition, a place where the old soul of Barcelona meets the cold, hard reality of international commerce and convention centers. It can feel a bit sterile, a bit like a high-end airport lounge that never ends. But then you find a place like Ma'i, tucked into the ground floor of the Hilton Diagonal Mar, and the ice starts to melt. This isn't your standard, depressing hotel lobby bar where lonely businessmen drink lukewarm scotch. It’s something else entirely—a social hub that actually feels like it belongs to the city.

Walking into Ma'i, you’re hit with a vibe that’s surprisingly warm for a neighborhood built on blueprints. It’s modern, sure, with clean lines and the kind of lighting that makes everyone look ten percent more interesting, but there’s a pulse here. You’ve got the clatter of cocktail shakers, the low hum of conversation in three different languages, and the smell of garlic hitting a hot pan. It’s the kind of place where the suit-and-tie crowd from the CCIB rubs elbows with locals who know that the best cocktails in Sant Martí are being poured right here.

Let’s talk about the drinks, because that’s the heart of the operation. This is a serious cocktail program. They aren't just churning out mojitos for tourists; they’re balancing flavors with the precision of a chemist. Whether you’re looking for something stiff and classic or a signature creation that uses local botanicals, the bartenders here—especially the legendary Juanmi, who seems to be mentioned in every second review for his wizardry behind the wood—know exactly what they’re doing. It’s a sharp, necessary jolt to the system, delivered in a chilled glass.

Then there’s the food. In a city obsessed with tapas, it’s easy to get lazy. Not here. The croquettes are the litmus test, and Ma'i passes with flying colors. We’re talking about a crisp, golden exterior that gives way to a center so creamy it’s practically a liquid state of matter. It’s the kind of thing you order one of, then immediately order three more. The menu leans heavily into local Catalan products—cheeses that taste of the mountains, charcuterie that’s been cured with respect, and small plates that don't try to overcomplicate things. It’s honest food served in a place that could have easily settled for being generic.

Is it a 'hidden gem'? No, it’s in a massive Hilton. But is it one of the best restaurants in Sant Martí for anyone who actually gives a damn about what’s in their glass and on their plate? Absolutely. It’s an oasis of personality in a part of town that desperately needs it. You come here to decompress after a long day of meetings, or to kick off a night that’s probably going to end much later than you planned.

The service is what really seals the deal. In a town where 'indifferent' is often the default setting for waiters, the crew at Ma'i actually seems to enjoy the theater of it all. They’re fast, they’re knowledgeable, and they treat the regulars and the one-night-only travelers with the same level of sharp, professional grace. It’s a reminder that even in the most corporate corners of the world, human connection—and a damn good drink—can still find a way to thrive. If you find yourself near the Forum or the beach, skip the tourist traps and pull up a stool here. You won't regret it.