Restaurante Gornishki

The Upper Diagonal is a different beast entirely. This isn’t the Barcelona of postcard-perfect Gothic alleys or the sweaty, beer-soaked chaos of the Raval. This is the land of tailored blazers, expensive watches, and people who don’t need to look at the right side of the menu. It’s polished, it’s professional, and for the uninitiated, it can feel a little cold. But then there’s Gornishki. Sitting at the intersection of business and pleasure, this place functions like a well-oiled engine room for the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi crowd, transitioning from a sharp espresso bar at dawn to a moody, cocktail-fueled lounge when the sun dips behind the Tibidabo hills.

Walking in, you get the sense that someone spent a lot of time thinking about how light hits a glass of vermouth. It’s all concrete and steel but with a soul—warm wood, low-slung seating, and an atmosphere that manages to be sophisticated without being suffocating. It’s the kind of room that makes you want to sit a little straighter, order something strong, and stay much longer than you intended. This is one of the best restaurants in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi for anyone who wants to see how the other half lives, eats, and drinks when they aren't performing for the tourists.

Let’s talk about the food, because in a place this stylish, the kitchen often takes a backseat to the decor. Not here. The patatas bravas are a litmus test for any Barcelona joint, and Gornishki nails the brief. These aren't the soggy, oil-drenched cubes you find in the tourist traps. They are sharp, crisp-edged, and served with a sauce that actually has something to say. The menu leans into Mediterranean fusion with a confidence that’s hard to find. Whether it’s a perfectly executed steak tartare or the charred, tender octopus resting on a bed of silky parmentier, the kitchen lets the ingredients do the heavy lifting. They aren't trying to overcomplicate the classics; they’re just making sure everything is made of the finest materials available.

As the clock ticks toward midnight, the energy shifts. The 'noon' crowd of business lunches and quick espressos gives way to the 'supper' crowd. The music—a steady pulse of deep house and jazz—swells just enough to make the room feel alive. This is when the cocktail bar side of the operation really shines. The bartenders here aren't just pouring drinks; they’re operating with surgical precision. Whether you want a classic Negroni that hits like a freight train or one of their signature creations that tastes like a Mediterranean summer, they’ve got you covered. It’s the kind of place where 'just one drink' is a lie you tell yourself before the third round arrives.

Is it a bit posh? Yeah, it is. Is it a 'lifestyle' spot? Absolutely. But beneath the gloss and the beautiful people, there’s a genuine commitment to hospitality and craft. It’s an honest reflection of modern Barcelona—a city that knows how to work hard and play even harder. If you’re looking for a cheap dive, keep walking. But if you want to understand the pulse of the Upper Diagonal, sit down, order the bravas, and let the room take over. It’s a shot of adrenaline for the discerning regular, and in a city that’s increasingly being sold off in pieces to the highest bidder, Gornishki feels like it actually belongs to the people who live here.