7 Best Restaurants in Spain

This superb café, bakery, and pastry school has set a new standard for sweet treats in the city. The glazed cinnamon rolls are a standout, as is the to-die-for brioche filled with red berries and mascarpone, while the fresh croissant cone overflowing with soft-serve ice cream, praline, and salted caramel is a rare thing of great beauty. Stop in for breakfast or grab something to go.

The quality of Barcelona’s baked goods has risen dramatically in recent years (our snug-but-happy waistbands are looking at you, Coush Armó and Oz Bakery), and Gràcia’s Origo remains the reference point in that revolution: queues block the slither-thin street to stock up on its famous sourdough bread that’s made without additives, sugar, fat, or chemical yeast.

Of all the marvelous bakeries in Madrid, Panem (take-out only) is the most technically skilled, churning out impeccable croissants, baguettes, and a wide range of Spanish and French pastries including Kouign-amanns, roscones (Three Kings cakes), and torrijas (Spanish "French" toast).

Rialto's famous moscovitas, slightly salty almond-toffee wafers coated in chocolate, are one of Madrid's most delectable confections. Moscovitas are also sold at some El Corte Inglés locations.

Delicious artisanal breads and pastries are baked fresh every day at this eco-certified patisserie, with different breads available on different days. The croissants, especially the almond and the seeded vegan, are considered among the best in town.

This stylish pastisseria looks more like a designer jewelry store than a bakery, with rows of world-class cakes and pastries gleam temptingly in glass cases, ready to be taken away or enjoyed in-store with coffee or a glass of cava. Owner Josep Rodríguez learned his craft in Michelin-starred kitchens before winning the 2011 world pastry chef of the year award for his rosa dels vents (rose of the winds) cake. Everything is made by hand with ingredients of the finest quality, but prices are reasonable, making extra helpings irresistible. There is a second branch at Via Augusta 166.

Catalan chef Oriol Balaguer takes chocolates and croissants to new heights at this ritzy bombonería, whose attractive treats make phenomenal gifts—or afternoon pick-me-ups.