Do you love brunches? I do. I don’t go as much as I would like to, but I discovered a great place for brunch in Barcelona last weekend. It is called Ugot Bruncherie.
The place
Ugot Bruncherie is located in Eixample, near the metro Urgell. So it is easily accessible being in the city centre. It has a few tables on a terrace in the street.
The inside is super cute. There is a big wooden table near the huge window, similar to the one in Granja Petitbo with on top a vase with nice flowers.
All the decor has a vintage and a retro feel: the wallpaper with flamingos, the chandelier, the tables and their mismatching chairs, as well as the flowery teacups.
On the main counter, there are different cakes displayed under cloches. The place looks really cosy and inviting.
We first sat on the sofa. On the right-hand side, there is an old bookcase. It felt like being in a friend’s living room. In front of us, against the wall, there are some stacked suitcases. Everything is well thought of and pretty.
When we are about to order, a table frees outside, so we move outdoors. Since the beginning of the pandemic I appreciate being in the open as much as possible, so the change is welcomed.
An introduction to Ugot Bruncherie
Brunch in Barcelona, Ugot Bruncherie
The staff are amicable and smiley. I have not felt that warmly welcomed in a while in a food place. My friend is late, but I cannot sit. Sitting time during busy hours is limited, so the entire party needs to be present before being placed. It is ok, I understand.
I hear a couple speak with someone I imagine must be the owner. The man praises the hummus. I did not mean to listen, but they were speaking in front of me. I understand from that conversation that the owner is Israeli.
Now researching, I read that Ugot means “cake” in Hebrew. That customer was himself from somewhere in the Middle East, and he was thrilled with the food. Great! I guess I cannot have a better recommendation.
From that exchange, I understand the middle eastern influences on the menu. They offer several variations of Shakshuka, a classic dish from North Africa and the Middle East.
It is made of simmering tomatoes, onions, garlic, spices and poached eggs. Actually, eggs are a big protagonist of the menu with different egg benedicts and classic egg dishes.
So how was that brunch in Barcelona?
My friend and I both ordered an egg dish. My friend asked for the Balkan Shakshuka. It came with a generous portion of goat cheese. She was delighted with it. I went for the Benedict Kasbah with pulled chicken and Moroccan confit of green olives.
My eggs were fantastic and runny in the middle, the way I like them. The combination with pulled pork was creative, and it worked together with the creaminess of the egg and the hollandaise sauce. I appreciated the pop of acidity given now and then by a piece of olive.
My dish was fun, exquisite and light. I really loved it. I ordered a house soda with mango pulp to accompany it. It was refreshing. It inspired me to prepare the same kind of drinks at home.
They also have cocktails on the menu, but this once, I decided on an alcohol-free brunch. Next time though! I plan to come back sometime soon.
Ugot Bruncherie is now one of my favourite places for brunch in Barcelona. In addition, I still need to try the cakes. Apparently, they are stunning!
Address: Carrer de Viladomat, 138, 08015 Barcelona
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 8h30 to 21h.
Website: Ugotbruncherie