A Literary and Culinary Treasure: Discovering Quera Bookstore and Espai Quera
Where books fuel the mind, and Catalan flavors nourish the soul
Tucked away on Carrer de Petritxol, one of Barcelona’s most charming streets, Quera Bookstore is a place where history, literature, and adventure converge. I recently stumbled upon this hidden gem and was immediately captivated by its century-old legacy, deep connection to the mountains, and unique blend of books and gastronomy. Far more than just a bookstore, Quera is a place where stories come to life—whether through the pages of travel narratives or the flavours of Espai Quera, its in-house restaurant.
A Century of Literary Adventure
Quera Bookstore, the oldest bookstore in Barcelona still operating in its original location, has been a family-run institution since 1916. It originally focused on publishing and selling plays but pivoted in 1937 to specialize in mountain literature, filling a void in the city’s literary landscape. Over time, it became a hub for hikers, climbers, and explorers, offering guides, maps, and essential books on outdoor adventures.
Walking through its doors, I was struck by the rich sense of history. The shelves were lined with travel narratives, inviting readers to journey through the eyes of explorers and adventurers. There were nature identification guides, maps for mountain trekking, and second-hand books on travel and mountaineering, each carrying stories of past expeditions.
A New Chapter: The Birth of Espai Quera
In 2019, Quera took a bold step forward, transforming part of its space into Espai Quera, a cozy restaurant nestled in the former dining room and kitchen of the old family home. This move made perfect sense—just as books nourish the mind, good food fuels adventure.
Curious to experience this fusion of literature and cuisine, I took a seat and browsed their menu, which reflects Catalonia’s deep-rooted culinary traditions while embracing the spirit of travel. The flatbread with rubbed tomato(€2.60) felt like a fitting start, a simple yet essential Catalan staple. From there, I sampled chistorra in cider (€6.50), a smoky and tangy Basque sausage dish, and Majorcan sobrassada with honey and Brie (€5.90), a sandwich that perfectly balanced sweet and savoury flavours.
For those who love cheese, Espai Quera does not disappoint. Their cheese platter (€17.00) features a selection of Manchego, Puigpedrós de la Cerdanya, and Carrat Bauma, all served with flatbread—a perfect pairing for an afternoon spent reading travel books. To finish, crème caramel cottage cheese (€5.00) provided a light yet satisfying end to the meal.
A Place for Readers, Explorers, and Dreamers
Beyond books and food, Quera remains a hub for literary and cultural events. Whether it’s a book launch, a talk on travel writing, or a tasting session, the space fosters curiosity and conversation. Travellers swap stories, hikers plan their next adventure, and book lovers lose themselves in pages that transport them across the world.
As I left, I couldn’t help but feel that Quera isn’t just a bookstore or a restaurant—it’s an experience. A place where you can pick up a book about mountaineering in the Pyrenees, sip a glass of wine, and enjoy dishes that tell their own story. Whether you come for the literature, the food, or simply the atmosphere, Quera is a destination worth discovering.
Here are some practical info:
Address: Carrer de Petritxol, 2, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona
Phone: 933 18 07 43
Menu: espaiquera.com
The best of two worlds.
Lovely spot! I shall add it to my next visit to Barca!