Behind the unassuming façade of a pastrami sandwich shop in Barcelona lies a world unlike any other. Push open the wooden fridge door and step inside Paradiso, a speakeasy that has redefined the boundaries of mixology and imagination. Often ranked among The World’s 50 Best Bars, Paradiso is not just a bar — it is an immersive experience that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of storytelling through cocktails.
The Birth of a Modern Icon
Located in the heart of Barcelona’s El Born district, Paradiso was founded by Gianni Giannotti, an Italian-born bartender whose vision was to create a place where innovation and elegance coexist. Since its opening, the bar has earned international acclaim for its avant-garde approach to mixology, blending scientific precision with artistic presentation.
Paradiso’s concept is rooted in mystery and wonder. Guests enter through a discreet door hidden behind a deli counter, instantly transported from the casual bustle of the street to a luminous, curved wooden interior reminiscent of a surreal dreamscape. The warm lighting, polished surfaces, and glowing bar counter set the tone for a multisensory journey unlike any other in the cocktail world.
The Art of Liquid Innovation
What makes Paradiso truly extraordinary is its commitment to pushing mixology beyond convention. Each cocktail on the menu is a masterpiece of technique, flavor, and visual storytelling. Giannotti and his team experiment with clarified cocktails, milk washes, barrel aging, and food-grade smoke, transforming familiar ingredients into new experiences.
One of Paradiso’s most famous creations is the Supercool Martini, a cocktail chilled to subzero temperatures using a special freezing technique that allows it to solidify before melting into the glass. Another standout, the Evolution Negroni, visually depicts the passage of time through layered colors and textures. Every drink tells a story, whether inspired by nature, science, or art.
Even the glassware and garnishes are meticulously designed to complement the experience. From translucent ice spheres to glowing vessels, Paradiso transforms cocktail drinking into an act of discovery and emotion.
A Speakeasy with a Global Soul
Though deeply rooted in Barcelona’s culture, Paradiso embodies a global spirit. Its ingredients and inspirations come from around the world- Japanese teas, South American herbs, Mediterranean fruits, all woven into a seamless narrative of flavor. This cosmopolitan approach has helped Paradiso rise to international fame, crowned The World’s Best Bar 2022 by the renowned 50 Best Bars Awards.
Yet, despite its fame, the bar maintains a sense of intimacy and wonder. Every guest is treated as a participant in the story rather than a spectator. The bartenders guide the experience with warmth and precision, making even first-time visitors feel part of something rare and special.
Sustainability and Craftsmanship
Beyond its dazzling presentation, Paradiso stands as a champion of sustainability and responsible creativity. The bar uses eco-conscious materials, minimizes waste, and continuously innovates in pursuit of greener practices. From recycled cocktail ingredients to biodegradable straws and locally sourced produce, every detail reflects respect for both craft and planet.
Paradiso’s dedication to artistry, inclusivity, and sustainability has made it not just a leader in cocktail innovation but also a model for the future of the hospitality industry.
Barlist and the Paradiso Experience
Through Barlist, you can explore the artistry that defines Paradiso and the movement it represents. Discover the ingredients and spirits that power its creations, from premium gins and rums to exotic bitters and homemade infusions. Use the Barlist bottle scan feature to learn about the origins of each spirit and recreate elements of Paradiso’s cocktails at home.
For those who believe cocktails should be both art and emotion, Paradiso is a destination that defines the modern era of mixology. It is where craftsmanship meets imagination, and every glass becomes a window into possibility.
