De Barcelona

De Barcelona brings a Spanish-inspired dining experience to Glenferrie Road in Hawthorn, drawing on the owners’ long-standing connection with Spain. The idea began after Sam and Dee Aldemir travelled there on their honeymoon in 2000, eating their way through Barcelona and discovering the informal pleasure of tapas counters, Spanish food and drinks enjoyed at an easy pace. That experience eventually led them to leave their corporate careers and open a restaurant of their own.

Churros are central to the venue’s offering. De Barcelona presents the traditional version with a sugar coating, alongside imported Spanish delicacies and savoury Spanish regional cuisine. The menu is accompanied by a selection of Spanish wines and beers, giving the venue a broader food-and-drink focus than a churro shop alone. The owners also emphasise freshness, quality and recipes developed at home for their family, while sourcing products from local Australian suppliers.

The restaurant occupies a heritage-listed shop on Glenferrie Road that was converted from a former retail jeans store. Its design retains the building’s arched features and includes imported tiles and tap fittings. A defining feature is the front-and-centre kitchen, with preparation kept in clear view rather than hidden away. That open approach is intended to let diners see where the food is made, adding a more engaged element to the meal without relying on an overly formal setting.

De Barcelona’s Spanish focus and mix of sweet and savoury food make it a practical option for different kinds of visits. Churros and drinks could suit a casual catch-up, while the regional dishes and Spanish beverages provide a basis for a longer meal. The family-led story and child-tested recipes may also appeal to families, and the visible kitchen gives solo diners or smaller groups something to observe as they eat. The owners have lived in Hawthorn for more than 18 years and say they support local community groups, charities and school groups, giving the restaurant a clear connection to its Melbourne neighbourhood.