VIOKO

The minimalist design of Vioko would be nothing out of the ordinary if it were set in the Born neighbourhood, but here in Barceloneta where picture card menus are the norm, it almost looks a bit suspect. And if you’re watching your waistline, then you’d be right to be cautious, because this place is out to corrupt you with gourmet ice cream and pretty gastronomy chocolates and macaroons.

The chocolates aren’t just unusual, but pretty tasty, too – the tonka bean is delicious – and the ice creams don’t disappoint either, with strange but delectable flavours like rose or violet and more traditional chocolatey ones. With affordable prices – it’s no more expensive than Gino’s, another ice cream parlour a few blocks down – and cute shop boys, it makes for a perfect post-beach sugar stop or just the place to pick up a little something for a dinner host.