Best Bar Andorra

 In Search of the Best Bars in Andorra: My Tasting and Selection Experience

Introduction

Despite its miniature size, Andorra boasts not only magnificent ski resorts and shopping centers but also an exceptional cuisine and interesting bars. In this article, I will share my experience searching for the best bars in Andorra, which included tasting numerous drinks and snacks, chatting with bartenders and patrons, and conducting a detailed analysis of the service, atmosphere, and value for money in each establishment.

To begin, I will provide a brief summary table of the top 10 bars in Andorra that I tested:

Bar Name	Price Category*	Specialization	Address
Marquet Gourmeterie	💰💰	Gourmet, Wines	Escaldes-Engordany
Pizzeria Angelo	💰	Pizza, Beer	Andorra la Vella
Can Manel	💰💰💰	Fine Dining	Meritxell
K L'Irina	💰	Cheap Lunches	Andorra la Vella
Diamant Andorra	💰💰	Creative Cuisine	Andorra la Vella
El Refugi Alpí	💰💰💰	Fondue, Raclette	Andorra la Vella

*Price categories: 💰 - cheap, 💰💰 - mid-range prices, 💰💰💰 - expensive.

Marquet Gourmeterie Andorra

Site- https://marquetandorra.com/
Plaça Coprínceps, 3
AD700 · Escaldes-Engordany (Andorra)
(376) 820 722

The first bar on my list is Marquet Gourmeterie, located in Plaça Coprínceps in Escaldes-Engordany. This unique establishment combines a gourmet restaurant, a wine shop, and a delicatessen boutique under one roof.

The bar's interior is designed in an elegant style - wood, leather, subdued lighting. Everything suggests that they value not only taste but also ambiance. The bar menu includes a fine selection of wines for every budget - from affordable options to rare and expensive specimens from the establishment's private collection.

I particularly enjoyed the assortment of snacks - meat and cheese platters, pâtés, fresh vegetables, nuts. All ingredients are of the highest quality, and the presentation is impeccable. From the taste and service, it is evident that the staff, led by the chef, approach their work with great passion and attention to detail.

The only downside is the above-average prices. A glass of good wine will cost 7-9€, and snacks start from 12€. However, considering the level of quality, I think it is worth it. Marquet Gourmeterie is perfect for a special occasion or a romantic evening.

My impressions:

- Interior and atmosphere: 5/5

- Wines and drinks: 5/5 

- Snacks: 5/5

- Service: 5/5

- Value for money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4.8/5

Recommendation: a must-visit.

Pizzeria Angelo

If you're in the mood for something simple, filling, and inexpensive, Pizzeria Angelo is an excellent option. This small establishment in the center of Andorra la Vella specializes in Italian cuisine.

The interior is unsophisticated but cozy. There are posters with Italian landscapes on the walls, wooden tables, and soft lighting. The clientele is mostly locals and tourists, and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed.

The core of the menu is pizza, which is baked in a wood-fired oven right in front of the patrons. The pizzas are thin, with a crispy crust and generous amounts of toppings. The cheapest Margherita costs only 6.50€ for a half, while signature options with seafood or prosciutto are around 12-14€ for a whole. The portions are large; one pizza is enough for two people.

In addition to pizza, they serve decent pasta (around 10€), salads, and appetizers. The bar menu features a good selection of Italian beer and wine at very affordable prices.

The service is quick and friendly. Although the waiters do not speak Russian, they are always ready to help with the selection or answer questions.

Overall, Pizzeria Angelo is a foolproof option for Italian cuisine lovers. The food is always tasty, filling, and inexpensive.

My impressions:

- Interior and atmosphere: 4/5

- Drinks: 4/5

- Food: 5/5 

- Service: 5/5

- Value for money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.6/5

Recommendation: excellent for an affordable snack.

Can Manel

The Can Manel restaurant is a true gem of Andorra, offering fine dining from chef Carles Flinch. The establishment is located in the picturesque village of Meritxell.

The interior is designed in the style of an Alpine chalet - lots of wood, a fireplace, cozy sofas with fur. The atmosphere is calm and refined, perfectly suited for special occasions.

The Can Manel menu is a true ode to Catalan and Andorran cuisine. The signature dishes are snails in various variations (from 18€) and a seafood platter (35€). They also serve excellent steaks, game, fresh vegetables, and salads. Many dishes are available in gluten-free versions.

The wine list is impressive - a vast selection of wines from Spain, France, and Andorra. The prices, however, are correspondingly high - a glass starts from 8€, a bottle from 30€.

The service is impeccable. The waiters are well-versed in the menu, give detailed recommendations on choosing wine for dishes. They are always nearby when needed but not intrusive.

The only downside of Can Manel is the high prices. Dinner for two with wine can easily cost 150-200€. But for the highest quality of food, service, and unique atmosphere, I am willing to pay that much on special occasions.

My impressions:

- Interior and atmosphere: 5/5

- Wines and drinks: 5/5

- Food: 5/5

- Service: 5/5 

- Value for money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4.8/5

Recommendation: a must-visit for a special occasion.

K L'Irina

The K L'Irina bar is located in the very center of Andorra la Vella. This place is popular with locals and tourists due to its hearty and inexpensive lunches.

The interior is simple but tasteful - light wood, comfortable furniture, large windows. The bar is always lively and noisy, especially during lunchtime.

The main hit of K L'Irina is the set lunches for 14.90€. The menu includes a choice of salad or soup, a main course (meat, fish, pasta), a drink, and coffee. The portions are large, and the food is filling and delicious. I especially enjoyed their signature pasta with salmon and goat cheese salad.

In addition to lunches, they serve excellent handmade burgers (from 11.50€), homemade salads, and sandwiches. The bar menu is modest - several types of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks at very affordable prices.

The service is quick and friendly, although the waiters do not speak Russian. Dishes are served literally 5-10 minutes after ordering.

Overall, K L'Irina is a great place for an inexpensive and hearty lunch in the city center. It is perfect for popping in to grab a bite between sightseeing.

My impressions:

- Interior and atmosphere: 4/5 

- Drinks: 4/5

- Food: 5/5

- Service: 5/5

- Value for money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.6/5 

Recommendation: great for a cheap lunch in the center.

Diamant Andorra

The Diamant Andorra restaurant, run by the renowned Spanish chef Nandu Jubany, offers original signature dishes in the center of Andorra la Vella.

The interior is modern and stylish - lots of glass and metal, unique light fixtures, an open kitchen. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.

The Diamant Andorra menu is a mix of traditional Catalan and creative Mediterranean cuisine. The most famous appetizer is their signature croquettes with Iberian ham (2.5€/pc). They also make excellent tapas, risotto, fresh salads, and fish. Most dishes cost between 12 and 18€ - quite reasonable prices for a restaurant of this level.

The wine list is small but well-curated. A glass of local wine will cost 5-6€, a bottle starts from 20€.

The service is professional and unobtrusive. The waiters are knowledgeable about the menu, help choose wine, and explain the specifics of dish preparation.

In my opinion, Diamant Andorra is a great option to get acquainted with high-end Mediterranean cuisine at reasonable prices. It is perfect for a leisurely dinner with friends or family.

My impressions:

- Interior and atmosphere: 5/5

- Wines and drinks: 4/5 

- Food: 5/5

- Service: 5/5

- Value for money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4.6/5

Recommendation: a great place for creative cuisine lovers.

El Refugi Alpí

The El Refugi Alpí restaurant specializes in traditional Alpine dishes - fondue and raclette. It is located in the shopping area of Andorra la Vella.

The interior is designed in the style of a mountain chalet - lots of wood, a fireplace, deer antlers on the walls. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, reminiscent of authentic Alpine restaurants.

The main hits of El Refugi Alpí are fondue (from 24€ for two) and raclette (22€ per person). The portions are huge, and the ingredients are the freshest. They serve several types of fondue - classic cheese, meat, chocolate. The menu also features excellent sausages, steaks, and grilled vegetables.

The wine list is decent - a good selection of local and French wines at quite reasonable prices (from 18€ per bottle). They also serve mulled wine, schnapps, and other Alpine drinks.

The service is friendly, albeit not too swift. Sometimes you need to remind the waiters about your order. But they do provide detailed explanations about the dishes and help choose wine.

Overall, El Refugi Alpí is the perfect place for hearty Alpine cuisine lovers. It's great to come here with a large group after skiing and have a feast.

My impressions: 

- Interior and atmosphere: 5/5

- Wines and drinks: 4/5

- Food: 5/5

- Service: 4/5

- Value for money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4.4/5

Recommendation: perfect for lovers of fondue and raclette.

Conclusion

After thoroughly testing the bars and restaurants of Andorra, I can confidently say that this small country has a lot to offer in terms of gastronomy and dining experiences. Whether you're looking for a luxurious gourmet dinner, a hearty Alpine feast, or a simple pizza with beer, Andorra has it all.

My personal favorites are Marquet Gourmeterie for its exquisite selection of wines and snacks, Can Manel for exceptional fine dining, and Pizzeria Angelo for delicious and affordable Italian fare. However, all the establishments I visited left a positive impression and are worth checking out depending on your preferences and budget.

I hope this guide will be helpful for those planning a trip to Andorra and looking for the best places to eat and drink. Bon appétit!

Bar Name	Overall Rating	Recommendation
Marquet Gourmeterie	4.8	A must-visit
Pizzeria Angelo	4.6	Excellent for an affordable snack
Can Manel	4.8	A must-visit for a special occasion
K L'Irina	4.6	Great for a cheap lunch in the center
Diamant Andorra	4.6	A great place for creative cuisine lovers
El Refugi Alpí	4.4	Perfect for lovers of fondue and raclette