In Barcelona, two sisters have combined their love of books and good food into one of the city’s most charming community projects.
Elena and Carlota, both marketing professionals from Barcelona, share a deep passion for reading and great cuisine. Just over a year ago, they decided to turn these interests into something special in their free time. The result is La Sobretaula, a gastronomic book club that has quickly become a favourite gathering for book lovers in the city.
The concept is beautifully simple: once a month, the group meets at a different restaurant in Barcelona. Participants enjoy dinner — tapas, good wine, and the restaurant’s dishes — while discussing a book that everyone has read in advance. The conversations often take place in the company of the author or a moderator, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.
What makes La Sobretaula special is its community spirit. The club attracts a young, mostly female crowd, but it also bridges generations. A loyal group of mothers, including the sisters’ own mother (whom Elena and Carlota affectionately call “the MVP of La Sobretaula”), regularly attends. The club has already welcomed authors such as Fer Rivas, Maria Climent, and Rita Rakosnik.
Despite its growing popularity, La Sobretaula remains a non-profit project. Attendees pay €30, which covers the cost of the meal and the evening — there is no intention of turning it into a business. As the sisters explain:
“The real value is the personal gratification of creating our own project, connecting with people from the literary world, and simply sharing space together.”
In a city full of cultural and gastronomic offerings, La Sobretaula stands out for its authenticity and lack of pretension. It offers a genuine space where people can enjoy reading and eating in good company, built through word-of-mouth and genuine passion.
If you love books and good food, La Sobretaula might be the perfect way to enjoy both in Barcelona.
