What is the concept behind Ziryab?
The Ziryab concept is a mixture of cultures. Its objective is to bring together the varied and spicy flavors and fresh herbs from around the Mediterranean, with the traditional flavors of Catalonia. And of course, offer a space to relax in our shisha lounge opposite!
Ziryab restaurant offers a unique culinary experience, while enjoying a wide variety of carefully selected wines from the wine regions of Catalonia and throughout the Mediterranean area. Ziryab’s fusion tapas bring you flavors of the Mediterranean – using spices such as thyme or sumac blends and herbs such as mint, rosemary and sage, fruits such as almonds, figs and dates – creating a fusion with more traditional dishes found throughout Catalonia & Spain. «Tapas in Barcelona» … with a twist!
Ziryab opened its doors in 2012. The owners: two siblings. The sister had traveled extensively, living in various countries, especially war zones, doing humanitarian work and visiting prisons. The brother, profoundly deaf from birth and profoundly awesome with an adventurous spirit, had been working in an office in London, bored and looking for new projects. And here we are! A restaurant and shisha lounge that blend flavors and experiences, and which today have a diverse and multicultural team of many nationalities and over 15 deaf people. One of the few places in the world where deaf people can get served in their own language, and where all people can enjoy quality food, wine, or shisha.
Who was Ziryab?
Ziryab was the nickname given to Abu el-Hasan ‘Ali Ibn Nafi’, a young musician born in Baghdad in the 8th century. When Ziryab realized that his musical talent was better than that of his teacher, he also knew that it was time to leave; because he understood that there was no greater offense than remaining under tutelage in those circumstances.
In the year 822, at the age of 33 and after a long journey, Ziryab arrived in the city of Córdoba, which at that time was the heart of the Islamic Iberian Peninsula. Ziryab was welcomed by the court of the Abbasid Caliphate and began to develop his work as a royal advisor.
The people of the court quickly realized that Ziryab possessed an extraordinary talent: not only was he able to compose and play exquisite music (hence his nickname Ziryab, which means blackbird), but his knowledge extended to subjects as diverse as poetry, art, fashion, geology, chemistry, or astronomy. Apart from bringing new musical styles and instruments to the Al-Andalus region (he was the creator of a five-stringed lute that quickly became popular in the court), Ziryab also revolutionized the Hispanic culture of the time in its culinary aspect, introducing new concepts such as the glass cup, the order in which food is served (first course, second course and dessert) and the consumption of asparagus, as well as incredible flavors that completely transformed the identity of local gastronomy.
With all the innovations he brought throughout his life, the figure of Ziryab opened new and stimulating avenues to which the fusion process of tapas with the Arab Mezze can be linked…
Smoking shisha in Barcelona @ Ziryab...
Enjoying a shisha at sunset is the perfect way to end a long day of walking around the city, or to start a promising night with your friends and loved ones…
Here we answer some questions you might have…
If you are looking for a good shisha in Barcelona, Ziryab is your place. At Ziryab you can choose from a set of beautiful imported Shishas, of different colors and sizes, so that you and your group can enjoy a perfect night.
Although the offer of Shishas – or water pipes – in Barcelona extends to several places, such as certain Arab restaurants in the Gracia neighborhood or some bars in the tourist area of the Olympic port, Ziryab is the only one that offers high-quality Shishas, with service and in a wonderful environment, right in the heart of the old Born neighborhood.
We have natural coconut charcoal, which allows you to have a very smooth smoke.
Shisha & Cocktails in the old city
Relax in a unique atmosphere in Barcelona. Our premium shishas and an exquisite menu of signature cocktails await you.
Where does the tradition of smoking shisha come from?
Smoking shisha is an ancient tradition that has evolved over the centuries.
Originating in the Persian Empire, it quickly spread to other regions of the world such as India, Egypt or the Levant region, under the Ottoman dynasty.
Today it is mostly associated with the Arab world, which is not surprising considering that it is not uncommon to find people smoking shisha in the street or in a clothing store in places like Cairo.
Location
Ziryab Cocktail Shisha Lounge
Carrer de Grunyi 4, Barcelona (el Born)
Hours: Every day from 16:00 PM to 1:00 AM
What is it like to smoke shisha?
Despite being tobacco, shisha has a wonderful taste and smell, much more pleasant than cigarettes.
When choosing your shisha you can choose from endless tobacco flavors: apple, grape, watermelon, lemon, mint… and even cappuccino!
If you are a non-smoker you may notice a slight feeling of dizziness with the first puff, but you don’t have to worry about anything, it’s normal! In fact, the smoke from the shisha – or hookah – is very smooth and does not need to be inhaled all the way into the lungs at all, it is enough to taste it in the mouth.
How about a visit to Ziryab then?
Smoking shisha in Barcelona – along with one of our fantastic cocktails, of course – is a perfect way to spend a few hours in this special city. Enjoy! 🙂