You can’t miss attention seeking Vioko, sticking out like a reindeer on a beach against the traditional restaurants of Barceloneta in Barcelona. We came across it on the way back from a lovely lunch at the port, where I’d abstained from dessert. My good intentions didn’t last long…
the two entrances to the shop, 'chocolate or ice cream madam?'
There are two entrances, one for chocolate and the other for ice cream, and the interior loops around in an arc to join them up. It’s a clever trick that makes the space feel larger and keeps you guessing what’s around the corner. I guess it will also be helpful in summer when hoards of people are queuing for ice cream.
curved interior with rainbow lighting
The interior is sleek and white, with black and white landscape murals of mountains on selected walls. Floor to ceiling perspex tubes, full of layered flavoured sugar and colourful macarons add a vertical dimension to the design and place the emphasis firmly on the products.
minimalist display cabinets
I adore the typography and wording of the mural below, it translates to ‘you like what you like’ and I quickly realise that I ‘like’, and want to eat everything in the shop.
you like what you like (thanks google translate)
It’s like Aladdin’s cave, packed full of beautifully designed, gourmet treats in an array of unique flavours.
extravagant truffles
intricate and colourfully decorated chocolates, the ones that look like planets on the orange line are amazing!
The branding has a distinct Nordic feel, with pared down design, snowy mountain murals and a reindeer logo, and seems out of place on this sunny street near the beach. I thought they must be a Nordic brand, but nope, Argentinian, perhaps it’s swiss chocolate (would explain the snowy mountain murals) but no, it’s a mystery…
macarons get a snowy backdrop
The ingenious ice cream flavour display has a backlit circle of coloured resin to represent each flavour. I bet it looks fantastic at night. Not that it makes it any easier to choose, they all sound delicious.
Ice Cream Flavours
The chocolate we bought is long gone, but I’m the proud owner of a jar of tangerine and mint flavoured sugar that I’ve yet to find a use for…
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow, I could spend all day in there!
Which chocolate did you go for in the end?
I went for a box of white, dark and milk ‘fat’ flakes. They were like a flake, just three times the size and gorgeous chocolate! Looking at the photos now I wish I’d tried the ones that looked like planets! Next time :) x
Wow what an extraordinary display! I’ve never seen anything like it, looks more like an art gallery. No idea how you’d actually choose anything!
Great find Kelly! X
Blimey that shop is a work of art. The second photograph looks like the entrance to a museum.
Are those truffles and chocolates really displayed vertically, or is that just how they are photographed?
Intrigued!
S x
Oooh just realised I’ve posted in Annie’s reply area. Too excited!
He he, it was so pristine too and smelled heavenly! You’re right, it’s a horizontal display, it’s just the way I’ve edited the photo :) x
It was really difficult to choose Annie, I think that’s why I went for something quite boring, totally overwhelmed by choices! I’m going back to Barcelona this weekend so I’ll be buying some of the colourful spheres x
Wow. A feast for the eyes before it becomes a feast for the taste buds. What great colour combos and great displays. I think I would have been less excitement by the actual products and far too excited by the decor.
Lovely x
Glad you like it Tina! I was very happy to stumble across it :) x