Showing 1-12 of 12 results
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Àbac
This minimalist designer den continues to stun the critics. Neutral, clean lines and lighting seem deliberately conjured so as not to rob even a sliver of concentration from the imaginative dishes issuing from the kitchen. They change constantly, and might range from a tarte Tatin of eel and apple to various baby-goat offerings.
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Alba Granados
In summer, try for one of two romantic tables for two on the 1st-floor balcony, truly unique in this town. Meat dishes are king here. The carrillera de ternera (a dark, soft meat from the neck of the cow) can be followed by exquisite desserts.
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Bar Kasparo
Pull up a stainless-steel pew for terrace dining beneath vaults at this friendly Australian-run place, on the corner of a pleasant square with swings for kids. It does a sturdy line in snacks, mixed salads, filled rolls and hot dishes that change daily.
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Biblioteca
In a long ground-floor setting, with bare brick walls and a stylishly simple white décor, the 'Library' presents a changing menu of mixed dishes. The food is rooted in a mix of Navarran and general Mediterranean cooking. The menú del día is worth a detour.
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Bilbao
You'll need to book for generous portions of hearty Spanish grub (the emphasis is on juicy meat). The low-lit lamps, dusty bottles along the rear wall and attentive service will make you want to linger in what seems, from the outside, no more than a scruffy, neighbourhood bar.
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Casa Calvet
Set on the ground floor of a Gaudí apartment block, this sophisticated restaurant is patronised by VIPs from far and wide, drawn by creative Mediterranean cooking with a Catalan bent. Savour Gaudí's genius as you enjoy your foie gras or ravioli stuffed with oysters.
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Centre Cultural Euskal Etxea
One of the more established Basque tapas bars in Barcelona, this cultural centre still beats many of its flashier newcomer competitors for authenticity and atmosphere. Choose your pintxos (snacks), sip txacoli wine, and keep the toothpicks so the staff can count them up and work out your bill. You could almost be in San Sebastián.
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Hofmann
Some of the nation's great chefs learned their trade at this cooking-academy-cum-restaurant, and you won't be disappointed with the present students' efforts. An imaginative and constantly changing menu keeps chefs and diners on their toes. It's perfect for a business lunch - room should be kept for the delirium-inducing desserts.
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La Flauta Mágica
The menus themselves are a talking point - which album cover is yours on? Neil Diamond Live ? The Cars ? But on to the food. A simple burned-orange décor and low lighting set a chilled ambience for a limited menu of veggie dishes, balanced by a limited selection of dishes for carnivores, all done with free-range products.
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Sense Pressa
The name may mean 'not in a rush' but you'll need to hurry to book one of the six tables in this tiny treasury of Spanish cookery. Some punters perch over gourmet tapas at the bar. Using only fresh market products, the menu ranges from merluza al horno (oven-baked hake) to a juicy chuletón de buey (huge T-bone steak).
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Specchio Magico
Calm and charming, this tiny Italian joint is perfect for intimate get-togethers and is one of the most reliable Italian options in town. The pasta is truly al dente, with several varieties from the Puglia region (and the chance to taste a reasonable burrata (a fresh Italian cheese made from buffalo mozzarella and cream).
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Torre d'alta Mar
The people of Barcelona are known for their fickleness, and this towering restaurant fell out of favour as quickly as it had fallen in. Nothing can alter the fact, however, that the aerial views from the top of this metal tower remain the most spectacular dining setting in town. Seafood dominates, the wine list is strong and the food and service are generally good.
Showing 1-12 of 12 results
