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Santa Maria
Swing through the doors of this snazzy place for a smorgasbord of gourmet tapas. Beautifully decked out and always busy, Santa Maria turns out innovative and specialist creations ranging from falafel to fried plantain with mussels.
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Saüc
This basement spot is worth going the extra mile. Décor is neutral, allowing diners to concentrate on each mouthwatering course of creative Catalan cooking comprised in the tasting menu (appetiser, five courses, cheese selection and two desserts)!
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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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Sesamo
For 'food without beasts', this relaxed corner eatery attracts all sorts. Drop by for juices and pastries at breakfast, a three-course set lunch (around €7 ) or dinner. Wafting electronica is almost soothing and nice touches include the home-baked bread and cakes.
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Set
Gilt-framed mirrors, black-and-white-tiled floors and somewhat gruff 'service' are hallmarks of this Barcelona classic, founded in 1836, once beloved of celebs and still famous for paella, seafood platters and huge portions.
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Shunka
Shunka is a cut above Barcelona's Oriental average. The presence of Japanese punters is reassuring, and the open-plan kitchen also inspires confidence - you can keep an eye on what they're doing with your tempura and sashimi.
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Sol Soler
On a corner of Gràcia's liveliest plaça, this busy wholefood tapas bar has faded bohemian chic, relaxed music, intimate lighting and marble tables on which to enjoy a range of tasty fare - anything from couscous or lasagne to deep-fried chicken wings.
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Speakeasy
Lurking behind the Dry Martini cocktail bar is this eatery with a 1930s feel. Head from the bar via the kitchen to an elegant 'storeroom' lined with hundreds of backlit bottles of quality tipples. The menu depends partly on the markets, but the carpaccio Dry Martini, a heavenly light meat treat, is a signature dish.
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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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Suquet de l'almirall
The order of the day here is simply top-class seafood. House specialities include arròs a la barca (rice laden with various types of fish, squid and tomato) or suquet (seafood stew). Plenty of seafood eateries of all categories are tucked away in nearby lanes.
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Taktika Berri
Deep in the grid maze of l'Eixample is this Basque redoubt. You have two choices: hang around the bar (just try at the lunch rush hour!) and nibble away at the army of Basque-style tapas - the trick is to grab them from the waitress as she transports them from the kitchen to the bar - or head out the back for a slap-up sit-down meal.
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Thai Gardens
One of the first and still one of the most authentic Thai experiences in town. The tall interior is filled with greenery and tables vary from intimate spots for two to big round affairs for festive groups. Take a nibble at a bit of everything with the set meal (around €29 ).
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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.
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Via Veneto
Some places are just evergreens. This high-so ciety restaurant (dress up!) has maintained its excellent standards since it opened in 1967. The vaguely Art Deco setting sees the crème de la crème sitting down to exquisitely prepared dishes such as llebre a la royal amb pomes saltades al Calvados (hare with apples sautéed in Calvados).
