Barcelona - Eating
It is easiest to divide Barcelona’s overwhelming range of restaurants into two parts: the new and the old. Some of the world’s most modern restaurants, managed by the world’s most innovative chefs (the most famous is Ferrán Adrià) can be found here. But there is also traditional Catalonian cuisine which despite being heavy on occasion, includes very good vegetable dishes (samfaina, a kind of ratatouille, escalivada, grilled, peeled peppers, aubergines and onions espinacs a la catalan, spinach fried with garlic, pine nuts and raisins). Best known is the simple rustic pa amb tomàquet: a slice of bread with olive oil, salt and freshly crushed tomatoes.
"The new ones" in particular may be very expensive, but many of the best known chefs’ apprentices have now opened their own lower-priced restaurants. Generally speaking, "the old ones" provide better value for money, although even the traditional restaurants know how to charge.You should always reserve a table in Barcelona. Dinner is not served until 21.00.
Cal Pep
A very popular tapas bar and restaurant. It’s best to jostle your way to the bar and let Pep himself recommend the best hors d’oeuvres. Otherwise, there are also tables and a quieter dining room further in. A mixture of traditional and innovative cooking. Middle price range.
Cafè de l’Acadèmia
Slightly updated Catalonian cuisine in an attractive open-air restaurant (arrive early) or in the cool, natural stone walled interior. At lunchtime it is full of officials from the adjacent Town Hall and regional government buildings. Middle price range.
Ot
A place to sample modern Catalonian cuisine without it costing the earth. No menu, just leave it to the chefs to suggest a journey through their culinary world. It is full of pleasant surprises. Small, but what there is, is good. Middle price range+.
Alkimia
Basically, alchemy. It is something like this to which all those Spanish chefs with their awards devote themselves. Here it is Jordi Villa who has been awarded for his new interpretations of Spanish classics and his own innovations—what would you say to tuna slivers on a bed of mustard foam? Book well in advance. Expensive.
Salero
Elegant fusion in an almost completely white space. A typical Salero dish is tuna with spinach and konbu, Japanese seaweed. If you decide to dine here, have an aperitif at one of the bars in the Borh district.
7 Portes
"The Seven Doors" has been in business since 1836, and still has its original modernismo interior—dark wood and tiles. However, eating here is far from stodgy. Usually full of people enjoying traditional Catalan cooking. Try the crema catalana, the Catalan version of crème caramel, it’s considered to be the best in Barcelona.
Casa Leopoldo
Sample Old Barcelona—both in terms of interiors and the menu, which is rich in traditional fish and seafood dishes. Montalban, the city’s own literary commentator, crime novelist and gourmet, was a regular here.
Montjuic el Xalet
In the middle of Montjuïc mountain, in a fully restored building, you will find the fine dining restaurant Montjuïc el Xalet. Here you can enjoy Valencian specialties as well as a magnificent view of Barcelona while surrounded by natural open spaces.
4 Gats
4 Gats offers delicious Catalan food and a charming atmosphere, as well as a piece of history. The restaurant was founded in 1987 by waiter Pere Romeu, inspired by “Le chat Noir” in Paris, where Romeu previously work. Picasso’ s fans should be thrilled to know that the artist used to spend much time in the 4 Gats during his youth and had his first exhibition in the great room.
Biblioteca restaurant
A cozy restaurant with an open kitchen which offer you Mediterranean food. The price is also reasonable. Booking in advance is recommended. Closed on Sundays.
Tapas Bars
Spend an evening sampling the now world famous tapas dishes. Start with some nice traditional tapas combined with modern flavor at Sinatra, on Calle Heures 6-1. Finish at Xampanyet, on Calle Montcada 22, with the anchovy banderilla and smoked tuna with goat’s cheese. At Sinatra booking in advance is recommended.
