Cosmopolitan Barcelona is packed with numerous restaurants to eat in, mainly featuring two cuisines, Catalan and Spanish. The wondrous Catalan gastronomy tends to be rich and more expensive, but one will have no regrets once having tried it. Not all the restaurants have foreign-language menus, but friendly personal will gladly explain, most likely with gestures, any item from the menu. Lunches are between 1-3 pm and dinners are served late, starting at 9 pm. Some restaurants shut down throughout August, and others are closed in January, celebrating the magical Spanish holiday, Reyes.
EL GRAN CAFÉ (multiple locations) Avinyo 9, 08002 Barcelona (93) 318-7986 BA-BA-REEBA Passeig de Gracia 28, 08007 Barcelona (93) 301-4302 LA TRAMOIA Enric Granados 122, 08006 Barcelona (93) 416-6057 TXESTATU Consell de Cent 329, 08007 Barcelona (93) 487-5398 TENORIO Passeig de Gracia 37, 08007 Barcelona (93) 272-0592 Perfectly situated in the historical center of the Gothic quarter, El Gran Café serves the traditional Catalan cuisine. It's been a bodega (a wine seller) long before it became a café, and ultimately turned into the current three-story restaurant. You're in for a real treat in this sharply delineated Modernista style café, with an authentic weed separator on the wall and a flat board with pieces of glass attached to it. Try their specialties like Paella Costa Brava style, prepared with pungent Spanish olive oil and various aromatic herbs. In the evening, enjoy live piano music, while sipping a glass of wine. The prices are moderate and most credit cards are accepted.
MEZZANINE Calle Provenza 236, 08007 Barcelona (93) 454-8798 Traditionally, Spain has always been known for its rich and tasty meat dishes. By luck, it was suggested that I visit Mezzanine, where I discovered astonishing vegetarian delights, along with exceptional service. Since the opening of the restaurant two years ago, Jorqe Torros, the owner, has been proud by how exceedingly popular it has become. The bohemian ambiance of the restaurant is inspiring, revealing great taste in its décor, complements to the owner. Upon arrival, you observe abstract paintings in pastel color on the walls, gradually turning your attention to the heavy ceiling-to-floor burgundy curtains, which fill the room with warmth. Once seated, notice that all the chairs and plates are one of a kind in shape and design. Amongst elaborate dishes from the menu, indulge yourself with savory lasagna Mezzanine de Bolonesa. Quiet music in the background and dimmed candlelight on each table enhance your dining pleasure. Credit cards are not accepted.
TEXTIL CAFÉ Career de Montcada 12, 08003 Barcelona (93) 268-2598 Surrounded by the constellations of world-renowned museums and small shops, this quaint eatery gained its population amongst local folks, artistic elite, and numerous foreigners. Avoid smoking and a noise inside, by choosing a lovely table in the restaurant's charming courtyard. The international cuisine is simply tasty, offering hot breakfasts, sandwiches, and, my favorite, quiche with leeks and Roquefort cheese. Around 2:30 pm, take a lunch brake from enjoying the collection at the museum Picasso and have a traditional Moroccan dish, cuscus del dia, with meat or just with steamed vegetables; what a delight! This café is definitely a great place for a light meal.
RUCCULA World Trade Center, Moll de Barcelona s/n, 08039 Barcelona (93) 508-8268 If cruise ships are not anchored, marvel at the beautiful harbor of Barcelona, while dinning in the commercial area of the World Trade Center. With the accent on the mesmerizing view, this large wall-to-wall windows emporium has a touch of Asian décor, with long exotic branches in vases. In addition to the traditional Spanish dishes like Paella in squid ink, there are many wondrous fish specialties, prepared by the well-known chef Joan Piqué, who bases his cooking on Mediterranean cuisine. The Monkfish tail with various vegetables will melt in your mouth; equivalent to cooked-to-perfection Catalan-style baked turbot, a rare fish on this side of the continent. To be a true connoisseur, sweeten your experience with the celestial, fresh fig crunch with frosty honey sangria juice.
EUSKAL-ETXEA Calle Montcada 1-3, 08003 Barcelona (93) 310-2185 Immersed in the vitality of Barcelona, this famous club-restaurant is the kind of place to socialize, while getting stuffed with the best Basque food, a northern Spanish delicacy. Euskal-Etxea (Basque House) gained immense reputation for being a unique blend of cultural center and restaurant, recognized by its faithful cliental. Basque cuisine is heavy on olive oil and sauces, which are so palatable you'd want to inhale them on their own. Begin with full-flavored shellfish Basque-style soup, followed by a fiercely large portion of Fois gras in cherry sauce, the best you've ever had. To clear up the overfed stomach, have a glass of fragrant wine. Cave in to the rich and incredibly tasty Basque "world" gastronomy, along with the friendly atmosphere. Pricey, yet not formal and so worth the experience! Visas only accepted.
WOK & BOL Diputació 294, 08009 Barcelona (93) 302-7675 Would you like one evening to take a break from Spanish delights and try outstanding Chinese food? Stop by this authentic oriental eatery, with bright colors screaming from the walls pictures, painted by Chon, the artistic chef. I'll let you define the style of his art, but surely what an extraordinary imagination he has! Every dish on the menu is exquisite, prepared from thoroughly selected Chinese recipes. The dim sum, served with the particular perfumed spices sauce, is light and appetizing. Continue with the calamari steak; it's so tender - your lips can chew it up. The service is pleasant, but slow: you are in Europe after all, so give into its custom and extend your dinner time, just a speck longer.
TABLAO CORDOBES Ramblas 350, 8002 Barcelona (93) 317-5711 To get the full flavor of Spanish culture, discover the mysterious world of Flamenco art, while dinning. As an artistic style, Flamenco began developing in the beginning of the 18th century and after receiving international recognition, dancing, singing, and guitar music have been united in one important form of art. Cordobes is renowned for presenting a "feast" for all senses: calm a rumbling stomach and its inspiration. Using the finest traditional ingredients, the buffet is abound, offering cold tapas like octopus with vinegar, followed by their famous Rabbit with garlic. The chocolate mousse is smooth and empowering. Don't worry about adding more calories; Barcelona is a walking city! You have the option to see several evening shows at different times. Call to verify the exact time of the shows and to reserve the best viewing spot in the house.
SCENIC Avda. Paral-lel 64, 08001 Barcelona (93) 443-9860 Continue experiencing the vigorous nightlife of Barcelona by visiting the Scenic, a prototype of glamour, fame, and exquisite cuisine. This elegant "Moulin Rouge" of Barcelona is located in the historical district, where in 1982 "Teatro Español" opened its doors to the showbiz. The magnificent presentation and the use of light technology during the spectacular performance are breathtaking. Just like the shows, Marc Borrell, the chef of the Senic, creates spectacular dishes to satisfy anyone's deepest hunger. I can't even begin to describe their celestial appetizers and great variety of entrées. Visit Scenic to discover for yourself a delicious meal and incredible audio-visual effects of the gala, accompanied by live orchestra. Reservations are recommended.
CARNAVAL Balmes 24, 00823 Barcelona (93) 412-6200 Every Barcelonan knows where to find the famous plaza La Rambla, but few people have heard of the Carnaval, a Brazilian restaurant that used to be an old bakery in the 17th century. And even fewer have tried their succulent meat specialties; prepared from authentic recipes, originated from Uruguay and the northern part of Argentina. Charcoal is used to intensify the pungent flavor to the superior poultry, meats, and fish. There are many dishes to satisfy your palate such as charcoal-cooked fish like hake-fish or the shellfish pudding (I would have it for dessert)! Perhaps the best choice to set fire works in your mouth would be escalope in green pepper sauce. If you wish to continue the Latin dinning adventure, visit "Gaucho Grill" in Los Angeles, to renew your "tasty" memories of Uruguayan delights.
ALL I OLI, EL Alella 3, 08016 Barcelona (93) 408-3542 Before you leave the welcoming Barcelona, indulge yourself once more with traditional Catalan gastronomy and visit All I Oli. Each room, with large ones used for reunions and banquets, is filled with genuine warmth and authenticity, transforming you into the ancient time of Spain. Take your time to feel the ambiance and open the menu that offers plentiful wondrous dishes, with some drenched in oil. The essence of Catalan cuisine lies in its sauces for meats and fish, generally known as mar i muntanya (sea and mountains). The combination between poultry and fruits or fish and meats, sopping in rich, yet incredibly tasty sauces, creates the opportunity to savor these delightful blends. And, depending on your will power, finish the meal with tempting mel i mato (honey with cream cheese), a traditional Catalan dessert.
The Top List of Great Restaurants - Barcelona, Spain