Here are our top 5 recommended restaurants in Barcelona.
Dos Cielos
Perched on the 24th floor of the soaring Hotel Me, Dos Cielos was another local recipient of its first Michelin star in 2010 – the other was Enoteca. The restaurant is headed by young-gun chefs, Sergio and Javier Torres, who have conceived a ‘sensographical’ menu based not just on flavours and textures – but also on senses and emotions. The reasoning; after a great gastro experience, very few people actually remember what they ate. The dining room itself is modern and bathed in white. It offers breathtaking views, and the staff are very helpful. They will probably steer you towards the tasting menu, which changes seasonally, but may include ‘small plates’ of creamy rice with wild mushrooms or cod slow-cooked in a Gastrovac. Whatever is on offer, it’s sure to be incredibly delicious and, hopefully, memorable.
Carrer Pere IV 272
Tel: +34 933 672 070
Station: Poblenou
Lia D’en Vicius
The Carrer Blai in Poble Sec hosts many cosy cafés and restaurants; yet, this one stands out for its lovingly executed dishes from the hands of two very friendly locals. Fittingly for this neighbourhood hangout, the interior is ad-hoc with its little marble tables, mix-n-match chairs and large wooden barrels looming over the high walls. Dishes may change daily but generally lean towards couscous, pastas and, perhaps, a curry. Staples include imaginative salads (the lentil and mango one is divine) and what is possibly the best croquettes in town (the secret is in the use of three types of meats). Even if you don’t feel like a full meal, a by-the-glass vino and a cheese platter at the bar makes a perfect start or end to your evening.
Carrer Blai 28
Tel: +34 934 416 072
Station: Paral.lel
Kiosko
The burger is back and it’s gone gourmet. Up-market burger joints are popping up all over Barcelona’s more fashionable districts. Perhaps their comeback is a response to a demand for economical eating, or maybe it’s got something to do with the creeping acceptance of ‘fast food’. Whatever the case, Kiosko is one of the best, as the lines outside its doors attest. Kiosko’s burgers are made of the finest ingredients, such as beef from northern Spain and Castilian lamb and organic vegetables. All are chargrilled to perfection. Chunky roasted chips, a variety of sauces and chutneys to dip into and a congenial cantina-like ambiance make Kiosko well worth the wait.
Kiosko,
Marquès De L’Argentera, 1 bis
Tel: +34 933 107 313
Station: Barceloneta
Bar Pinotxo
Anyone interested in Catalan cuisine should make La Boqueria market a must-see. Eating in one of the many bars located inside the market is a quintessential Barcelona experience. Bar Pinotxo, stall 466, is one of the most famous. As soon as you take a stool at this humble-looking corner bar, the effervescent owner, Juanito – he’s the one in the dapper waist coat and bowtie – will come bounding over to ask you if you would like a glass of cava. And why refuse! Pinotxo’s dishes are almost the definition of ‘market cuisine’. Stellar dishes on offer include baby octopus with chickpeas, Catalan-style broad beans and really superb tortillas – all made with the finest ingredients the market has to offer
Las Ramblas 89
Tel: +34 933 171 731
Station: Liceu
Ikibana
If the fusion of Brazilian and Japanese cuisines doesn’t sound immediately appealing, one meal at Ikibana will probably change your mind. This achingly of-the-moment restaurant has seduced the city’s fashion set with its subtle meeting of ‘east meets west’. Consider the most superbly executed sushi and sashimi. The place uses the finest Spanish fish and seafood that is accompanied by surprising light and tangy fruit salsas and edible flowers. Ikibana has two locations. The largest and most dazzling is on the busy Parallel Avenue in Poble Sec – an avantgarde, tropicalia-inspired setting of swirly wooden elements, deep-green banquettes and good-looking staff members doing their stuff to a soft samba beat. The other is in the trendy Born district. Highly recommended are the cocktails – start your evening with a passion fruit mojito and you will be shimmying right along with the waiters.
Avinguda Paral.lel 148
Tel: +34 934 244 648
Station: Poble Sec
