intoBarcelona

Where to eat…

We always get asked about the best places to eat in and around el Born, and there are so many it is difficult to choose!
We have come up with our top ten gastro haunts, eight of which are within walking distance from your el Born apartment…

1. Mosquito
This is the kind of place once discovered, you’ll want to go back again and again. Owned and run by English chef Jazz, Mosquito offers South Eastern Asian tapas matched with a great selection of International beers. It’s a tiny little place, and always packed. Try the sushi, Thai Omelette, dim sum or Singapore noodles and you won`t be disappointed. Closed on Mondays.
Carders 46 Tel.: 93 268 75 69

2. La Peradeta

If you like fresh fish or seafood, you cannot visit Barcelona without a visit to La Paradeta. When you walk in, it’s like being confronted with a market stall offering the likes of  razor-shell clams, squid, octopus, crab, crayfish and a variety of fresh fish. Decide what you want, how much you want and how you would like it cooked. Choose a drink, get a table, wait for your number to be called, collect your dishes and then…get stuck in. Be warned, the queues can be interminable so get there before it opens (1pm at lunch,  pm at night)
Comercial 7  Tel: 932 681 939

3. el Xalet

Boasting some of the most spectacular views of Barcelona, el Xalet has been open since 2004 and is located on Montjuic next to the Olympic diving pool. The food is typical  Mediterranean and Catalan cuisine. try the warm langostine salad with Jabugo ham, Fideuá (noodles with monkfish and prawns) or Foie with fresh cheese, caramelized apple and pine nuts. If you are going for lunch or during the summer, try to bag a table on the terrace. Take a taxi or the cable car to get there (the restaurant can order a taxi for you to get home). Not cheap but well worth it.
Av. Miramar, 31 Tel: 93 324 92 70

4. Ikibana

More Asian  tapas on offer but this time with a Brazilian twist.  Sashimas, tempuras and makis with tropical flavours are all on the menu.  You can also order ‘ceviche’ (white pieces of fish marinated with lime and coriander). Ebi Tempura (king prawn tempura with tempura sauce) or Carnaval Uramaki (with salmon and egg cream tempura). All delicious.
Pg. Picasso 32 Tel:932 956 732

5. Bar del Pla

It can sometimes be frustrating finding a decent tapas bar in Barcelona, but Bar del Pla is a gem. Among the dishes on offer are fried artichokes, fresh crayfish, grilled mussells, patatas bravas and squid ink croquettes. The bar also offers a good range of regional wines. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious and is great place to go with a group of friends.
Montcada 2 Tel. 93 268 30 03

6. Cal Pep

Probably the most famous tapas bar in Barcelona, this small buzzing venue offers food which is both fresh and fun. Choose from the likes of Clams & ham, chickpeas with baby squid, beef stew or wedge clams. If you are unsure what to order get one of the waiters to choose a selection of dishes. Get there early or you could be queueing for a while but it it is a show well worth waiting for.
Placa de les Olles 8, Tel: 933 107 961

7. El Suquet de L’Almirall

This family-run fish  restaurant was originally a xiringuito (beach bar) which moved  in time for the 1992 Olympics. There are a number of set menus on offer including the ‘blind’ tapas selection,  a huge taster menu and the pica-pica (a little bit of everything to share). Among their more well known dishes are arròs negre and fideuà with lobster. Oh, and if you are after a good a paella whilst in Barcelona, this is your stop…
Passeig de Joan de Borbó, 65 Tel: 932 216 233

8. Santa Maria

Extremely creative & mouth-watering tapas from the school of Ferran Adria (el Bulli). Try the taster menu (at around 27 euros) which offers up to 14 courses offering dishes such as mussels with fried bananas,onion soup with quails eggs, frogs legs, fried maki of salmon with tartare sauce and veal steak with whisky mashed corn and vegetables (the menu does change). The decor is cosy and modern – it’s a young people’s place but the oldies should also sneak in too…
Comerç, 17 Tel: 93 315 12 27

9. Comerc 24

Across the street from Sant Maria is Comerc 24, again inspired by Ferran Adria. Chef chef Carles Abellan, who worked at el Bulli for 6 years,  experiments with Asian, Italian, Andalusian and American influences, and earned a Michelin star in 2008. For around 54 euros, try the taster menu, leaving the of the wine selection to the waiters. It’s a theatrical experience you won`t forget but make sure you make a reservation.
Commerc 24 Tel : 933 192 102

10. Taverna Can Magarit

And finally for something completely different. Taverna Can Magarit offers authentic Catalan cuisine in a fabulous rustic setting. You’ll eat on big wooden tables surrounded by odd farming tools on the walls. The menu is typically Catalan, such as botifarra amb mongetes – local sausage with white beans or Rabbit stew.You can make a reservation but if you don’t, waiting for your table can be an experience all of its own. You’ll be handed tiny glasses to try house wines from overhanging barrels.
From el Born, you’ll need to catch a taxi (around 6 euros).
Concordia 21 Tel: 934 416 723