45 restaurants to go eat at in Barcelona and that will not disappoint you
Let's take advantage of the fact that we are at the town festival to make a list of establishments that deserve a visit
BarcelonaThese are days of major festivities in the City of Counts (with the permission of Santa Eulàlia). So I am taking the opportunity to make a list of highly recommended restaurants in the city of Barcelona. A question I am asked very often is “what is your top 10 of restaurants in Barcelona”. I am not much of a fan of rankings. Besides the fact that there are too many factors that make them impossible to compare. To go with your partner? To celebrate an anniversary? To go with children? What budget are we talking about? So, take this compilation as a handful of restaurants that I encourage you to visit.
If we start in the Raval, where ARA has its newsroom, Suculent is a must-visit. The eel allipebre deserves an award (whatever it is, but one they can display at the restaurant). Na Mindona is the place where I get over my longing for Mallorca and El Magraner Boig, where I shake off the one for Greece. If we work late and want a burger, the place is Fast Eddie’s on Joaquim Costa street. For once, we have a place where they don't charge for water (not even sparkling water). If we want a durum, the authentic establishment where we go with the newsroom colleagues is Bismillah Kebabish. It should be remembered that they only accept cash.
Continuing with Middle Eastern food, my favorite of all is Xix Kebab, on Còrsega street. Lately, I have also fallen in love with Jazminos, on Madrazo street. A place for good and healthy food. Not far away, five minutes walk, we find one of my favorite Koreans, Hanki. If what we want is homemade Italian food, three proposals in three different areas of the city: Raffaelli, Gravin and Bellebuòn. If we are carnivorous, without a doubt the place is Bardeni Meatbar (the best steak tartare together with the one at Via Veneto). If I want rice, I will go to Casa Maians, in Barceloneta.
We never tire of Catalan cuisine, and even if it doesn't seem like it, there are still very good places left. Some, with extraordinary success. From the most humble to the most sophisticated: Gelida, Bar Joan,Veracruz, Can Vilaró, Ca l’Estevet, Can Pineda, Ca l’Isidre, Windsor or Alkostat, which is the perfect place for a celebration. If I ever get lost, maybe you will find me where Jordi Vilà is cooking.
Although when it comes to celebrating, nothing makes me happier than the fried fish at the La Plata bar, in the Gothic Quarter. Nothing else is needed to have a good time. Other places that know how to party are the bodegas. We have Quimet, in Gràcia, as a traditional bodega, but also –and they shouldn't be confused because they are quite different– Quimet & Quimet in Poble-sec with the best preserves you can eat while standing up. It's very popular among tourists, I know, but we shouldn't stop going. Opposite is La Chana, with all the salero of the gastronomy of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. You will find mollete de pringada, fino sherry, and fried fish. If what you want is Basque-style omelette and cider, go further up, to Blai Street, to Koska Taverna.
Let's continue with the Basque Country. Taktika Berri never fails, nor does Maitea Taverna. It is a spacious restaurant to go with a group and it has a wonderful wine list. In fact, lovers of a good bottle can also be tempted out of the house by Monvínic, but also L’Ànima del vi, where you have to let yourself be advised. If you go, don't make plans for afterwards. You know when you go in, but never when you come out.
If we look at the younger restaurants in the city, the ones to keep on your radar are Franca, Glug and Mineral. There are other not-so-young places that are always full, like everything Rafa Peña touches, whether it's Gresca or Bar Torpedo, which saves you when you are late after a concert. If I want fish, I will stop at Lluritu in any of its establishments. Or at Kiosko Universal, in La Boqueria. They make a good seafood platter and you will find local customers there. If you don't believe me, go check it out.
If you are cheese fans, the place is Viblioteca. And if you want to eat Galician gastronomy in an absolutely informal way, I recommend the bar Al Norte, where the cod skin rinds are very addictive. Does Japanese food call to you? Shunka for sushi, Mikasa for the other dishes and Una mica de Japó for their bento. And I finish with the most popular food: the sandwich. From meatballs with tripe or whatever is available, you will find them at Bodega Monferry, in the Sants neighborhood. Not all of them are there, but all that are there, are good. Happy festival!