La Venta: a classic restaurant at the foot of Tibidabo

The address of La Venta restaurant doesn't have a number (Plaza del Doctor Andreu, s/n), and it doesn't need one, because it's impossible to miss. This iconic restaurant celebrates its 75th anniversary this year at the foot of Tibidabo, where the Tramvia Blau ended when it was still there. The striking yellow and blue building and the Menorcan chairs are unmistakable. Here you'll always find very reliable service and a selection of traditional Catalan cuisine executed with precision. You'll find the dishes you can imagine: salt cod, xató, escalivada, butifarra with beans, breaded hake with mayonnaise... No surprises, and no desire for them. It's precisely this reliability that keeps it a loyal and repeat clientele. It's very common to see diners greeting each other from one table to another.

Being an upstairs restaurant, it's obvious it has beautiful views of the city. However, to fully enjoy the view, you should eat in the upstairs dining room, known as El Mirador, which is reserved for group celebrations. For many people, this restaurant is very convenient because it's accessible by car and has a parking space. Just keep in mind that you'll always have to leave room for dessert, whether it's the frozen orange soufflé or the Maresme strawberries with orange juice and yogurt. Like La Venta restaurant itself, they're a sure bet.