As we have mentioned in previous blog posts, the food being served at your wedding is one of the most important elements and something that your guests will always remember. Most of the times, guests have travelled from near and far to assist your celebration and getting to taste local Spanish delicacies certainly is a treat! Barcelona is heaven for foodies in all levels and categories, I once read that this city has more than 10,000 restaurants that can fill your tummy!
Since you probably have to eat the days before and after the wedding, I thought I should share some of my favourites places, not only typically Spanish food but rather places where the Price=Quality and you know that your dollar, euro, yen or krona has been money well spent..
First of all, it can be good to know the different areas of Barcelona:
Las Ramblas – Between ’el Raval’ and ’el Gótico’ you find the most famous street of Barcelona. First tip: do not eat on this street. It is overly priced and does not represent Spanish nor Catalan cuisine.
Second tip on how to choose a good restaurant: it is always full.
Third tip: locals eat there. Or rather in this multicultural, international hotspot, the locals of that certain cuisine. If you see Mexicans in a Mexican restaurant, it is probably great. If you see Japanese having Sushi, it is properly done. You see where I am going with this.. 🙂
Restaurants:
Martinez (Sants-Montjuic)– This is one gem that shouldn’t be missed. On the mountain of the Jews with fabulous view of the port and the city, awesome red décor and a cool, modern ambiance. Sit by the bar facing out, tasting Oysters from Normandie with a glass of local Cava, could it get any better? Otherwise, the terrace is the perfect spot for the Sunday-Paella-Lunch, I would go with the sea-food one..
(Carretera de Miramar 38)
Cañete (Raval) – A cozy, well-hidden, fine dining tapas. Reserve a spto by the bar so that you can chit-chat with the friendly smiling waiters or look at the talented chefs as they cook up your dishes in front of you, one by one. Chickpeas with baby squids – excuisite. Honey-dripping fried aubergine – yes please. Rabo de Toro (yes, oxtail) – I give up! A bottle of Montsant red wine and you won’t be missing much more in your life..
(Carrer de la Unió 17.)
Restaurante La Pepita (Gràcia) – Recently discovered tapas-place! Fusion dishes, like Foie gras with white chocolate – unexpected food combo, but boy, was it good! Their deco is a little chaotic and it is loud but that only enhances the cool atmosphere. Go there in early evening (19-20) and put your name on the list, walk a few steps to their bar ‘la cava’ (literally 2 min away) and have your pre-dinner drinks. The staff will come get you when your table is ready J
(Carrer de Còrsega 343)
Llamber (Born) – This restaurant is owned by one Asturian guy and one Catalan woman- hence their asturian-catalan fusion menu. My favourite from the pica-pica : Anchovies on spelt bread and tomato confit. From the Platinos: Beef dices with the Cabrales cheese, or the traditional Asturian Stew ‘Fabada’. Chill atmosphere, impeccable service and they focus on slow food 0 km. Finish with a fancy after-dinner cocktail by the bar!
(Carrer de la Fusina 5)
Antunez (Gràcia) – if you like a chill atmosphere, sophisticated decoration, warm yet elegant, but also like delicious food of course, this is the place for you. Come a few minutes earlier than your reservation, have a beer by the bar together with a ‘Gilda’ (pintxo from the Basque country) and some boquerones to tickle the appetite. Then when it is time to order by the table, enjoy the duck Canelón and the Steak Tartar.
(Carrer de Neptú 18)
A tu Bola (Raval) – When you are only passing by on this street, pop in to this neat little hangout! These guys do balls. Balls made from different meats or veggies, put either into a pita bread or on a plate with perfect accompaniments, juicy and savoury! I just love the concept, it is fast, staff is super friendly and as far as gourmet street food goes, it has got me hooked! Mexican balls or the shrimp balls, or the Chickpea balls! Enjoy!
(Carrer Hospital 78)
Kibuka – Like Sushi? Great sushi is to be found in this corner placed in the centre of Gràcia. I like as always to sit by the bar in order to see the sushi chefs work their magic turning simple ingredients into tasty Ngiris and Makis!
(Carrer de Goya 9 )
La Taquería (Sagrada Familia) – Is any list truly complete without a Mexican option? No, I don’t think so either. Which is why I am dedicating this spot to one that truly makes Mexican street food justice. The Gringa al Pastor and the nachos are best accompanied by a national beer such as Corona or a Negro Modelo for anyone who fancies a beer with more character.
(Passatge de Font 5)
These are 8 out of about 10 000 choices in Barcelona, he city where you won’t ever have a problem to find a good restaurant, even though it seems like looking for a needle in a haystack sometimes! Enjoy these tips for now, and stay tuned for more…
