La Venta, Mount Tibidabo
The best spot in Barcelona to watch the sunset is also a Catalan classic. Chef Antonio Ramon’s menu is seasonally based and always superb. If available try the fresh sea urchins in gratinee and Catalan salted cod with caramelized onions and roasted tomatoes. Sunshine on a plate…
Placa Doctor Andreu, 08035 | www.restaurantelaventa.com | +34 932 126 455
Cal Pep, Ciutat Vella
Without a doubt one of the best dining restaurants in town. Locals skip the sit-down tables and head straight to the tapas bar for grazing- Spanish style, washed down with plenty of wine. Also try Inopia- Albert Adria’s tapas bar serves the best patas bravas in Barcelona- the ultimate Catalan bar snack.
8 Placa de les Olles | +34 933 107 961
Restaurante La Gardunya, Mercat de la Boqueria
A great lunch spot located in the marvellous Mercat de la Boqueria- one of the world’s greatest food halls. Try the sliced salami plate of local air-dried sausages and hams…if you’re brave, go for the pan-fried calves’ brains with lemon and olive oil… you won’t regret it!
85-89 Las Ramblas, 08001 | www.boqueria.info | +34 933 024 323
El Bulli, Roses
Just outside Barcelona is the universally worshipped El Bulli, the restaurant of uber-chef Ferran Adria. Adria’s 30 course tasting menu will blow you away… expect the most exquisite “food installations”, impeccable service (there are 49 kitchen staff) and a meal that you will remember for the rest of your life… Fully booked until the end of the year, call for cancellations.
Cala Montjoi, Ap. 30 17480, Girona | www.elbulli.com | +34 972 150 457
Les Cols, Olot
This top-notch restaurant in the Girona provence is housed in a 13th-century farm-house… expect artisan fare: local cheeses, truffled risotto with braised rooster crests and crispy suckling pig. Outrageously good.
Carretera de la Canya, Girona, 17800 | www.lescols.com | +34 972 269 209
March 17th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
I finally went to El Bulli after a six months wait and was extremely disappointed. A case of over-hype I suspect.
March 22nd, 2007 at 10:01 pm
I couldn’t disagree more strongly! I went to El Bulli last month and had possibly the best (and certainly the most exciting) meal in my life! unbelievable food combinations, artistry and theatre. Deserves title of best restaurant in the world.
March 28th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
definitely over-hype I’m suprised you included it Suzanne
April 12th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
Suggest Cal Pep’s sister restaurant, Passadis del Pep, Placa del Palau 2, 34-93-310-1021. Chef picks multi-course, mostly seafood based, menu each night and you just sit back and enjoy the show, the food, the wine and the patrons. A gem.