Hi Kirsten
Barcelona is in the Catalan area of Spain, so your sister
can expect regional variations on classic dishes - and loads of tapas!
RESTAURANTS
Ática. It's virtually unknown and run by a lovely young
couple, the husband cooks and his wife does front of house. Proper hearty,
traditional Catalan cooking and a must-go for foodies It's on Carrer Galileu,
#159.
Try one of the El Glop group of restaurants (there are
four) for reasonably priced Catalan food. http://www.restalo.com/ficha-361-El_Glop_Taverna_Restaurant
La Tomaquera which is in Poble Sec on calle Tapioles
17. No booking (nice bar just infront
for a great beer), rushed waiters and mounds of grilled meats, salads and huge
pans of snails (Very Catalan!). It's
cheap, a lot of fun, and slightly off the tourist trail.
Bestial is not at all traditional but is one of my
favourite places in Barcelona , very right on the beach. Their white pizza with truffles was
mind-blowing. http://www.grupotragaluz.com/rest-bestial.php
If you MUST have paella (which is not local to the area),
try:
Lombardo <http://restaurantesbarcelona.com/lombardo/>
, on Rambla Catalunya 49 (not 'the' Ramblas, but the avenue that runs west from
Placa Catalunya toward the hill, which is much more authentic and lovely than
'the' Ramblas),
Can Majo <http://www.canmajo.es/> , in Barceloneta,
on L'Almirall Aixada 23,
Can Ros <http://www.bcnrestaurantes.com/eng/barcelona.asp?restaurante=can-ros>
, also in Barceloneta, on L'Almirall Aixada 7
TAPAS
Cerveservia Catalana on the corner of Carrer Mallorca and
Rambla de Catalunya ( address Carrer Mallorca, #236) - it's so well priced that
you can't complain - pig out on tapas.
But be prepared to wait for a table.
Cal Pep - An institution.
Be there at 13h30 when they open or face the queue! (Plaça de les Olles
#8 Tel. 00 34 93 310 7961)
El Xampanyet (Montcada, 22, Barcelona, Spain 08003 ·
93-319-7003) OLD TOWN. El Xampanyet is
classically decorated with coloured tiles and antique curios. The Xampanyet
champagne that is served is renowned. Anchovies and other tapas are also
available for your dining delight and are a perfect compliment to the
well-mixed drinks. It is located near the Picasso Museum, so stop by after you
enjoy a morning of admiring artwork.
Els Quatre Gats (Montsió 3, bis, Barcelona, Spain 08002 ·
93 -02-41-40) OLD TOWN. Originally built
in 1897, this tapas bar used to have walls that were garnished with the works
of Picasso and other well-known artists. Today, it sports well-done
reproductions of the original works. You can sample their authentic tapas or
order from the fixed price menu. No hot food is served on Sundays.
Can Paixano on Carrer de la Reina Cristina, #7 - the best
sandwiches and homemade cava you'll find anywhere in the city, but be prepared
to stand up and push your way through the crowds
And for somewhere a little closer to the beaten track
there is Lonja de Tapas on Plaza de Palau, #7 - which is a more commercial
franchise kinda place but not at all bad for quality-price comparison.
