Botafumeiro is passionate about seafood and sources it daily at the early morning fish auctions of Catalonia and Galicia. Using only in-season produce, seafood is oven-roasted or grilled over an oak charcoal flame. It’s also a great place to try rice dishes such as their delicious soupy rice with lobster, Seafood Paella or Squid-ink rice with baby calamari. For meat-eaters, there’s Galician Blond Porterhouse Steak – grass-fed cattle bred and raised, following traditional methods on their own farm in Galicia.

Commonly referred to as Momo’s, this place came to fruition from Jordi’s (the chef and owner) passion of Asia. At this restaurant nestled in Gracia by the infamous Placa del Sol, you can expect to tuck into an Eastern menu. Korean salad of raw beef, marinated in lime, spices, Chinese turnip and chilli, Edamame, Nem (Vietnamese roll) and Miso soup are just some of the dishes you can enjoy. A great option for casual dining, this place is known as tapas with chopsticks!

Located opposite the Mercat de la Llibertat, La Pubilla serves honest, market cooking with a creative touch. They have been applauded for their use of ingredients and very reasonably priced menu del día. An informal restaurant utilising seasonal and locally produced food. Plump anchovies on Pa amb Tomàquet and Skate wing drizzled with blackened butter and capers are some of the dishes you can expect.

A tapas bar with a Madrileño flair and a nod to Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine. Dishes include Coca bluefin tuna tataki, Sausage and mushroom cannelloni, delicious Bravas and Croquettes and Cod fritters. Oh, and you cannot miss their toasted bread with chocolate cream, flavoured with a touch of olive oil and salt. High-quality tapas that you won’t forget!

La Pepita

La Pepita is run by owners Sofía and Sergio, who opened the restaurant in 2010. Their flair for food is evident with dishes such as the Gilthead sea bream, marinated with citrus flavours and served with spinach, strawberries, pine nuts, red pepper sauce and a balsamic vinegar reduction. They also do elegant sandwiches that they call Pepitas. Great atmosphere, very friendly and serving killer gin and tonics and house vermouth. They don’t take reservations, so go early or expect to wait. La Cava next door is run by the same owners. Have a drink there while you wait for your table.