RESTAURANTS
Via La Cocina
From tapas bars to top-rated tables, here are 10 Barcelona standouts to aim for come mealtime.
ABaC
Prodigy chef Jordi Cruz (he received his first Michelin star at the age of 25) blends modernity and tradition with verve and dexterity at this elegant two-Michelin-starred dining room at the foot of Mount Tibidabo; look for inventive dishes such as Iberian suckling pig with mango tatin. Av. Tibidabo, 1; 34-93/319-6600; abacbarcelona.com
Bar Mut
This small wine bar serves two sittings for dinner. There is no menu; a waiter moves from table to table to explain the day’s offerings. High-quality Catalan cooking drawing on the finest ingredients from the market and prepared with a creative twist. 192 Pau Claris; 34-93/ 217-4338; barmut.com
Bar Velódromo
Built back in the 1930s, this airy, high-ceilinged bar was refurbished a few years ago by the Moritz beer company and returned to its original Art Deco splendor. The menu includes a long list of well-executed local classics. 213 Carrer de Muntaner; 34-93/430-6022
Can Majó
The small, family-run place along the beachfront in the old fishing quarter of Barceloneta serves what is simply the city’s finest seafood paella. 23 Almirall Aixada; 34-93/221-5455; canmajo.es
Moments
The signature restaurant at Barcelona’sMandarin Oriental hotel, Moments is run by Carme Ruscalleda (the world’s highest Michelin-ranked female chef) and her chef son Raül Balam. Expect freshness and innovation at this two-starred dining room. 38–40 Passeig de Gràcia; 34-93/151-8888; mandarinoriental.com
Monvínic
The finest wine bar in Barcelona has thousands of bottles in its cellar, of which 40 or 50 wines are available by the glass or half-glass. The mixed cheese plate is fantastic. 249 Carrer de la Diputació; 34-93/272-6187; monvinic.com
Petit Comitè
Traditional, sophisticated Catalan fare in the Eixample neighborhood by star chef Fermí Puig. 13 Passatge de la Concepció; 34-93/550-0620; petitcomite.cat
Pinotxo
Set inside La Boqueria, Pinotxo has just a few coveted stools at the bar where a cross-section of the city gathers to eat very well. Signature dishes include chickpeas with blood sausage and pine nuts, and baby quid flash-fried with small white beans. 91 Rambla de Sant Josep; 34-93/317-1731
Tapaç 24
Just off Passeig de Gracia, Carles Abellan’s modern tapas joint is open from 8 a.m. to midnight, takes no reservations, and offers a fine list of classic “little dishes” done to perfection. Don’t miss the creative dessert of bread with chocolate, salt flakes, and heady local olive oil. 269 Carrer de la Diputació; 34-93/488-0977; projectes24.com
Tickets
The most sought-after reservation in the city is at Tickets, the tapas bar run by the brothers behind El Bulli, Ferran and Albert Adrià. Their brilliant, surprising dishes are worthy of the El Bulli legacy—just be sure to book online well in advance. 164 Avinguda Parallel; 34-93/292-4253; ticketsbar.es
