Barcelona restaurants: the top tables booked

Gracia's self-proclaimed casual seafood restaurant at Torrent de les Flors, 71, has a sibling living very nearby. And Lluritu 2 has a capacity for 100 diners, thanks to its two storeys: the ground floor features high tables and stools, and the upper level is where you'll find chairs and tables. The menu is the same as in the original restaurant, though it's a bit expanded. According to one of the partners, Pau Roca, Lluritu 2 is a mid-range restaurant that serves up barbecued and grilled seafood using high-quality products and minimal elaboration. You will find their house classics, such as the 'pop sec' – octopus dried and hydrated with a spectacular oil – and seafood paella. Plus there are specialities of their own creation, such as a potato omelette with oil from juicy prawn heads, or waste-not cooking that uses as much of the fish as possible, such as sea bass cheeks, tuna 'parpatana' (between the fin and belly, complete tenderness) or a cuttlefish tartare. Lluritu 2 incorporates elements of bar food from outside Catalonia (Madrid bar food, Cádiz tapas), which is also always appreciated. Whatever you do, please book in advance.

As a master of the balancing act between elegance and cosiness, La Terraza del Claris is a safe bet for a great time. The view from the large rooftop is fairly good, but the true strength of this terrace is its unbeatable atmosphere of well-being and its stylish design. Unlike many other rooftop bars, La Terraza del Claris also boasts a top restaurant in the space. While there are certainly cheaper places to dine out, well-prepared Mediterranean specialities and the friendly wait staff make sure you get what you pay for.

This rather sanitised version of the flamenco tablao resides in faux-Andalusian surroundings in Poble Espanyol. You will find stars and young talent here on a regular basis, showcasing flamenco singing, dancing and music. Your price of admission depends on whether you like your flamenco show paired with a drink, tapas, the 'Carmen dinner' or the 'Star Evening'. Enjoy a cocktail out on their Cordoban-style patio before a show, or you can spring for a private flamenco show there as well. It’s advisable to book (up to a week ahead in summer). The admission fee includes entry to Poble Espanyol after 7pm.  

ABaC Restaurant Hotel Barcelona GL Monumento features stylish rooms with Bang & Olufsen plasma TVs, spa baths and rainfall showers. The hotel has a 2-Michelin star restaurant, run by renowned chef Jordi Cruz. This boutique hotel has a zen garden and a spa with a hot tub, pool and tatami. There are two treatment cabins. The hotel offers a one-night stay, a gourmet breakfast, a 30-minute spa treatment of your choice, and access to the hydro centre, all for a modest €251. There is a Lounge Bar, and you can visit the spacious gourmet kitchen. Twenty-four-hour room service is also available. All soundproofed rooms feature ultra-modern décor, free WiFi, a Nespresso coffee machine and satellite TV. The bathroom has a bathrobe, slippers and Hermès toiletries. Rooms also have remote-control lights, heating and blinds. Staff can arrange limousines and other luxury vehicles. Avinguda Tibidabo FGC Station is just 100 metres from the hotel and connects guests to Plaza de Catalunya in 10 minutes. The ABaC is set on Avinguda Tibidabo, an upmarket residential area of Barcelona.

A four-star hotel near El Prat airport, well connected and ideal whether you are in the area for work or leisure. Comfortable, quality and welcoming is the perfect way to describe the Sallés Hotel Ciutat del Prat. The establishment also has a restaurant with fine food and several set menus.

It's Hard Rock, so you know what you're getting. Giant American portions of burgers and fries, salads and free refills on soft drinks, desserts that are dangerous for diabetics, and a bunch of video screens blaring mostly rock music the whole time. There's also the occasional live show and celebrations of American sporting events and holidays.

El Patio Andaluz Restaurant offers Andalusian cuisine combined with a flamenco show right in the centre of Barcelona. El Patio Andaluz is decorated in true Andalusian style, with pots and colorful tiles, their cuisine offers traditional dishes from the south, but also offer other combinations. They also have on offer great wine to accompany their cuisine. The events are run by a Spanish dance group that specializes in Andalusian dance. They host flamenco shows every day of the year (two per day, one at 8.00pm and one at 10.00pm).  

A franchise that offers a salad buffet and a choice of several main dishes. It does the job.  

They offer a good lunch menu at the top of Rambla del Raval, one of Barcelona’s most diverse, multicultural thoroughfares. Mediterranean cuisine.