Bodega La Puntual

Two lineages, two stories, two faithful followers in the footsteps left by their predecessors: José Varela and Joan Carles Ninou. The parents of the first excelled for many years in Barcelona's uptown area as head of La Xarxa, which is now Casa Varela. The second is the son of Estevet, who, from the bar at Xampanyet, taught us how to distinguish quality – the sublime difference between one clam or cockle and another, and the same for anchovies and  all the tinned products placed in front of him, as well as the first tasty dishes of a Barcelona that was torn between the mundane and the rebellious in the '70s.

Joan Carles and José found out the space was free and decided to go for it. A year and a half later they quietly opened the doors at La Puntual, which they say is more than a tavern – it's more an attempt to keep good taste and quality at an affordable price in the neighbourhood. And it's just what the Born was in need of. The owners teamed up with Felipe, an experienced chef, to get inspired by the surroundings and successes in spots like Xampanyet, Casa Varela, Taberna del Born, El Cuévano and El Rosal de Jose.

You can kick off your tasting experience with the mortadela with truffles, anchovies on ice, quality ham or an exceptional 'capipota' with chickpeas. Carry on with the tuna tartare and seasonal 'calçots' that a friend brings in from the countryside. The 'trinxat' with egg is magnificent. At comfortable tables, you can share a rice dish to which Felipe adds 'morcilla' sausage and horns of plenty. The wine list includes fine selections for all tastes that's constantly updated.