La Cova Fumada

This tavern frequented by those who work at or near the sea has got to be a favourite for hearty lunches in Barcelona. Among the iron-and-marble tables, you can get lunch specialities every day that will put hair on your chest: stewed garbanzos, 'capipota' and salted cod are just some of the stars on the menu. La Cova Fumada is said to be the birthplace of the spicy potato and mince meat 'bomba', and as Josep Maria tells us, it was here where, over 60 years ago, his grandmother Maria Pla invented this local delight. It was later popularized by Magí, Josep Maria's father, who added a touch of charisma, a dash of fun, and a powerful spicy sauce to the secret recipe to create a legend.