If you're looking for a place to eat after exploring the wonders of Barcelona's Picasso Museum or wandering the streets of the Born neighbourhood, you’ll want to try these recommended restaurants. Here you can get inspiration in the goodness that is an arepa at a Venezuelan restaurant or gawk over the impressive list of more than 300 wines from around the world at a bodega/wine bar. Don’t leave the area without trying various types of cured meats available at so many spots or getting your fill of classic Catalan cuisine. But don’t take our word for it: the food from these restaurants will leave you just as impressed as the artwork at the museum.
Their reverence for the tradition of buying wine from the barrel, plus some local pressure, persuaded Can Cisa to combine a classic bodega at the entrance with a wine bar at the back. They stock some 300 wines, all from organic or biodynamic producers around the world at accessible prices. Of course, you're looking for more sustenance, so never fear: they also serve up lovely small dishes and tapas at lunch and dinner, and can recommend the best wines to pair with your choices.
The eponymous bubbly is actually a pretty low-grade cava, if truth be told, but it's a drinkable enough accompaniment to the tapas. Known for their anchovies, at El Xampanyet you won't find a menu, but rather a large array of tapas to enjoy after a trip to the Picasso Museum. Lined with coloured tiles, barrels and antique curios, the bar chiefly functions as a little slice of Barcelona history, and has been in the hands of the same family since the 1930s.
Bormuth opened during one of the transformations of the Born neighbourhood in the mid-2010s. Being popular with locals as well as visitors, the Born is sometimes overrun, so you need a keen eye to find good place to stop. At Bormuth you'll get good patatas bravas, and a splendid marinated and fried dogfish. The broken egg dishes with ham or 'chistorra' or black 'botifarra' sausage also help brighten up the day or night. The Russian salad and the tender croquettes with a crunchy outside are highly recommended. It's a great place to share dishes like these in a spot set up for group meals. Plus, they pour a good draught beer.
At Murivecchi, whether it's the pizza or anything else on their menu, they've got everything a classic Italian restaurant ought to have. Their starters list is complete with mozzarella, burrata, scamorza, salads and antipasti. Beyond that, you'll also find, carpaccios, all the pasta options you could ask for, gnocchi, risotto, steak tartare. You can order á la carte or ask for the daily set lunch menu if you fancy.
The team at La Puntual say the bodega is more than a tavern – it's also an attempt to keep good taste and quality at an affordable price in the neighbourhood. 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' brought in from the countryside. The 'trinxat' with egg is magnificent. Try sharing a rice dish with 'morcilla' sausage and horns of plenty. The constantly updated wine list includes fine selections for all tastes.
A charming restaurant with a range of classic dishes from Catalonia’s culinary culture. They bring together the concept of 'mar i muntanya' (dishes that feature food from both the sea and the land) with affordable ingredients that are easy to work with: cuttlefish, diced meat, vegetables in tomato sauce, and peas. The 'croquetes de l’àvia' (Grandma's croquettes), French beans and cod casserole are also among their standout dishes from the Catalan cookbook.
La Taguara is exclusively dedicated to making Venezuelan arepas (fried dough stuffed with various fillings). We recommend trying multiple types of arepas, as they are meant to be shared with friends or family. They're most commonly stuffed with beans and shredded meat, and you can add various cheeses, avocados and fresh vegetables for an arepa you won’t forget.
Help yourself to dainty 'jamón serrano' croissants, chicken tempura with saffron mayonnaise, melted provolone with mango and crispy ham, or a mini-brochette of pork. They've also got vegetarian and gluten-free options among their nearly 30 varieties of cold and warm 'pintxos' (Basque tapas) available throughout the day and night. Keep the toothpicks spearing each one, as they'll be counted up and charged for at the end.
This 'Caterian' (Catalan and Austrian) bar prides itself on fusing the cuisines of both cultures in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The home-made vermouth is only €1 a glass and is a popular beer alternative among locals (though a cold draught will only cost 50 cents more). Be sure to try the green beans and smoked cod or the smoky grilled vegetables paired with smoked salmon.
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