Okay, so the whole home-made produce thing and casual setting may scream hipster, but I’m not complaining: they have their own-label craft beer, their own smoked and cured pork products, and house-made pickles too. That means the burger is pretty fabulous (though it’s a double cheeseburger, so go hungry).
Caravelle also does a fantastic brunch, with plenty of eggy options for those slow-start days.
Carrer Pintor Fortuny, 31
Click here for more of the best dining in Barcelona
More a bar than bistro really, though there are some actual meals to be had along with an interesting selection of bar snacks, leaning towards more traditional French fare. The home-made hipster furniture is taken a bit too far, so you’re likely to find one half of your table reclined in a discarded sofa, while the others are on straight-backed dining chairs. Just about gets away with it though, as the staff really know their stuff, and the food and beverage offering is actually quite good.
C/Riera Alta 8
Click here for more of the best dining in Barcelona
Bar Lobo is just off La Rambla, and not too far into deepest, darkest El Raval, so you know there are going to be tourists. Still, it’s also on the local radar.
I have a a love/maybe-not-quite-love relationship with the place. When it is on, it can be great, and for me the trigger point is how busy they are: If you have to wait for a table – no bookings here – I’d suggest somewhere else, because the systems fall apart a bit when the place is full.
That said, if you avoid the plentiful deep fried menu items, there are some real gems – the tuna tataki is really quite fabulous, for instance.
I’d opt for indoor seating because the place is full of tourists, and the square in front sees a constant flow of often pushy buskers.
Carrer del Pintor Fortuny, 3,
Click here for more of the best dining in Barcelona