El Born Archives - Page 4 of 4 - Love it There*

Bar Brutal specialists in natural wines from Spain and around the globe. The food's pretty good too

Not a destination for masochists, necessarily. Some smartly prepared dishes with fresh produce, but the schtick here is the massive list of brutal (or natural) wines from across the globe.

Unless you’re an anorak you’re probably not going to recognise any labels here – and you’ll be challenged by them too. A lack of sulphites means no next-morning headaches, but it may be a headache to find the right one for you.

We went by the glass and tried a few – a safe choice, to be sure. If you’re a fan of natural wines, you may feel you’ve reached Nirvana, if not, you may wonder what the fuss is all about.

C/Barra de Ferro, 1 – enter through Can Cisa C/Princesa, 14

Tel: 932 954 797

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Bar del Pla is a traditional-looking tapas joint that doesn’t seem vastly different from the rest with its unassuming facade, but one that raises the food to a higher level.

You’re not coming here for the décor, and what is it with the floodlit restaurants in this town? But it is worth the (probable) wait for a seat here.

There’s a little experimentation in the kitchen, but largely Bar del Pla is all about the standards done really well. They may not be described very accurately on the menu either: the “fried small fish” turned out to be more like a fisherman’s platter, and very good too.

Menu descriptions are pretty basic, but almost everything that comes out is excellent. And the wait staff really know their wines – and there a lot on offer.

Bar del Pla packed with locals, so that’s a good sign, and definitely worth traveling to El Born to visit. It may be on the same street as the Picasso Museum, but it’s a world away in atmosphere.

Bar del Pla is at the top of my recommendations in Barcelona for this style of dining, and everyone I’ve recommended it to has loved it.

Book ahead, or be prepared to wait.

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Calle Montcada, 2

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