Categories
Smarter dining

Arume

Arume is a charming local restaurant in El Raval

A bit of a favourite this one, and not just because it is close to home. Almost every dish on the menu delivers on its promise, and most are fairly imaginative too, without going over the top.

The service is spot-on, and the pricing is too low for what they deliver. No wonder it is always full from ‘tourist hour’ at 7pm until late. (That, and the fact that TripAdvisor rates it the best paella in town. The paella is fine, but there are others that are better – TripAdvisor is hardly a reliable arbiter.) Book ahead.

The charming Arume's shopfront

Calle Botella, 11-13

Tel: 933 154 872

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Categories
Casual/tapas

Caravelle

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

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Casual/tapas Smarter dining

Bar del Pla

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.

Bar del Pla_4

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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