Barcelona: Tapas, Tapas and a Bit of Brunch
Gourmet Sensi
This is the sort of restaurant that brings a feeling that’s unique to a holiday meal: a mix of pure delight at every bite, combined with sadness that you won’t be able to eat it again until you’re back in the country. This was by far the standout meal for me. We kicked things off with creamy burrata with rich, tomatoey aubergine, and plenty of crispy bread to mop it up. This was delicious on its own, but then came the heavy hitters. First up, octopus. Incredibly tender, served with a rich mole sauce and mashed parsnip. Next, beef tenderloin (and it lived up to the name - SO TENDER!!!) topped with fresh chimichurri sauce and polenta… I always said I didn’t like polenta, but this one made me a convert. Last but not least I asked the waiter to pick a dish and surprise me and WOW. Fresh truffle ravioli, al dente, swimming in somehow simultaneously light but rich parmesan cream. If you’re in Barcelona do yourself a favour and do not miss this place. Do me a favour and send pics so I can live vicariously through you.
L’Alcoba Azul - Tapes
This place was cosy, aka small and dimly lit… the sort of restaurant that you go for lunch and leave with no concept of time, sleepily blinking in the sunlight like you’re a creature post-hibernation. This adds to the experience, so it’s a win win: the atmosphere is great and you’ll need to mislay your concept of time for the meal as the service is a littttttle slow, but grab a drink and sit back. It’s worth the wait for this very good tapas: fresh squid with beetroot, tangy roasted red peppers stuffed with goat’s cheese, accordion potatoes LOADED with sauce; one garlic, one tomato.
Milk Bar & Bistro
Now this little bowl might not look like much, but don’t be fooled by humble appearances. Sometimes simple is best, which was the case for this chorizo hash that let the quality of ingredients shine. Spinach, onion, potatoes, and of course, beautiful, moreish, rich, chorizo. And an egg.
Ramblero de la Boqueria
The Mercado de la Boqueria is a must-visit for everyone. Even if you don’t LOVE food (u ok?) you still gotta eat, and you should do it here at least once, for the culture. It’s the sort of place that bombards your senses until you’re paralysed by choice and grab the nearest seat, but try not to get overwhelmed and take your time strolling through the stalls. I can’t promise you’ll find this place but if you do stumble across it, go here. If you manage to grab a seat at the bar, you’ll enjoy some incredibly fresh seafood. The baby squid was so tender, the batter was light and not oily at all. I get the feeling that anything you order would be just as good.
JonCake
So I googled the best cheesecake and this place came up. I went on my first day and the queue was down the street. Whilst I love food, I do not love the concept of queuing for something because I am very impatient and very stubborn, so I’ve so far avoided doing so. But alas, the cheesecake was calling my name, so I went back the next day EARLIER than opening, and… there was still a queue. But I swallowed my pride and waited and it was so worth it. Both the brie and classic were equally as delicious in their own way but if you were going to order just one (don’t, get both) I’d go for the brie. It literally melts in your mouth, with a beaut biscuit base and burnt top. Heavenly.
Myra
A tiny little cafe tucked down an alley by the beach. This crepe was INCREDIBLE - buckwheat pancake with truffled egg, mozzarella, mascarpone, mushrooms and smoked ham.
