City breaks are a wonderful way to find the best a city has to offer but there's always a risk of missing something amazing that can only be found off the beaten track.
If you're heading to Barcelona for a quick weekend away then skip the overpriced cafés of Las Ramblas and check out these top spots!
For the oysters...La Gambeta
If you are visiting Barcelona there is no doubt you will find yourself in El Born. The area is home to the Picasso Museum, the Gothic cathedral La Santa Maria del Mar and a labyrinth of shops, restaurants and tourist attractions.
Within this labyrinth is La Gambeta, a pretty little fish and seafood restaurant which serves up the most beautiful passion fruit oysters in the world. The food was fresh, the staff went above and beyond and even wrote me a "must-see" list for the city.
For the paella....7 Portes Restaurant
The 7 Portes Restaurant just has something about it. The building itself is deceptively large and as you climb the stairs and walk from room to room, you can't help but appreciate its old school charm.
From its beautiful decor, retro checkered floors, impeccably dressed waiters and exceptional food, this restaurant ticks all the boxes. Not to mention it's home to the best paella in the city.
For the best fish dish...Xemei
In my opinion, Xemei is Barcelona's best-kept secret. It's that rare kind of place that seems to fit every occasion; a night out with friends, date night with your partner, a birthday celebration or simply a quick dinner.
The restaurant is small and homey with warm wooden furniture and fantastic artwork. The chefs are at your service and will happily whip up a dish at your request. The food is cooked to perfection and presented with artistic flair. While the restaurant is slightly out of the way, it's still within walking distance of the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia above the magic fountain of Montjuic. It makes for the perfect night in the city.
For tapas...Les Quinze Nits
Les Quinze Nits sits within Plaza Reial in the heart of Barcelona. The menu as a whole is impressive but the tapas stole the show with fresh guacamole, crisp nachos, spicy hummus with pita bread, shoulder ham with tomato-rubbed "cocoa" bread, home made roast chicken croquettes, creamy cod fritters and much more.
The location is ideal, the restaurant's surroundings are beautiful and the food is delicious. The service is a little slow so don't visit if you're in a hurry. This is a place made for slow lazy days and mand rounds of tapas.
For a bite at the beach...Bambú
The Bambú Beach Bar can be found on Platja de Levant, a beach within walking distance of Diagonal Mar shopping centre. The beach bar is bright and clean, the service is quick and the food and drinks are surprisingly tasty considering their casual appearance.
Start your morning with a surprisingly sweet vegetable omelet before dipping into the crystal clear sea. In the afternoon treat yourself to a delicious coconut and chili mojito*. As far as casual beach bars go, Bambú is a gem.
Check out our City Break London: The Food edition here.
