UR Travel Guide
A time-saving, curated list of destinations for the discerning traveler.
Denassus
Why we like it
Don’t be fooled by the MANY tourist traps nearby. Denassus (Dionysus) has a super young, hip, energetic vibe in one of the hippest neighborhoods in Barcelona. Among our favorite restaurants in Barcelona and you need to call them for reservations. Order the Galician crab, truffle tortilla, squid with black sausage, tripe and snout stew, duck croquettes, grilled artichokes, and parmesan cheesecake. The unlikely food pairings are delicious and pair well with an outstanding wine list.
Where to find them
Carrer de Blai, 53, Barcelona, 8004, Spain
Were you here recently? Let us know how it went!
Maleducat
Why we like it
Whatever is in season will be on this menu elevated and flavor forward. It’s casual and a little quiet – a great place for a date and a conversation. The rice with prawn tartar and pig trotter carpaccio is a standout. During the season, Maleducat does not shave their truffles lightly.
Where to find them
Carrer de Manso, 54, Barcelona, 08015, Spain
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Lady Babka
Why we like it
For breakfast, lunch, or a snack this is one of the best bakeries in Barcelona. Babka in Barcelona? Yes, please! Along with fabulous sandwiches, coffee drinks, and baked delights in a sophisticated glam environment. We think we just had the best chicken curry sandwich we’ve ever had.
Where to find them
C. d'Enric Granados, 124, Barcelona, 08008, Spain
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Deliri
Why we like it
A website-less Barcelona standout. The vibe is all Spanish people who appreciate good food against a simple, warm backdrop. The standout is the red shrimp rice dish with samphire – thankfully meant to be shared. It’s delicious and rich.
Where to find them
Carrer de Còrsega, 242, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
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Amar
Why we like it
This cousin of Estimar has a stunning, luxurious dining room in the Palace Hotel built around an elegant bar. While a bit more formal, the seafood-focused menu is accessible and the bartender knows how to make a perfect gin martini. The crawfish carpaccio and the spider crab canelloni with sea urchin and crispy chicken skin are mouth wateringly delicious. That’s not your nana’s canelloni!
Where to find them
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 668, Barcelona, 08010, Spain
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Bar Salvatge
Why we like it
Explore the Gràcia neighborhood above Diagonal. If catching film in Gràcia or want a neighborhood wine bar on a Sunday then this is your place. Wines on tap or by the bottle along with delicious tapas are the perfect end to a great weekend. You might even bump into someone you know.
Where to find them
Carrer de Verdi, 50, Barcelona, 08012, Spain
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El Nacional
Why we like it
Although in a touristy area, this former garage turned high end food court is just the place to grab a lunch bite while shopping or a light dinner in the evening. A glass of cava and Galician oysters are delicious as well as the other tapas places throughout. It’s high design and has one of the best bathrooms on the strip (which you may use while shopping even if you’re not hungry for food).
Where to find them
Passeig de Gràcia, 24 Bis, Barcelona, 08007, Spain
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Paco Meralgo
Why we like it
The food is great and the service is fast. We don’t want to call it a tapas factory, because there is heart and soul in every bite, but they are interested in serving as many customers per night as possible. This is delicious and reliable and kid-friendly and open everyday for lunch and dinner. A must-eat is the Obama croquette. It’s an honorific, sublime bite made from cuddlefish and its ink. Paco Meralgo is also diagonally across the street from the best gelato place in Barcelona, Cremeria Toscana.
Where to find them
Carrer de Muntaner, 171, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
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Cremeria Toscana
Why we like it
If you find yourself at Paco Meralgo or anywhere in Eixample Left (L’Antiga Esquerra de l’Eixample) then this is the dessert destination. Dare we say it is as good as any gelato in Italy? Made fresh daily, there is usually a knowing line out the door during peak hours. It is sublime.
Where to find them
Carrer de Muntaner, 161, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
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Besta
Why we like it
One of our favorite restaurants in Barcelona, the dining room reminds us of Athens meets Barcelona. The menu is seafood meets beast as the name implies. We were wowed by the prawn tartar bite atop the crispy chicken skin and the prawn, egg, and spring pea soup with prawn dashi. Skip dessert and head to Cremeria Toscana around the corner for gelato.
Where to find them
Carrer d'Aribau, 106, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
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