The cosy dining room is a charming home from home' thanks to his wife Montse. Daughter N ria is an ace patisera, whose desserts provide a perfect finale to chef César Pastor's seasonal Catalan dishes. Booking essential.
Gaig.
Gaig started out in the 1800s as a small family tavern specialising in home cooking in the northern barrio of Horta. More than a century later, it is one of the city's top restaurants and the recipient of many awards. Master chef Carles Gaig is at the helm creating brilliant, innovative versions of old recipes: pheasant with plums, canelones with truffle sauce and mango ravioli are but a few. The wine list is equally impressive. Carles' wife, Fina, presides over the light, modern dining room.
Ruccula.
Housed in the heart of the spanking new, ultra-smart World Trade Centre, Ruccula has rapidly become a favourite among the Catalan capital's rich and glamorous. The reasonably priced food, prepared by top-class chefs, is Catalan-based with an ingenious Italian-Asiatic twist. A generous selection of dishes includes fresh pasta salad with langoustines in pesto or chicken yakitori with teriyaki sauce. Designed to resemble a magnificent floating vessel, the WTC is surrounded by sparkling sea views and makes for a luxurious setting.
Arc Café.
A recent arrival on the Barcelona scene, Arc Café is a gastro bar' run by German duo Thomas and Willi. Hearty Mediterranean, Caribbean and Asian-influenced dishes, such as chicken curry salad and sublime spicy veggie burgers, are prepared in the spotless open-plan kitchen amid warm, softly lit surroundings and a backdrop of mellow sounds. Tending towards the vegetarian, there's nevertheless a good selection of meat dishes too. Its location in a narrow, picturesque street near Plaza Reial makes it an ideal pre-club dinner venue.
Fil Manila.
A simple, homely restaurant overlooking a quiet square near Plaza de Catalonia, Fil Manila (Barcelona's only Filipino restaurant) offers excellent value for money.
