The prices quoted below are for a three-course meal and for a bottle of house wine; they include IVA but do not include tip.
Arc Cafe
A recent arrival on the Barcelona scene, Arc Cafй is a 'gastrobar' 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 Plaзa Reial makes it an ideal pre-club dinner venue.
Carrer Carabassa 19
Tel: (93) 302 5204.
Price: EUR15. Wine: EUR6.
El Racу d'en Baltа
A favourite among hip young Catalans, this design-led restaurant cleverly avoids the design over substance clichй. This is because it combines a modern approach to traditional dishes, such as meatballs with cuttlefish, fish mousse or turrуn ice cream, with low prices, a decent wine list and a fascinating array of bizarre creations by British artist, Steve Foster. The upstairs dining room is a relaxing cocoon of gentle greens punctuated with eccentric odds and ends.
Carrer Aribau 125
Tel: (93) 453 1044.
Price: EUR14. Wine: EUR5.
Mama Cafe
Microwaves and processed or tinned foods are strictly prohibited in this stylish, fun vegetarian cafй-restaurant located in the Raval district, just off Las Ramblas. Using only the freshest ingredients, a range of innovative dishes, such as melon gazpatcho, are prepared daily. The use of bold, rainbow colours, recycled materials and laid-back sounds creates a happy, informal atmosphere.
Carrer Doctor Dou 10
Tel: (93) 301 2940.
Price: EUR15. Wine: EUR5.
Sikkim
Inspired by their travels to India, the owners have transformed this former grocery into a high temple of exotica complete with an abundance of candles, buddhas, wafting incense and rich, mood enhancing colours. The food is nevertheless Mediterranean, albeit complimented by ingredients from further afield, such as mangoes and yukka. Sikkim caters handsomely for vegetarians and carnivores alike with a decent range of dishes, including roast shark, vegetable risottos and homely cheesecakes.
Plaзa Comercial 1
Tel: (93) 268 4313.
Price: EUR21. Wine: EUR6.
Vildsvin
Urban Barcelona meets old Czechoslovakia in this chic, fusion-inspired cerveceria situated near the Generalitat, where modern furnishings and original 19th-century features are stylishly juxtaposed to pleasing effect. The menu is an intriguing mix of Eastern European dishes, such as Hungarian goulash and traditional Spanish platos and tapas. A wide range of beers and also wine are available.
Carrer Ferran 38
Tel: (93) 317 9407.
Price: EUR15. Wine: EUR6.
