Ignore the somewhat cookie cutter look and bizarre, ghastly drinks list (sponsorships see Moet and Coca Cola take centre stage) for some of the most clear and precise cooking in town. While one should definitely test the waters of molecular gastronomy with a round of the excellent El Bulli olives, what follows is all about sourcing wonderful products and doing as little as possible to let them shine. You’ll eat the best anchovies you’ve ever had, perhaps a plate of Jamon Iberico de Bellota, a few tins of pristine shellfish that they preserve in house, a wonderful tomato salad, the best pan con tomate and a slab of Presa Iberica de Bellota seared over coals, properly rested and served with nothing more than a little olive oil and sea salt, which makes you wonder why anyone would serve good meat with anything else.
For a nightcap, I’d jump in a taxi and head to the vibrant, rambling Raval district for some absinthe at is Bar Marsella, which has been serving up glasses of this turbid, herbal, energising drink for many years in one of the most lovely rooms in town. Be sure to leave after one.
Barcelona Addresses
El Quim & Pinotxo Bar
Las Ramblas 89, Barcelona
Monday –Saturday 8am-8pm
La Cova Fumada
Calle Baluard 56
9am-3pm Monday-Wednesday, 9am-3pm & 6pm-8:15pm Thursday & Friday, 9am-1pm Saturday, Closed Sundays
Bar Brutal
Carre de la Princesa 14
10am-1am Daily
L’Anima del Vi
Viagatans 8
5pm-Midnight, Monday-Saturday
Morro Fi
Consell de Cent 171
6pm-11pm Monday-Thursday, 12pm-4pm & 6pm-11pm Friday & Saturday, 12pm-4pm Sunday
Bodega 1900
Tamarit 91
Monday-Saturday 1-8pm
Bar Marsella
65 Sant Pau
9pm-3am daily
Alex Whyte is the co-owner of Tutto Wines, a specialist importer of artisan wines from Italy
tuttowines.com