Eat Out Barcelona

Traditional Catalan cuisine draws on Mediterranean influences like tomatoes and olive oil as well as using ingredients more typically associated with Spain such as minced pork, cured meats and various beans. As you'd expect for a coastal region, Catalans are also very keen on seafood. All of this combines to create a wonderful melting pot of styles and flavours which gives cause for the region to stand out as a gastronome's paradise. Here are some of the best places to eat across Barcelona, from the lavish to the simple, whether you want to splash out or keep to a budget.

Cinc Sentits

For modern Catalan cuisine in minimalist surroundings, this smart and trendy restaurant is the place to be seen. Established by Michelin-starred chef Jordi Artal in 2004 it has quickly established itself as one of Barcelona's top eateries with a reputation for excellence. Without a traditional a la carte menu diners are treated to course after course of smaller tasting menu dishes as chosen by the chef on the day.

c/ Aribau 58, Tuesday – Saturday 13:30 – 14:45 and 20:30 – 22:00

La Paradeta

This mini chain of four restaurants across the city makes the perfect choice for tourists looking to keep their spending down. Hearty, fresh seafood dishes are prepared in front of you from whatever's on offer on the day. Something of a no frills restaurant, you take a numbered ticket when choosing your food and find yourself a table while it's being cooked. Quick, simple and reasonably priced, La Paradeta is a real Catalan experience.

Various locations, Tuesday – Saturday 20:00 – 23:30 and Sunday 13:00 – 16:00

Dos Palillos

For something a bit different why not try this excellent Spanish/Asian fusion restaurant in El Raval? The two cuisines may seem very different but are linked by the fact that they both use sticks to eat with (Spaniards use toothpicks for their tapas whilst Oriental people have chopsticks). It's an unusual concept but one that works very well and diners have the choice of the traditional Spanish style tapas bar or the sushi-restaurant style Asian bar where you are served by the chefs.

c/ Elisabets 9, Tuesday – Saturday 19:30 – 23:30

7 Sins

This chic restaurant and music venue just oozes cool but don't be put off by the trendy crowd frequenting the noisy bar below, it is an excellent place to dine. They claim to serve the best burgers in Barcelona, and it's hard to disagree. Living up to its name the 7 Sins menu is just one decadent, mouth-watering treat after another and you're sure to be left feeling gluttonous by the time you've finished your meal.

c/ Mutaner 7, Monday – Sunday 18:00 - late

One thing's for sure, you can't but help and love the food and restaurants in this great city. ¡Buen Provecho!