Bliss
A cute little teahouse on a hidden alley of Gotico, Bliss is open all day, meaning no going hungry during siesta. The simple but tasty fare includes homemade cakes, fresh salads, pastas and pitta sandwiches.

Address: 4 Plaça Sant Just | Telephone: 932 681 022 |

Bouzu
Modelled on the informal izakaya (the Japanese equivalent of the pub), Bouzu serves up an array of cuisines from the land of the rising sun - many in tapas form, such as karaage (fried chicken), takowasa (octopus marinated with wasabi) and tataki (beef carpaccio). Extreme types can ask for the sake menu.

Address: 26 Ronda San Antoni | Telephone: 934 433 226 |

Cera 23
Despite its location on one of Barcelona's grimiest streets, it's hard to get a table at this swanky softly lit fusion restaurant in Raval. Tuna steaks rolled in sesame seed coating and king prawns in mango sauce are delicious, as are the blackberry mojitos.

Address: 23 Carrer de la Cera | Telephone: 93 442 0808 |

Ziryab
Bare brick walls, low lighting and a cosy (some would say cramped) mezzanine floor with ottoman-style seating, create an intimate vibe at this Arabic tapas restaurant. Shared platters include the likes of bacon-wrapped dates and dips, best washed down with Lebanese wine.

Address: 4 Carrer de Grunyi | Telephone: 93 667 3786 |

La Isabela
The splendid rooftop terrace of the famous Hotel 1898 is the place to go for tapas of fish and leek tempura, Iberian ham and patatas bravas (fried potatoes in a spicy sauce), all served up alongside panaromic views of Barcelona.

Address: Hotel 1898, 109 La Rambla | Telephone: 93 552 9552 |

Biblioteca
Serene and airy, and with an open kitchen at one side, Biblioteca offers high-end, modern Mediterranean cuisine without getting bogged down with pretensions. Dishes such as slow-cooked lamb and venison pie hit the spot, while the apple tart has deservedly garnered rave reviews.

Address: 28 Carrer Junta de Comerç | Telephone: 934 126 221 |

Botafumeiro
For exquisite Galician shellfish and fresh fish, make a beeline for the polished wooden interior of Botafumeiro in Gracia. Woody Allen, Julio Iglesias and the King of Spain have all called by on their travels.

Address: 81 Carrer Gran de Gracia | Telephone: 93 218 4230 |

La Estrella Restaurant
Hidden away behind Estacio de Franca train station, La Estrella first opened its doors in 1924 and nearly a century on still has an excellent reputation with the locals. The food is classic Catalan with a few twists, but don't expect any molecular nonsense here. Carpaccio of pork knuckle, Romesco cod and homemade tiramisu are amongst the specialties.

Address: 6 Carrer Ocata | Telephone: 933 102 768 |