5 spanish rooms in El Born, editor-picked by TableJourney. All of El Born's food · All spanish in Barcelona.

Bar del Pla ★ 4.5

Carrer de Montcada 2, 08003 Barcelona

Bar del Pla in Barcelona's Born is the locals' counter on Montcada that draws the chef trade for the modernised tapas and natural-wine. Priced at €€.

Tip: Open daily lunch and dinner; book the bar over the back room. Walk-up after 22:30 is the easier slot.

Montiel ★ 4.4

Carrer de Flassaders 19, 08003 Barcelona

Montiel in Barcelona's Born is a small-room tasting kitchen with Nabil Benhammou in the kitchen and Marcos Eiras in the dining room: a market-led menu.

Tip: Closed Mon-Tue. Book two weeks ahead for a Friday or Saturday seat; the Wednesday turn is the easier walk-up.

7 Portes ★ 4.3

Passeig d'Isabel II 14, 08003 Barcelona

7 Portes in Barcelona's Born has run since 1836: arched rooms, brass plaques on regulars' tables, a paella for each day of the week. Priced at €€€.

Tip: Lunch is easier than dinner; the noon paella is held on the menu every day of the week.

Bormuth ★ 4.3

Carrer del Rec 31, 08003 Barcelona

Bormuth in Barcelona's Born is the marble-counter tapas-and-vermouth room on Placa Comercial by Mercat del Born: classic patatas bravas, tortilla, croquetas.

Tip: Open daily lunch and dinner. Walk-in only; aim for 13:00 or 19:30 for a counter seat.

Elsa y Fred ★ 4.2

Carrer del Rec Comtal 11, 08003 Barcelona

Elsa y Fred in Barcelona's Born is the neighbourhood bistro on Rec Comtal that runs Catalan tapas with a vermouth list and a weekend brunch carte.

Tip: The brunch service runs Sat-Sun 11:00-16:00; the weekday menu del dia is the lunchtime deal.