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MexicanSant Antoni
Come by Paco Mendez in Barcelona's Sant Antoni is the one-star Mexican fine-diner in the former Hoja Santa room: Mendez's COME Festival tasting bridges.
OrderThere is only the COME Festival tasting menu; trust the kitchen.
TipReservations 6 weeks ahead. Closed Sun-Mon. The wine pairing leans Mexican and Mediterranean.
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Modern TapasEixample
Mont Bar in Barcelona's Eixample is Iván Castro's tapas-counter-with-a-Michelin-star: tasting plates over a wooden bar with an obsessive natural-wine list.
OrderWhichever tasting menu they call; the wine pairing is the move.
TipCounter seats book 4 weeks ahead. Tue-Sat dinner only. Closed Sun-Mon.
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SpanishBorn
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.
OrderThe market-led tasting; ask for the wine pairing.
TipClosed Mon-Tue. Book two weeks ahead for a Friday or Saturday seat; the Wednesday turn is the easier walk-up.
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Catalan CreativeEixample
Manairo in Barcelona's Eixample is Jordi Herrera's one-star room where the deconstructed paella in a tomato shell and live-flame fillet built the reputation.
OrderThe signature deconstructed paella and the live-flame fillet.
TipClosed Sunday. The 45 euro menu del dia at lunch is the entry; dinner doubles it.
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Catalan ClassicBorn
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 €€€.
OrderThe Thursday paella Parellada and the crema catalana to finish.
TipLunch is easier than dinner; the noon paella is held on the menu every day of the week.
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Catalan ClassicEixample
Casa Amalia in Barcelona's Eixample is a 1950s neighbourhood dining room where bacallà a la llauna and esqueixada sit on the carte every weekday lunch.
OrderThe esqueixada starter and the bacallà a la llauna oven dish.
TipClosed Sunday and Monday. The 19 euro menu del dia at lunch is the value pick.