Spanish€€€born
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.
Signature: Market tasting, Tuna belly tartare
Order: The market-led tasting; ask for the wine pairing.
Tip: Closed Mon-Tue. Book two weeks ahead for a Friday or Saturday seat; the Wednesday turn is the easier walk-up.
Catalan Creative€€€€eixample
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.
Signature: Deconstructed paella, Foie gras crema
Order: The signature deconstructed paella and the live-flame fillet.
Tip: Closed Sunday. The 45 euro menu del dia at lunch is the entry; dinner doubles it.
Catalan Classic€€€born
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 €€€.
Signature: Parellada paella, Catalan cream
Order: The Thursday paella Parellada and the crema catalana to finish.
Tip: Lunch is easier than dinner; the noon paella is held on the menu every day of the week.
Catalan Classic€€eixample
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.
Signature: Esqueixada, Bacalla a la llauna
Order: The esqueixada starter and the bacallà a la llauna oven dish.
Tip: Closed Sunday and Monday. The 19 euro menu del dia at lunch is the value pick.
Spanish€€€barceloneta
Can Sole in Barcelona's Barceloneta has run since 1903, now in the fourth generation: marinera cuisine, lobster paella with socarrat, suquet de peix.
Signature: Lobster paella, Suquet de peix
Order: The lobster paella for two and a starter of bacalla fritters.
Tip: Closed Sunday dinner and Monday. Book a week ahead for weekend lunches; the paella needs 30 minutes from the kitchen.
Modern Tapas€€gracia
La Pepita in Barcelona's Gracia is the writing-on-the-wall counter where the croquettes and the tuna tataki built a Friday queue that runs into Sunday.
Signature: Croquettes, Tuna tataki
Order: The ham croquettes and the tuna tataki with avocado.
Tip: No reservations. Pile in at 12:30 or 19:30; bar walk-up easier than table.