Alapar

Alapar might not look like the kind of place you’d book weeks ahead of time. The small dining room has minimalistic light-wood tables, beige leather chairs, and some hanging plants to add a splash of green. So why is it that Barcelonians are falling over themselves to snag a seat at the chef’s counter? 

That’s because this Japanese-inspired Mediterranean tavern lets its food do all the talking. Some standouts include the eel and teriyaki nigiri, the montadito, an open sandwich loaded with squid and Iberian pancetta, and punchy mains like the red mullet Catalan fish stew with foie gras. Alapar is the kind of unpretentious, under-the-radar fine-dining joint every city wishes it has, and is the ideal spot for that romantic moment away from the city.