Batea

From the team behind Besta, Batea is the fish joint Barcelona needs and deserves. Whereas most other seafood-focused spots (known as marisquerías) tend to fall into one of two categories—overpriced fine-dining extravaganzas or mediocre deep-fried dive bars—Batea proves that the secret to success is simple: great people, great produce, and not taking yourself too seriously. The décor is colorful with pink-and-purple stripy wallpaper, the service is warm—don’t be surprised if you’ve made friends with your server before the night is over—and the food is exceptional. 

Kick things off with the seafood platter full of clams, razor clams, and some fresh Galician oysters before getting into mains like the cured bonito tuna with red pepper emulsion or the simple and perfectly grilled Mediterranean red prawns. Stick around after dinner and chat with the maître d' over a gin and tonic.