SPAIN - Best of Europe 2014 - page 1491

hungrydiner forabout €20(daily 8:30-24:00, Carrer de l'Argenteria 51,Metro: Jaume I,tel.
932-688-559).
El Xampanyet (“The Little Champagne Bar”), a colorful family-run bar with a fun-lov-
ingstaff(JuanCarlos,hismom,andthemanwhomaybehisfather),specializesintapasand
anchovies.Don'tbeputoffbytheseafoodfromatin:Catalanslikeitthisway.A sortido (as-
sorted plate) of carne (meat) or pescado (fish) with pa amb tomàquet (bread with crushed-
tomato spread) makes for a fun meal. It's filled with tourists during the sightseeing day, but
this is a local favorite after dark. The scene is great but—especially during busy times—it's
tough without Spanish skills. When I asked about the price, Juan Carlos said, “Who cares?
The ATM is just across the street.” Plan on spending €20 for a meal with wine (same price
at bar or table, Tue-Sat 12:00-15:30 & 19:00-23:00, Sun 12:00-16:00 only, closed Mon,
a half-block beyond the Picasso Museum at Carrer de Montcada 22, Metro: Jaume I, tel.
933-197-003).
In the Eixample
The people-packed boulevards of the Eixample (Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla de Catalun-
ya) are lined with appetizing eateries featuring breezy outdoor seating. Choose between a
real restaurant or an upscale tapas bar. For locations, see the map on here .
Restaurants in the Eixample
(See “Hotels & Restaurants in Barcelona's Eixample” map, here .)
La Rita is a fresh and dressy little restaurant serving Catalan cuisine near the Block of Dis-
cord.Theirlunches(threecourseswithwinefor€10,Mon-Fri13:00-15:45)anddinners(€10
plates, €21 fixed-price dinners, Sun-Thu 20:00-23:00, Fri-Sat from 20:30) are a great value.
Like most of its sister Andelana restaurants—described on here —it takes no reservations
and its prices attract long lines, so arrive just before the doors open...or wait (near corner of
Carrer de Pau Claris and Carrer d'Aragó at d'Aragó 279, a block from Metro: Passeig de
Gràcia, tel. [phone]).
La Bodegueta is an atmospheric below-street-level bodega serving hearty wines,
homemadevermouth, anchoas (anchovies),tapas,and flautas —sandwichesmadewithflute-
thin baguettes. On a nice day, it's great to eat outside, sitting in the median of the boulevard
under shady trees. Its daily €12 lunch special of three courses with wine is served
13:00-16:00. A long block from Gaudí's Casa Milà, this makes a fine sightseeing break
(Mon-Sat 8:00-24:00, Sun 19:00-24:00, at intersection with Carrer de Provença, Rambla de
Catalunya 100, Metro: Provença, tel. [phone]).
Restaurante la Palmera serves a mix of Catalan, Mediterranean, and French cuisine
in an elegant room with bottle-lined walls. This untouristy place offers great food, service,