Tapas is great. Lots of little plates, perfect for a sociable meal where you get to share food with friends and taste lots of different dishes. But after you've been living in Barcelona for a while, the novelty of tapas can start to wear thin. If you're at the point where you're bored of bravas and pimientos de padrón, there are lots of great spots around town that serve up something entirely different. So here are our top five spots, for those with tapas fatigue!
Caravelle
One of our favorite restaurants in the city, Caravelle has gone from strength to strength in over the years and the brunch has become a Raval institution, with queues out the door every weekend. It's easy to see why - their dishes are all put together with great attention to detail, each one featuring fantastic flavor combinations. Avoid the brunch queues by heading along at dinnertime and sampling their latest menu.
Main courses from 9€ - 13€, Carrer de Pintor Fortuny, 31
Bun Bo
Serving up Vietnamese-inspired dishes, the fresh combinations of ginger, chilli, lemongrass and mint are a world away from tapas! Bun Bo has two locations, one in El Raval and one in El Gótico. The menu is extensive and has lots of vegetarian options, but our favourite is the pho bò - a noodle soup served with beansprouts, mint and sliced chill peppers. It can get busy at weekends, especially in the Raval branch, so if you're going on a Friday night it's better to head to the Gótico restaurant. If you get there early you might even nab a table on the terrace!
Main courses from 8€ - 12€, Calle Sagristans, 3
La Malandrina
This Uruguayan steak joint in Barceloneta is one for dedicated carnivores only. The menu doesn't have a huge range - you can pick a cut of meat, cooked to order, and accompanied by chips, potatoes dauphinoise or salad. It's not fancy, but the portions are generous and the kitchen are very good at what they do - and while you're waiting for your meal you're served with complimentary bread and dip. The restaurant doesn't have much of an online presence, but word has spread - you'll have a wait for your table most nights, but the bar will serve you a drink to nurse while you wait. The house red is cheap and delicious and the meat is always cooked to perfection - what more could you ask for?
Main courses from 8€ - 15€, Carrer de L'Almirall Cervera, 5
Sushi-ya
Tucked up a side street in el Gótico, Sushi-ya does a whole range of authentic Japanese sushi at great prices. They have a couple of combinations that are very reasonable priced and let you try different things off the menu - the assorted sushi deluxe combo is only 12€. Don't be put off by the pictures on the menu (usually a terrible sign) - everything is freshly prepared and delicious. They also serve Japanese beers to go along with your sushi.
Sushi combos from 8€ - 12€, Carrer del Cometa, 3
Flax and Kale
This flexitarian restaurant serves up mostly vegetarian fare, with some of the dishes featuring fish. Their menu is well-marked for allergies and intolerances, so it's a good place to go if you have dietary requirements. The menu is extensive and imaginative, standouts including the kale salad and the slow-baked salmon. They've started a kids' menu too if you're going along as a family. Don't forget to pick up one of their cold pressed juices on your way out, and you'll sustain your healthy glow for days!
Mains from 13€ - 25€, Carrer de Tallers, 74B
Where do you eat when you're sick of tapas? Let us know in the comments!
