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Manairó
Where? Carrer de la Diputació, 424
Nestled away in Barcelona’s trendy Eixample district, Manairó offers an exciting and experimental twist on Catalan cuisine through the use of modern techniques. Chef Jordi Herrera’s innovative dishes earned the restaurant a Michelin star in 2008 and has since become a firm favourite among foodies. The restaurant is renowned for its inspiring and bold meat dishes, making the perfect place to dine if you are a meat lover. On the tasting menu, you can expect to find edgy dishes such as foie gras with whipped cream and coffee aioli, smoked rabbit croquettes and grilled beef tenderloin. The restaurant itself reflects Herrera’s creativity and the quirky and minimalist decor adds to the dining experience. What’s more, the prices are reasonable and the tasting menu will set you back just 70 euros, making it one of Barcelona’s more affordable Michelin star restaurants.
Koy Shunka
Where? Carrer de Copons, 7
Koy Shunka, run by chef Hideki Matsuhisa gained a Michelin star in 2013 for its outstanding Japanese cuisine. The restaurant has a fantastic reputation and is often mentioned among the best Asian restaurants in Barcelona. Indeed, renowned chef Ferran Adrià was so inspired by Koy Shunka’s style, he incorporated some of its elements at El Bulli. Chef Hideki Matsuhisa combines authentic Japanese flavours with local Catalan produce to create fresh and exciting dishes. On the menu, you will find traditional Japanese dishes such as sushi, sashimi, nighiri and tempura with a Mediterranean twist. Inside the restaurant, which is tucked away in a quiet side street in the Gothic Quater, the dining room is dark and stylish and the atmosphere is exciting. If you opt for the tasting menu, you can sit at the kappo-style counter and watch the chefs prepare ten delicate dishes right in front of you. The food doesn’t come cheap however with the tasting menu costing up to €115.
Tickets
Where? Avinguda del Paral·lel, 164
Opened by the Adrià brothers in 2011 following the closure of El Bulli, Tickets is a modern tapas bar serving up classic yet inventive Catalan dishes. As soon as you walk into the restaurant, you are struck by the bright colours and fairground theme with candyfloss machines and popcorn carts dotted around the space, creating a lively atmosphere. There are two dining areas and several stations specialising in different types of tapas. For those who missed out on El Bulli, Tickets serves up some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes including the spherical olives, air baguette and liquid ravioli all priced reasonably between €3 – €8. Given its popularity, it’s essential to book a few months in advance if you want to get a table. It’s well worth the wait though, the quirky setting combined with the outstanding food makes for an unforgettable experience.
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