Transatlàntic

In one of Barcelona's busiest neighborhoods, you turn a corner and you practically run right into this bar/restaurant, an oasis for local workers and retirees trying to survive in the epicentre of an area popular with floods of tourists. The set lunch menu is fairly priced, and the dishes are humble but prepared with care. Among the first courses are 'patates de pobre' (poor-man's potatoes) – with chorizo, divine; a generous portion of macaroni; or home-made lasagna. Main courses include options like cod with 'samfaina' (courgette and aubergine) sauce; fricassee, or an excellent 'entraña' – a very tender cut of beef.