Image by AC Uribe

The first thing you’ll see when you come in at Mundial Bar (or Bar Mundial, as the people refer to it): dozens of boxing pictures that give certain authenticity to the place. Besides that? A very busy bartender that will see that you get seated if there’s any available place – that is, if you didn’t call to reserve a table.

This is one of the tapas places that, living in Barcelona, I think is definitely worth the visit at least once a month even if you have to call in advance to get a table or get there very early and is not cheap at all. The reasons: simple, perfect food. Patatas bravas that are well fried and spicy enough, but not dripping with excessive fat. Very well done and selected sea food, in simple preparations.

They also have wonderful “suggestions of the day”: they are not in the menu but you shouldn’t worry. They are really surprises of what the chef found in the market. They also have a reasonably priced wine menu. And great desserts.

The site then, is lovable. However, it’s important to take into consideration that not all waitresses are equally helpful and/or nice all the time. But mostly, they don’t go into blunt rudeness and the food is always well worth the visit. Mundial Bar is a great option for dinner and weekend lunch.

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Mundial Bar | Restaurants (Seafood, tapas) | Meal & wine from € 25
Plaça Sant Agustí Vell 1 | El Borne | +34933199056
Tue – Thu 13:00 – 16:30 & 21:00 – 23:30, Wed 13:00 – 16:30, Fri – Sat 13:00 – 16:30 & 21:00 – 00:00, Sun 13:00 – 16:30 & 20:30 – 23:00

Image by AC Uribe

Visiting China, one of the most appealing things was having dumplings and dim sum for breakfast. A few months ago, I discovered I can have them for dinner in a small restaurant downtown. And they are the real ones – Chinese cooks work hard every midday and night at Mosquito to get them fresh and quickly to your table.

Mosquito is mostly an Asian tapas (small portions) bar with a great selection of beers: Belgium, Dutch, French and, of course, Catalan beers brewed near Barcelona or in the city. Don’t expect fusion food or Spanish tapas because you will find none of those.

The menu is difficult to understand the first time, but the waiters are quite happy to explain it to you -in English too. If you are not a beer person, you can always try their supreme selection of vermuts or a nice white wine.

I love the fact that it is open late and they actually serve food late on weekdays. They don’t take reservations and the place is small, so if you pass by and see a table, grab it.

Mosquito is partially “hidden” in the small streets of the Borne, but it is easy to find if you turn right in the first street going up – towards the mountain (check my article locating yourself in Barcelona) – after Princesa, by Metro stop Jaume I. The street is called “Boria” but it will eventually change into Carders… and you’ll find Mosquito at the end of the road. Enjoy!

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Mosquito | Restaurants (Asian) | Main meal +/- € 16
Carders 46 | El Borne | +34932687569
Mon 19:30 – 00:30, Tue – Sun 13:00 – 01:00

Image by AC Uribe

One new traditional Italian plate is sweeping Barcelona: the piadinas. They are easy to eat, not very expensive and can be as imaginative as the client adventurous. The idea is simple: a basic bread, thin (very much like Mexican tortillas, I have to say) that you can fill with both savoury and sweet foods.

At Santa Piadina they make the artisan mixture in-situ to serve the piadinas fresh and authentic. The fillings keep on changing, with “Piadina del Día”, and also some seasonal or market variation, includying for example, fresh calamari. You can have them with a soda, a beer or a glass of bubbly Italian lambrusco. If your salty tooth is satisfied, don’t leave without some sweet discovery: maybe one with Nutella and banana or other fruits, honey and sugar.

Somewhere between a crêpe and a taco, it’s a quick and tasty way to eat for me, even on the go. And if none of the “standard” combinations really attract you, it’s always possible to make your own combination. Ask! They are friendly!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Santa Piadina | Snacks, Restaurants (Italian) | Per piadina € 6
Plaça Sant Pere 11 | El Borne | +34932683359
13:00 – 00:00 daily

Image by AC Uribe

One lovely thing about Barcelona is that you get to know people from all countries on the world – or at least it seems like it. One of my closest friends is a Serbian guy who discovered this tiny place that prides itself in being the only bar with original Rajika in Barcelona.

The Rajika is a typical and strong liquor distilled from different kinds of fruits – very typical in the Balkan region. When you go to Paspartú and you order it, the Balkan owners will ask you if you want a soft Rakija/Rakia (around 22º) or a strong one (40º). They have different flavors to try but I have to say I that those involving red fruits (cherries, any kind of berries) are very nice.

If you’re not in the mood for strong new alcoholic experiences, you can also try a very cold beer or a normal mixed drink. Not too expensive, not too big, not too loud – those seem to be the codes that make this tiny place a great new discovery. Thanks, Vlada!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Paspartú | Bars | Shot of Rakija € 3
Basses de Sant Pere 12 | El Borne
Mon – Thu 19:00 – 02:00, Fri – Sat 20:00 – 03:00

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This is common to most people, but until a few years ago I didn’t know vegetarian could be so nice and even exciting. La Báscula, a small place hidden in the middle of smalls streets at the heart of the Borne, is a good example on how good work and good ingredients can turn into superb plates without the need of meat protein.

The menu is not always constant since they change from season to season, but if you’re really hungry be completely sure that a big “bocadillo” will completely satisfy you. It’s not that you have too many things to choose from, but else a lot of possible combinations. Dare and go for a sandwich that you had never try before – with apple, perhaps – and enjoy the texture of good natural bread.

One thing that I absolutely love are their frozen cocktails. But they are not typical ones: I keep on falling for that called “Corazón Latino” that is fresh strawberry with red wine and a lot of ice. Beware – some items in the menu might not be available off season.

You can sneak into the kitchen and see the hectic movement. No credit cards accepted, no fancy china. They do have a small bike parking, though. Go healthy and try…

Details about this spot (Show on map)
La Báscula | Restaurants (Vegetarian) | One BIG sandwich € 9
Flassaders 30 bis | El Borne | +34933199866
Wed – Sat 13:00 – 23:30, Sun13:00 – 19:00