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

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Barcelona

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

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Barcelona

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!

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Santa Piadina | Snacks, Restaurants (Italian) | Per piadina € 6
Plaça Sant Pere 11 | El Borne | +34932683359
13:00 – 00:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Barcelona

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!

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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

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Barcelona

Image by AC Uribe

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…

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

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Barcelona

Image by AC Uribe

I remember my mother saying it was a good option to cut your hair during new moon because it was supposed to grow quicker. However, when I came to Barcelona I realized there were other perks in cutting it in a full moon.

One of the most attractive hair saloons I had noticed was “La Pelu”. They have some stores around downtown, where you can always see interesting colors and styles in both the people that work and are served there.

La Pelu has a lot of special perks, but one of the longest running is the opening of the store at Argenteria (Argentería 70, near Santa Maria del Mar church) at night one Saturday a month, when the moon is full – from 22:00-01:30. On their web page they have the dates for these “special nights” – next ones are March 3, May 5 and June 2 (2012). An appointment is needed and you will get a reduction on the normal price – plus a fresh glass of cava and a very “Barcelonian” look. It is not possible to pay with credit cards.

If you want to take home a very personal souvenir, this might be a good experience. And well… maybe you even get your hair to grow faster than what you were expecting. Opening times change during summer months.

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La Pelu | Shopping | Haircut +/- € 40
Tallers 35 | El Borne | +34933019773
Mon & Sat 12:00 – 20:00, Tue – Fri 10:00 – 20:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Barcelona

Image by AC Uribe

La Campana is a store well known in Barcelona for their delicious turrones – the typical Spanish toffees, classic for Christmas. But the fact is that this high-calory treats are great whenever you feel a little chilly.

Be warned – being La Campana, one of the traditional turrón stores in Barcelona, you can find huge queues outside to get something – for Christmas dinner or to enjoy on a sweet-tooth afternoon. But if you can stand the challenge, just go and try. Indulge in the delicious smell coming out from the store and on the great holiday wrappings and package gifts.

Being a family business, you’ll find people behind the corner eager to explain the candy and even let you test it. If you want to take something back home or give a nice souvenir, don’t even hesitate. This is as local as you can get.

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La Campana | Snacks | Per kilo € 20.00
Flassaders, 15 | El Borne
Winter 10:00 – 21:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Barcelona

Image by Rafa Dujarric

“we had wine, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun…”

Well, despite the fact the summer is almost gone, we still have some wine and sun. But even if we didn’t, we would never run out of fun!

But thank god, it’s not so hot anymore. So it’s time for a juicy and succulent hamburger, not made with discarded items from the chain of consumption, surrounded by an urban vibe.

Anyway, despite the season Pim Pam will still be there before, during and afterwards – definitely the best and bigger burgers in town!

For the meat epicures and fast food sibaritas they also have frankfurters, bratwurst, chicken burgers, home made chips and stroganoff.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Pim Pam Burger | Snacks, Restaurants (Hamburger) | Roquefort burger € 5
sabateret 4 | El Borne | +34933152093
13:00 – 12:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Barcelona

Image by AC Uribe

In honest truth, sometimes during vacation one needs a little time off from restaurants. However, one doesn’t feel so adventurous as to cook or eat solely sandwiches.

This little place near the Borne market offers a good solution. From a simple salad to an impressive sushi plate – going into different tradition catalan meals – you could get most interesting things from the international diet – with, of course, a special interest in the Mediterranean meal.

I won’t say it is especially cheap because it is not – it is a about great food ready to eat. Don’t be scared, either: a plate of sushi is around 8€ and a roasted chicken can be around 10€. You don’t have to give a great deal of thinking (and cooking) for your special at home meal, with everything prepared and ready to microwave. They have all the range from starters to dessert, and a great selection of wines.

I was drawn in by the sushi platters but the selection of cheeses, oil, vinegar and other delicatessen canned product is worthwhile the visit. A little hint of Catalan: Bon àpat means, literally, good meal. And, if you ever need it, they offer catering service – to be arranged at the Borne store.

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Bonàpat | Shopping, Snacks
Pg. del Born 34 | El Borne | +34932954262
Mon – Sat 11:00 – 23:00, Sun 11:00 – 17:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Barcelona

Image by AC Uribe

For people staying in Barcelona who have an acquired “American” taste, just a few years ago it was very difficult to find a decent hamburger. However, lately small and tasty places seems to spring up in every corner, making the choices better and more interesting.

Bacoa is in an interesting neighbourhood, just behind the recently renovated Mercat de Santa Caterina. A close walk from the Cathedral, to find it you have to be a little adventurous and leave the Gotic area and start walking through the Ribera. And stop next to the light, as you see in the picture.

The main idea is as simple as a hamburger restaurant can be: good meat, special buns and great sauces. Be adventurous and ask for a Japanese burger with teriyaki sauce. Or, if you are very hungry, try the double-meat Bacoa burger. Or go easy with the Classic or Manchego one.

The people behind the counter are extra nice, but the fame of the place has spread quickly hence generating a great success and bringing in a lot of people at once. Be patient and try to get a chair somewhere. Or just take your burgers to eat at home, in front of the cathedral or in any park a warm Barcelona night.

My choice: try the Bacoa potatoes with special sauce – they’re like a nicely twisted version of the traditional “bravas” and the Japanes burger. Bacoa closes early but they can give you directions towards Kiosko – other burger joint (same owners) – 15 minutes walking.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Bacoa | Snacks, Restaurants (Hamburgers) | Burger € 6
Colomines 2 | El Borne | +34932689548
Tue – Thu 13:00 – 23:00, Fri – Sat 13:00 – 00:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Barcelona