Barcelona Sarrià

There is one main reason to go to Sarrià to eat: Bar Tomás. The patatas bravas mecca of Barcelona and of the world, the venue is well worth the somewhat tiresome trip out. There’s no Metro here; you’ll have to catch an FCG train or a cab. If you’re hungry for something more than bravas, or searching for a quick dinner before going out, head to Calle Santalo or Calle Marià Cubí. These streets have a number of excellent and affordable restaurants.

Bar Tomás, C. Major de Sarrià, 47 (☎932 03 10 77). FGC: Sarrià. From the FCG stop, take C. l’Hort de la Vila to C. Major de Sarrià. This unassuming bar serves legendary and possibly life-changing patatas bravas. They’re spicy, they’re salty, and Barceloneses know that you can’t eat just one (plateful, that is). Still unconvinced? Ben & Jerry’s ran a billboard ad campaign in Barcelona in summer 2009 that read: “Delicious like the ‘bravas’ of Tomás.” Patatas bravas €2.40. Take-away €3.90-€5. Open daily noon-4pm and 6-10pm. Cash only.
La Burg, Paseo San Juan Bosco, 55 (☎932 05 63 48; www.laburg.com). FGC: Sarrià. La Burg brings the trendy notion of gourmet hamburger to Barcelona—at decidedly non-gourmet prices. Order 1 of 10 types of hamburger. Veggie burgers available. Burgers come with french fries, patatas bravas, or a salad. Burgers €7-9. Open daily 1-4pm and 8-11pm. MC/V.
Can Puyentes, C. Marià Cubí, 189 (☎932 00 91 59). FGC: Gracià. Walk 10min. down C. Marià Cubí; the restaurant is on your left. This popular restaurant has made humility its specialty. Wholly unpretentious, it serves up delicious traditional Catalan dishes in a warmly lit room. Choose from a number of traditional vegetable dishes (like artichokes) and tostadas, or try the botifarra catalana (Catalan sausage). Entrees €5-12. Open daily 1-4pm and 9pm-midnight. MC/V.
Casa Lizarriturry BCN, C. Castellnou, 37. (☎932 05 30 33; www.lizarriturry.com) FGC: Sarrià. This family-run, open-air corner restaurant is absolutely charming. Sit at 1 of its tables, admire fresh flowers and homemade dessert options, and eat gourmet dishes. Lunch menú (€13) includes entrees such as gazpacho, bacalao-and-tomato salad, and lasagna. Entrees €10-20. Open Tu-F 1-4pm and 9pm-midnight, Sa 9pm-midnight. MC/V.
Pizza Via, C. de Francesc Carbonell and C. de Mateu Benet. Maria Christina. Walk up C. del Capita Arenas to C. de Francesc Carbonell; make a right and walk 1 block down. This casual pizzeria has patio seating, just the place to refuel for cheap. Lunch menú €9. Pizzas €6-9. Open M-Sa 1-4pm and 8pm-midnight. Cash only.
Santalo 103, C. Santalo, 103. (☎932 01 97 95) FGC: Mutaner. Hanging lights, flowered wallpaper, and modern chairs make this restaurant-bar both romantic and chic. Serves Mediterranean dishes such as salad with goat cheese, nuts, and honey vinaigrette. Entrees €12-20. Open Tu-Sa 1-3:45pm, M-Sa 8:30-11:30pm. MC/V.
Restaurante Orange, C. Rosari, 52. (☎934 18 10 85 ) FGC: Tres Torres. Walk down V. de Augusta. This restaurant occupies a beautiful residential house on the fringe of one of Sarrià’s mansion-filled neighborhoods. Its dark wooden interior is decidedly formal. The menu is gourmet; serves Italian pasta and Argentinian meat. Try the duck confit with bacon and a cabernet reduction (€13). Lunch menú €8.90. Entrees €8-18. M-Sa 1-4:30pm and 9pm-midnight. AmEx/MC/V.
JustIn Sushi Bar, C. Tuset, 28. (☎934 15 70 32) FGC: Gracià. Cafe by day, sushi bar by evening, and bar by night. Roll with smoked salmon and mango cream cheese €9. Entrees €9-25. Open M-Sa 1-4pm and 9pm-2am. MC/V.
No Me Quite Pa, C. Marià Cubí, 189. (☎934 14 03 76) FGC: Muntaner. Walk down C. Muntaner to C. Marià Cubí and make a right; the restaurant is on your right. Funky green walls and an eclectic mix of dishes. Try the hamburger sampler (€9.20), the chicken with lime and ginger (€6.90), or the grilled monkfish with vegetables (€19). Open M-Sa 1-4:30pm and 8:30pm-midnight, Th-Sa until 1am. MC/V.
Restaurante Japones J8, C. Marià Cubí, 179. (☎934 14 73 26) FGC: Muntaner. Walk down C. Muntaner to C. Marià Cubí and make a left; the restaurant is on your right. A well-lit dining room with light wood tables. Offers both in-house dining and take-away. Lunch menú €7.80. Dinner menús (€13-20) include miso soup, salad, gyoza, sushi, and more. Fill up on sushi (€4.50-14) or order one of the other specialties, such as a hot-wok of chicken with teriyaki sauce (€5.80). Open daily 1-4pm and 8pm-midnight. MC/V.