Barcelona Sants

Historically an industrial district, Sants boast a surprising number of high-quality restaurants, many of which serve international cuisine. The area around Plaça Osca, a block up C. de Riego from C. de Sants, is a good place to explore. Restaurants also line Passeig de Sant Antoni and nearby side-streets. For meat, fish, produce, and other groceries try the Mercat Hostafrancs, C. Creu Coberta, 93 (☎93 431 86 06; open M-Th 7am-2pm and 5:30-8pm, F 7am-2pm, Sa 7am-3pm).

Blau, C. Tenor Masini, 61 (☎933 30 01 12). Pl. de Sants. Sleek, modern black and white dining area, with delicious food for surprisingly low prices. Treat yourself to the steak medallions with honey and mustard reduction (€9) or pigs’ feet stuffed with goat cheese, peppers, and onions (€7). Entrees €6.50-13. Open Tu-Sa 1-4pm and 9pm-midnight, Su 1-4pm. MC/V.
El Setè Cel, C. Riego, 18 (☎934 210 532). Pl. de Sants. Sultry interior with sharp lines and warm colors, nice for a drink or a meal. Antipasto with meats or cheeses €6-17. Entrees €5.50-9.50. Open Tu-W 7pm-1am, Th 7-2am, F-Sa 7-3am. MC/V.
La Paradeta, C. Riego, 27 (☎934 31 90 59; www.laparadeta.com). Pl. de Sants. Other locations at C. Comercial, 7 (☎932 68 19 39) Arc de Triomf; Pg. Simó, 18 (☎934 50 01 91) Sagrada Família; and C. Pacífico, 74 (☎935 34 65 57) Fabra i Puig. Popular self-service restaurant where you order fresh seafood market-style (by weight or unit), which is then prepared simply with oil and garlic. Cooking time is quick, but you may have to wait in line to get your order in; the place is consistently packed and no reservations are accepted. Full meals around €20. Cash only.
Fo Bar, Pl. Osca, 12 (☎691 55 63 29; www.fo-bar.com). Pl. de Sants. Funky blue-green interior doubles as a bar and restaurant for a young crowd. Tasty salads (€4.70-7.10) like escarole with cod, artichoke, anchovies, and olives. Mixed drinks €6. Open Tu-Th and Su 10am-midnight, F-Sa 10am-2am. Kitchen open 10am-11pm. Cash only.
La Parra, C. Joanot Martorall, 3 (☎933 32 51 34), in a steep alley right of C. Sants, 2 blocks from Hostafrancs, L1. Irresistible aromas emanate from the wood terrace, luring passersby to enjoy classic Mediterranean fare in this quaint restaurant. Entrees €9-13. Open Tu-F 8:30pm-midnight, Sa-Su noon-4pm. MC/V.
Tarántula, C. Valladolid, 40 (☎934 11 27 28; www.latarantula.com), Estació Sants. From the station, go down Pg. Sant Antoni, take a right on C. de Santa Catalina, and the 1st left onto C. Valladolid. Warm, friendly restaurant dishes out huge portions of Mexican food. Specialties include the bountiful cactus salad (€9) and a selection of spicy enchiladas. Entrees €9-15. Open M-Th 8pm-1am, F-Sa 8pm-2am. MC/V.
Dhamma, C. Papin, 8 (☎934 911 18 13). Pl. de Sants. Warm, informal dining room with a lunch buffet built around holistic vegetarian cuisine. Shiatsu massage offered upstairs. Call ahead to find out about themed dinners. Buffet M-Sa 1-4pm. MC/V.
Simbad, Pg. Sant Antoni, 15 (☎933 30 23 62). Pl. de Sants, L1/5. Palestinian restaurant with outdoor seating along the passeig. Middle-eastern classics like fattoush and kofta, along with the old stand-bys falafel and shawarma. Combination plates €9-11. Take-away falafel and shwarma €3.50. Open daily noon-midnight. Cash only.