Bar Del Pla - Review - El Born - Barcelona - The Infatuation

"Don’t be fooled by the retro look of this place. The marble-topped counter and classic Catalan geometric floor tiles may mutter “old-man bar,” but the menu full of funky natural wine and seasonal plates couldn’t be more on trend. Try the crispy cocido, croquettes of meat stew, and show-stopping mushroom carpaccio with wasabi and strawberries. One thing you won’t find at Bar del Pla is what locals might refer to as food for guiris, or tourists—things that Catalans wouldn’t order in a bar, like paella or sangria (the servers’ T-shirts that read “f**k sangria, drink natural wine” is a hint). Service is more efficient than affable, but you’re here to eat and drink, not make new friends." - Isabelle Kliger