"From the team behind Besta, Batea is the fish joint Barcelona needs and deserves. Their secret to success is simple: great people, great produce, and not taking yourself too seriously. Kick things off with the mariscada (best translated as a seafood feast) that changes up often but typically involves crab, cockles, and clams loaded up on a two-tiered cake stand like afternoon tea, and some fresh Galician oysters. Then get into mains like the ultra-gooey omelet topped with charred baby squid, or the simple and perfectly grilled Mediterranean red prawns. The décor is colorful, with pink-and-purple striped wallpaper, and the service is warm—don’t be surprised if you’ve made friends with your server before the night is done or chat with the maître d’ over a gin and tonic." - isabelle kliger