Bar Brutal- A natural wine lovers mecca and well-known to hipster food lovers for the simple reason that Brutal does not disappoint. Their location on the often bustling, tourist-packed c/ Princesa in el Born makes it the perfect dinner spot after a long day of sight-seeing in Ciutat Vella.

La Poderosa - If you are craving something a little picante for lunch pop over to Gran Via and check out the ladies of La Poderosa. Always fresh, always flavorful Venezuelan style empanadas paired with salsas muy ricas and fresh-squeezed juices.

Mikan - The North East Asian cuisine and natural wine list make this Eixample spot one of my favorites in town. You can’t beat their affordable, sizeable menú del día and if you want to swing by for dinner you may get a dance party as well ;)

La Platilleria - This little cutie in Poble Sec has the friendliest service and a compact but complete tapas menu. The food is approachable but far from simple and always delicious.

Señora Dolores - Fried food heaven! Need I say more? Go to this Sant Antoni bar when you are in the mood for a crisp glass of natural white wine and a plate of fried bacalao and churros de patatas.

Sartoria Panatieri - Widely considered to be the best Neapolitan style pizza in Barcelona and I would have to agree. Aside from pizza, they also have a variety of house-made charcuterie and a rotating menu of grilled, roasted, or fermented vegetables based on the season.

Compá - Another Italian owned restaurant that is hugely popular here, so much so that they now have two locations. This Calabrian sandwich counter is quick and easy but don’t underestimate these delectable paninis, they will have you coming back for sure.

Barra Perelló 1898 - My favorite market stall and counter lunch is at this bacalanería in Mercat Ninot. Pull up a stool and order a glass of cava and a cured fish board or go during the week to try out their menú del día.

Berbena - The secret is definitely out on this insanely talented chef and his team as evidence from the Michelin guide nod. The intimate, unpretentious dining room feels more like you are dining with friends than at a stuffy fine dining establishment and the menu is inventive and unique. Make reservations in advance if you hope to snag a seat here.

Lluritu - My favorite grilled seafood restaurant in Barcelona, no contest. The simplicity of the preparation and the quality of the seafood is what makes this a standout place. Don’t miss the zamburiñas, in fact just go ahead and get 2 orders, you’ll thank me.

Dalt de Tot - A part of the Morro Fi family but more restaurant than vermouth bar. Located in the upper Gracia makes it a bit of a chore to get to if you aren’t close but it is worth the sweat and blisters to try their platillos. The bomba, champiñones and tortilla are just a few of my favorites.

Bandini’s - A great natural wine list and excellent food can be had here. This is a restaurant that never disappoints, everything is always perfectly seasoned and balanced and the menu changes on the reg. Don’t skip any of the seasonal veggie forward plates!

Bar Bodega Quimet - This may be my favorite bodega of all time. That is saying quite a lot considering how many phenomenal ones are here but it is true. From the seemingly untouched dining room from decades past with its original tile floors to the authentic Catalan dishes and their delicious house vermut, you can’t possibly leave disappointed after eating here.

La Plata - Little fried fishies, thimble-sized glasses of cold house wine, pan con tomate and friendly service, that is all you need to know. There are many reasons to visit the Gothic neighborhood when you come to Barcelona and I think stopping off at this charming little corner restaurant should rank high.

La Sosenga - Another highlight in the Gothic is this former wine shop turned petite restaurant. With their killer, elevated menú del día and nice selection of natural wines I challenge you to only come once. Make a reservation here because the space is small and fills up quickly.

Bodega Fermin - The menu here never changes but it also never gets old and if you like craft beer you have to put this on your list. Some must eats include the morcilla, arenque ahumada, huevos estrellados con sobrasada y miel and for sure their pan con tomate. Bonus- it is blocks from the beach!

Alnorte Bar - Take a trip to North West Spain by coming to dine at this Gracia spot. Close your eyes, sip your sidra, and imagine you are in Galicia or Cantabria while eating anchovies from Santoña, empanada gallega, and pulpo a feira.

Quimet & Quimet - The restaurant that made me fall in love with Barcelona is not unknown to many. They top all the lists of places to eat and once you’ve come you’ll understand the hype, there is no reason to ask yourself why they have been around for over 100 years, the proof is in the can… of seafood. This still family owned and operated tapas bar is famous for its extraordinary preparations of high quality canned seafood.

Contracorrente - The menu here is a clear reflection of both the owners roots, one being Sicilian, the other being Catalan. Their seasonal menu, uses Catalan ingredients applied to Italian recipes and paired with a rotating natural wine list. Trust Anna, part owner and sommelier, to lead you towards a delicious, unforgettable meal.

Otra Cosa - It’s true, you will likely have to go out of your way to get to this electric blue, shoe box sized restaurant but I doubt you’ll regret it. Felipe, the owner and chef, is from Chile and has traveled through parts of the Americas, Asia and Europe, all of which is mirrored in his unique menu full of surprising combinations. If you are a natural wine lover he has great suggestions for what to pair with your meal.

035//bar - Not far from Otra Cosa in the neighboring zona of La Sagrera lies the wine bar of my dreams. a neighborhood joint for sure with an extensive offering of natural wines that are served alongside simple yet delicious small plates like sliced mortadella, deviled eggs, smoked fish on toast and so much more. Iván is a generous host and always helpful if you feel like you need suggestions.

Tiberi Bar - Another new bar with an abundance of natural wine and shareable plates, you say? Ok I am sucker for places like this but it would be a shame to miss out on this restaurant just because you think it’s trendy. The newly-renovated, modern space is a little stark for my taste but the food leaves me completely satisfied. The menu changes and in my experience you can’t go wrong with any of it.