Barcelona dining is an experience, not just for the food (which tends to be spicy and full-flavored), but also for the restaurants themselves. The facilities of the best restaurants all have unique personality. Briefly, here is our guide to the best in Barcelona dining.

Cal Pep

Our choice for the best in Barcelona dining is Cal Pep, located at Pl. de les Olles, 8. Everywhere you look here, and everything you taste, says fun & fresh. The employees, the food, even the wine all make for a great experience. This is a fish restaurant, by the way, but you'll encounter fish dishes here that you've never herd of in most of the western world. Hours are From 1pm to 4 pm and from 8pm to midnight. Till 1am Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday morning.

Els Pescadors

Also high on our list in the best in Barcelona dining: Els Pescadors. This has gained a reputation as one of the best fish restaurants in Spain (Are you detecting a theme here? It's true that Spain, and especially Barcelona, is known for outstanding fish cuisine.) Els Pescadors can be found in Poble Nou, at Plaça Prim, 1. The atmosphere, surrounded by a nice little grove of trees, is very serene. The best dishes include calamares, gamas, arroz, Angler fish fricando. They even do tuna right, with their pickled Figueres onions. They are open from 1pm to 4 pm and from 8pm to midnight.

Ca l'Isidre

From fish to French, we present our third choice: Outstanding Catalan cooking with French inspiration is what you'll find at Ca l'Isidre. Among the best dishes are the grilled baby octopuss, grilled 'king - sea cucumber', baked seabass, or fried codfish 'home style'. This is a small, cozy restaurant, perfect for a romantic night out. Their Barcelona location is C/Flors, 12. Hours are 1pm to 4 pm and from 8pm to midnight. Till 1am Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday.

Cuines Santa-Caterina

Next we come to our number four choice: Cuines Santa-Caterina. We love this one just for the sheer variety of the types of cuisine they offer. Located in the new Santa-Caterina's Market, they have four different kitchens: Mediterranean, Asian, Italian, and Vegeterian. And even the Vegetarian dishes are delicious. We suggest the salad with melted cheese, nuts and dates. They are open 1pm to 4pm and 8pm to 11:30 p.m.

Comerc 24

Last on our Top-5 Barcelona Dining Suggestions: Comerç 24. We don't care much for the interior (bad lighting in a 70s motif). But the service is excellent and tasty, unique dishes. Our favorites are the Coast sardines with grape and avocado, as well as the Tuna Pizza Sashimi and Wasabi Vinaigrette Sauce. They also have a "Festival" menu that is quite good. Located at C/Comerç, 24, their hours are From 1pm to 4 pm and from 8pm to midnight.

The key to enjoying yourself on your trip, is to sample a variety dishes at many Barcelona dining establishments.