Palmera, Barcelona

If you are confident of your Spanish, a visit to this restaurant will be a piece of cake. Amateurs had better arm themselves with a Spanish-speaking companion, or a sweet smile and gestures of polite helplessness. The staff will then procure an English menu and proceed to advise you on the choice of dishes. If you are shy, just ask for the tasting menu and decide on your favorites. Catalan cuisine rules the roost, and the prices are just right—if you are not on a shoestring budget, that is. Try the assorted pates and cheeses as aperitifs, followed by the sherry-soaked foie tatin, or the foie ravioli in a truffle sauce. Duck ham, Foie Micuit, Filet "Café de Paris", and Cod au Gratin are other popular options. A superb wine list adds flavour to the meal. The summer terrace is a big draw, so make sure you book in advance.

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