Barcelona - Food & Drink

Whether it's fresh fish by the sea, Catalan sausages and garlic mushrooms in the centre, or fusion flavours in Gràcia, dining out in Barcelona is never dull.

Laid-back fish restaurants huddle in Barceloneta and the Olympic Port, the place to come for an alfresco feast of shrimp, red mullet and bream by the waterfront. Here you'll find mainly no-frills, value-for-money restaurants and a friendly feel.

The winding streets of the Barri Gòtic are peppered with tapas bars and restaurants. Dine with a pre-party crowd in the lively Plaza Real. The area is a cocktail of old and new, where locals devour Catalan classics, such as black rice (coloured with squid ink), seafood stew and pork sausages. In a cobbled street off La Rambla, look up the city's most famous restaurant, Los Caracoles ('the snails') specialising in exactly what the name suggests.

The Gràcia district, north of the Ciutat Vella, offers an eclectic assortment of restaurants from around the world, from Lebanese and Egyptian to Japanese. Whether you fancy a fiery red curry or fresh foie gras, sushi or sticky rice, you'll find it here.

Follow the locals' example and eat a substantial meal at midday, known as comida, and eat cena (dinner) late. Be warned that if you try to eat out earlier than 10pm, if you can actually find a restaurant that is open, they may not have the food ready and you'll certainly be the only customer. Check the menu to see whether or not the cover charge (for bread) is included. Tip a discretionary 10% for good service.