Superb seafood delivered daily from local fishermen and fresh produce and meats sourced from hundreds of small farms within a dozen miles of the city center are a constant source of inspiration for top chefs in Catalonia’s capital. On this trip, we explored restaurants that serve broader European-influenced menus for those days when you may tire of the ubiquitous tapas and paellas.

La Dama

Accessed through a discreet unmarked door in the magnificent Casa Sayrach, a historic modernista masterpiece dating from 1918, La Dama has the glamorous draw of a speakeasy. A porter ushered us into a resplendent lobby with a graceful staircase, sinuous stone detailing and a birdcage elevator. Past an art nouveau-inspired bar is a regal dining room adorned with brasserie-style mirrors, tropical green walls and rich tapestries. In this chic setting that resembles a private club, we enjoyed well-executed Mediterranean dishes, including perfectly tender paprika-spiced grilled octopus and the signature beef tenderloin tartare enveloped by olive oil-dipped bread crisps. Closed Sunday and Monday.

La Dama
Avenida Diagonal 423-425. Tel. (34) 93-209-6328