La Balsa
C/Infanta Isabel 4 (93 211 50 48). FCG Av Tibidabo.
Open 9-11.30pm Mon; 2-3.30pm, 9-11.30pm Tue-Sat.
The location among the mansions of high society; the
sniffy parking attendant, the award-winning building
amid lush gardens ablaze with geraniums: all of this
might lead you to expect fancy forkfuls of minimal food.
Not so. The menu, like the restaurant, has a country
feel to it, and is more likely to feature enormous portions
of Catalan classics than itsy-bitsy polenta bites. On
cold winter nights, a log fire crackles, while in summer
nowhere is as pretty as the verdant, jasmine-scented
terrace.
La Venta
Plaça Doctor Andreu 1 (93 212 64 55).
FCG Avda Tibidabo, then Tramvia Blau.
Open 1.30-3.15pm, 9-11.15pm Mon-Sat.
The rambling building, set high above the city in the
square below the Tibidabo cable car, has outdoor terraces
and a glassed-in conservatory that create an airy, out-of-the-city
feel. Starters include delicacies such as erizos de
mar gratinados (sea urchins au gratin) or baby broad
bean and fresh mozzarella salad. Steaks and rack of
lamb are specialities, or there is delicate monkfish
wrapped in filo pastry with pesto and tomato coulis.
Neichel
C/Beltran i Rózpide 1-5 bis (93 203
84 08). Metro Maria Cristina.
Open 1-3.30pm, 8.30-11.30pm Tue-Sat. Closed Aug.
A superb restaurant very slightly let down by slow service
and an overformal air. An extensive menu features velvety,
divine prawns with wild mushrooms; delicious spoonfuls
of lobster and prawn tartar in a blaze of marine and
vegetable life, including baby eels and asparagus, and
venison with rhubarb and fruits of the forest. Servings
are generous, so take care if you want to make the most
of the fantastic cheese and dessert trolleys.
Vivanda
C/Major de Sarrià 134 (93 205 47 17).
Metro FCG Reina Elisenda.
Open 9-11.30pm Mon; 1-3.30pm, 9-11.30pm Tue-Sat.
Starters include fish soup, shellfish salads and seasonal
vegetables, while the main courses featured are grilled
monkfish, hake or tuna with light, creative sauces,
and a couple of foie options. The reliable approach
is followed through in Catalan standards like botifarra,
veal and duck, as well as the seasonal game. There is
also an excellent value set lunch at €11.25.
|
