Mercat de la Boqueria                                                                                                  Photo: Adactio

When it comes to eating fish the Spanish don’t take advise from anyone. Except, maybe, the Japanese. So when my sister in law told me that she had discovered ‘El Barceloneta’ thanks to the bosses of her Japan-based company I knew it would be worthwhile.

Photo: Jlastras

Actually I had been living next to the place for years without paying much attention. The Barceloneta neighbourhood is stuffed with good fish restaurants and this particular – and quite pricy – one is located in an extremely ugly and not at all inviting building.

Once inside, though, the large open eating space is decorated with some taste – maritime, but avoiding the typical sailor man’s kitsch. Views of the yachts moored in Barcelona’s old port from the terrace-tables are picturesque. And most important: The food is brilliant.

I have to admit that during my so far 5-6 visits I have never come around to trying anything else but the hake (merluza). It is served ‘al ajillo’, with garlic, or ‘a la donostiarra’ with a sauce made of chilli and vinegar among other ingredients. But the main attraction is the hake itself, difficult to find tastier in this part of Spain.

According to other regulars the rest of menu cart is just as good with a long list of seafood and fish dishes cooked the traditional Spanish way but with modern elegance.

EL BARCELONETA. C/ L’Escar 22, Moll dels Pescadors. Tel.: (+34) 93 221 21 11. Metro: Barceloneta.