Located adjacent ‘Mercat de la Boqueria,’ this minuscule French bistro defies its humble, sparse glassfront, combining flavorful French cooking with the rambunctious Spanish flair for hospitality. The auténtico approach to cuisine and painstaking procurement of ingredients from France thematically underscores this eatery, where the blackboard outside reads—somewhat haughtily—‘no Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Light and no Ketchup.’

À la carte offerings such as Cassoulet (sausage, bean and duck stew) and Bavette al Echalope are sublime, but the best treat here its lunchtime ‘Menu del Día’ or set-price menu. Priced at 12€ during the week and 15€ on weekends for three courses, bread and one drink, the choice of starters, mains and desserts changes daily and never falters on quality. There are no menus, steak is cooked one way only (rare) and the exceptional wait staff cheerfully ‘act-out’ meal descriptions for those not up to scratch on Catalan culinary lingo.

The bistro also doubles as a store, selling wines, cheese, champagne and other such fine French sundries.

Dating back the 14th century, this medieval royal shipyard building is worth a visit even if nautical adventures aren’t on top of your “To Do” lists. The building itself is a marvel while the stunning former construction rooms will enchant as sun rays seep in through the seven meter high windows.

Perhaps the hidden draw card of this place is the café and outdoor terrace with its tranquil views across the adjacent garden. Located just a street away from the famous Las Ramblas (which teems with tourists 365 days a year), this museum is surprisingly very quiet i.e. a sublime spot to relax and enjoy a coffee away from the hordes.