Don’t be fooled by Àtica’s humble and off-the-beaten-path location. What this restaurant lacks in proximity, it certainly makes up for with its food. Opened in 2004 by couple Marian and Borga Sanchez, this sweet, little joint holds its own in the Barcelona dining scene. The dishes typify a distinctly Catalan culinary style, while the Sanchez duo freshens-up tradition with invention.

Like the restaurant, the menu is small, but the dishes are exceptional, providing further evidence that Marian and Borga are no strangers to the culinary world: Prior to opening Àtica, the couple worked in some of Spain’s best kitchens. The result? A memorable meal with a genial ambiance. Salivate over the cod with roasted red-peppers and the squid with pumpkin puree. If you want something heartier, Àtica’s sardines with angel hair pasta and pistachio make a substantial dish fit for the most ravenous of appetites.