Can Kenji - L'Eixample, Barcelona

We have a real weakness for Japanese food and have previously mentioned Kibuka, which is one of our favourites. On the recommendation of some friends we recently visited the Japanese restaurant Can Kenji and have since been back a few times. Now we have never actually been to Japan but we suspect that this place unlike many other "Japanese" restaurants is the real deal. This is based on the fact that they serve some rather unusual stuff and that the place is generally full of Japanese/Asian guests. This is the first place that I have seen raw horse on the menu (Tataki de cavall), which is in fact delicious, or vegetable based desserts with potato and beans.

Now these dishes are some of the more unusual ones and there are many less experimental dishes. The sushi is served the traditional way here and is a good option if you feel like playing it safe. The quality of the fish and rice is excellent - perfectly made and served! The dishes are relatively small so we would suggest that you stick with the Barcelona tapas concept and sample many dishes when you visit Can Kenji. The place is reasonably priced and table reservation is essential as it is always packed. DC!

Granja Petitbo - L'Eixample, Barcelona

Brunch places are great in particular if you are the chilled out tourist that will struggle to make in time for breakfast. We certainly belong to this category and fortunately more and more brunch places ideally suited for the lazy tourist are popping up in Barcelona. Granja Petitbo is situated in L'Exiample within walking distance from Sagrada Família so if your heading that way for some Gaudí action you could start the day here. The atmosphere in this big open place with a facade open to the busy street is great just like the food. Unlike the brunch place Picnic that we have mentioned previously this place is more down to earth, which is also reflected in the food. Servings are bigger and maybe a bit less fancy compared to Picnic.
However, it is still excellent and has its own unique atmosphere so we come here frequently. If you go for some of their freshly squeezed  juice and a serving of eggs Benedict you will not be disappointed. DC! 

Les Gens Que J'Aimes - L'Eixample, Barcelona

Visiting the bar Les Gens Que J'aime gives you a feeling of travelling to another time and place. This hidden gem is located in a basement on Carrer Valencia in L’Exiample. As you enter you are at the top of a staircase with the whole bar below you. The lights are dimmed and everything is kept in dark colours. You will see guests lounging in old sofas and lounge chairs and at the far end of the room a long bar is situated usually with a couple of the regulars having a chat with the bartender over a gin and tonic. Everything is old in Les Gens Que J'aime and it gives the place a truly unique atmosphere. On certain week days the place is visited by a fortune teller that the guests can have a chat to for spiritual guidance (or just for fun). It is a truly old school experience with tarot cards and the works.

The view from the bar entrance.

This is a quiet bar to have a couple of drinks and a chat with your friends. We normally come here for a pre-dinner drink or after a dinner to have a drink before heading home. The bar is conveniently located close to Passeig de Graciá and would be the perfect spot to have a drink after a long day visiting the many attractions on and around Passeig de Graciá. Les Gens Que J'aime is moderately priced and the selection of drinks is adequate but not extensive. There is no food available. DC!

Cor Caliu - L'Exiample, Barcelona

Cor Caliu is one of Barcelona's little gems that has escaped the notice of guide books despite being on the route that connects Casa Milà and Sagrada Família. We are absolutely in love with Cor Caliu because of its laid back atmosphere and fantastic food. Although there are only few tables outside you can almost always get a place straight away. We have had countless breakfast/brunch trips to Cor Caliu enjoying the sun at one of their tables and watching the cars, bikes, Catalans, tourists etc. moving up and down Carrer Mallorca. For breakfast all their flautas (flutes) are fantastic. Our favourites are the french omelet (Flauta amb truita francesa) and the sobrassada and brie flauta (You really have to try sobrassada. Best described as a soft sausage/red meat paste. A specialty from Mallorca). The Cor Caliu patatas bravas are excellent with a really nice and spicy sauce, the salads are delicious (not the healthy green kind of salad you might expect. They are stuffed with meat, seafood cheese and dressings. Try out the plate with four different salads), and the pa amb tomaquet (tomato bread) is also superb.  Cor Caliu is also great for dinner. One of our dinner favourites is the Hamburgesa. As a tourist you may think this is a burger but that is not the case. When Catalans talk about Hamburgesa they normally just refer to the meat. No salad, bread etc. Just a fantastic hamburger patty. At Cor Caliu served with soft onions and unlike Denmark where minced meat has to be cooked to death you can have this one rare because they make fresh mince from good quality beef on the spot. We recommend the Hamurgesa rare (poc), with Bravas and a glass of red wine (vi negre). An English menu is available on request and the place is moderatley priced. Enjoy - Bon profit! DC!