The America's Cup Barcelona has already weighed anchor. But it can not only be enjoyed at sea. The Eix Comercial del Raval proposes "a gastronomic regatta" through the gastronomic and culinary establishments of Barcelona's most authentic neighborhood. A "succulent and cosmopolitan regatta" from table to table.
The most cosmopolitan neighborhood
And it is that, if there is a neighborhood in Barcelona with more cultures and more sociocultural richness, this is the Raval. So tasting world cuisines is within everyone's reach. Restaurants with Asian, Kurdish, Italian or Greek cuisine, without forgetting Catalan, Spanish and fusion cuisine. In the streets of this Ciutat Vella neighborhood, places with character and authenticity are hidden, where we can eat the world in a few bites.In fact, the Eix Comercial del Raval reminds us that more than 200 mother tongues are spoken in the neighborhood, which translates into an absolutely cosmopolitan neighborhood and commercial and gastronomic offer. These are establishments run by families and small entrepreneurial business owners who keep the neighborhood away from large multinationals and cloned food franchises. That is why, "in the Raval, you can still eat in 100% authentic places."
From Moroccan sandwiches to Kurdish cuisine
La Rambla del Raval, in fact, has become one of the most international streets. Without leaving the street, we can devour, for example, one of the best Moroccan sandwiches in the city (and in all of Catalonia). At El Atlas (Rambla del Raval, 30), Hatchim and Youssef have managed to bring from their native Tetouan a fast and informal way of eating authentic Moroccan dishes. Of course, always to the customer's taste, because it is their customers who choose the filling of each sandwich at the moment.
And for those who prefer something even more genuine and want to taste Kurdish food, Narin (C/Tallers, 80). The place, run by Gani Mirzo and his cousin Aziz, from Syrian Kurdistan, has already become an "institution" in the neighborhood for the Arab community that longs for the authentic flavors of the Middle East.
Made in USA
They say that in the USA there isn't a national dish, but whenever one thinks of American food, there are two dishes that are never missing, one of them, fried chicken. At Dr. Beer & Mr. Fried (C/ Riera Alta, 33) they not only make one of the best in the city, but they also offer authentic Cajun cuisine, typical of the southern USA. Intense flavors, spiced, marinated, and breaded chicken with cereals… The result, a crispy chicken that is very juicy inside, in the purest Cajun style.
And for those who prefer the most universal bite of the USA, the best hamburgers are offered by La Informal (Rambla del Raval, 32-34). The establishment, opened in 1983, remains in the hands of the same family, even though that bar "from the Chinese quarter" has evolved, and a lot! "The bar of our family business used to be filled with carajillos and loin sandwiches, to continue with the 'quinto' with midday tapas and close the night with cubatas accompanied by hamburgers," the owners recall. Now burgers are the queens of the menu, because it is "a dish that integrates many different cultures."
Spices from India and Asian touches
To travel to India with your palate, one of the neighborhood's classics, open since 2001: the Maharajá Restaurant (Rambla del Raval, 14). Mohinder serves some of the most traditional dishes of Hindu cuisine made with spices, aromatic herbs, exotic ingredients… An "authentic" place to let yourself be seduced by the most exotic flavors.
And for lovers of ramen and dishes with Asian touches, Madame (C/Robador, 22) is essential. There they prepare homemade cuisine, 100% homemade and made in the restaurant, from gyozas to bao buns. The place also offers a very pleasant atmosphere with an exotic touch perfect for informal meals, or a dinner for two.
Navigating the Mediterranean
If a more Mediterranean regatta is preferred, there are plenty of options. At Radici (Rambla del Arrabal, 3), Umberto Negro proposes enjoying the taste of Italy, in a modern, elegant, and open space. An ideal atmosphere to try traditional Italian dishes cooked with fresh products such as parmigiana, burrata pizza, Aricciao porchetta, or handmade pasta in the restaurant.
Another delicious option is Bacaro (C. Jerusalén, 6), a Venetian tavern a stone's throw from La Boqueria. Its privileged location means that its dishes are made with fresh, market products, as it could not be otherwise. Sardines 'in saor', a slightly sweet escabeche, or Popets 'alla Luciana' are some of the dishes offered by chef Marco Lecis.
And if what we are looking for is authentic Greek cuisine, Magraner Boig (C/Robador, 18). Since July 2015, this place offers traditional Greek cuisine avoiding gastronomic and aesthetic stereotypes, and being faithful to the taverns of the neighborhoods of Athens or Thessaloniki. Authentic Greek food, traditional music, and ouzo, a formula, without a doubt, highly recommended.
Without leaving here…
Finally, for those who want to "navigate" through tapas with recognizable flavors, Palo Santo (Rambla del Raval, 26) offers traditional tapas, but with a current and modern twist: bravas, Cantabrian anchovies, Padrón peppers, cheese board, broken eggs, and bread with tomato.
Bars and restaurants that "invite us" to take a cosmopolitan culinary "regatta", practically, without leaving the Rambla del Raval. Establishments launched by entrepreneurs or by family sagas that keep local and neighborhood commerce alive. And it is that, as they recall from the Eix Comercial del Raval, "in the neighborhood, bars and establishments 'make a neighborhood', give life and diversity, because all the establishments are unique, with personality, we do not have franchises or multinationals. We are a neighborhood where we bet on authenticity."
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