Food and drink blog

It is one of the busiest nights of the year for restaurants, though that doesn’t necessarily make it the best night to splash your cash as a consumer. Since it falls on Tuesday this year, I'm guessing many of the city’s parejas will wisely save their intimate celebrations for the weekend when things are back to normal. Meanwhile I asked the good folk of Barcelona—Catalan and expat—to share their favourite places for a bit of common-or-garden romance.  

Amelia Artal, Sommelier, Cinc Sentits: “Dos Cielos (ME Hotel, Pere IV 272-286, tel. 93 367 2070, www.doscielos.com) because usually the rule is either ‘good view or good food’ but [there] we had a decadent meal, with discreet service, sensual food and a beautiful view. One dish in particular—one of their signatures—is a root vegetable cream, totally sensuous texture, topped with a spoonful of tapioca [that] puts you into sensory overload. We were right at the top of a skyscraper, it was nighttime with the city lights twinkling below." 

Jordi Angli, Head Chef at Ocaña (due to open in March): “Alkimia (Industria 79, tel. 93 207 6115, www.alkimia.cat, closed Sat & Sun) because it’s a great kitchen for really comfortable fine dining. By that I mean it’s small enough to feel intimate, nicely lit and they provide good, unobtrusive service that doesn’t feel hassled. The cooking has its base in traditional products and is creative enough to be exciting without going overboard.”  

Sally Davies, Editor Time Out Guide to Barcelona: “La Carassa, (Brosoli 1, tel. 93 310 3306, www.lacarassa.com) because it’s the cosiest of the Born's handful of fondue restaurants (low ceilings, beams, candles, oil paintings, lacy tablecloths) and just the right side of kitsch, with dimly lit corners crying out for trysts. You do get the impression that every day is Valentine's Day in here—the racily named fondues include the 'Afrodita' and the 'Rasputin', and the ladies are presented with a red carnation as they leave.”  

Toby Kenyon, Partner at Factor3 Events: “El Pla (Bellafila 5, tel. 93 412 6552, www.elpla.cat) because it is tucked away in a tiny street in the Gothic Quarter, and it is a cool little restaurant with intimate nooks perfect for romantic dinners. The warm colour scheme and subtle lighting, together with casual service and great food are the perfect recipe for an intimate rendez-vous.”