Please recommend the best place to eat in Barcelona

hi, we had a really really good time at the "Quatr Gats" in the Barrio Gotic, its in a very very small street and unfortunately I don't remember its name... but should be in guidebooks as the place is rather famous for having been the place where a lot of artists (Picasso etc.) used to hang out. we were a bit wary that the place might be "too touristy" since so heavily recommended - and it actually is full of tourists but the local atmosphere and colour is so strong that it actually comes across as a "local" place! decoration is a mixture of Art Nouveau and tradition, and the food is excellent! prices are ok - its not exactly cheap (compared to other places in Barcelona), but neither out-of-range. it was definitely one of our highlights in Barcelona!

Casa Calvet, Casp 48, telephone: 93-412-4012. A Gaudi townhouse that was converted to a restaurant.<BR><BR>Can Gaig, Passeig de Maragall 402. Top notch food. Take a cab because it is a distance. The owners will gladly call you a cab at the end of the evening.<BR><BR>Espai Sucre, Princesa 53, telephone: (34) 93-268-1630. Savory entrees and desserts - very intriguing food.<BR><BR>Citrus, Passeig de Gracia, 44. Near Casa Mila - great view of the Passeig.

for a good lunch try pan-pan they are all over the city and spain try a Bocadillo jamon serano , queso manchago

In Barcelona there is one of the best and most beautiful Thai restaurants I've been to outside Thailand, and I've been to plenty. Forget it's name, but it's not too far from the Segrada Familia (sp?). That's probably not the kind of food you may be looking for, but it was such a great experience I had to note it!<BR>

I 2nd the nomination for Casa Calvert. Make sure you ask to see the elevator before you leave. If you are looking for 5 star gourmet dining with a tasting menu, try Diana at the Ritz Hotel.

For a casual lunch, you cannot beat sitting at one of the stalls in the market (Mercat) off the Ramblas...fresh fish, fresh vegetables, a glass of wine -- all cooked to order. I highly recommend the Universal "stall" -- the word 'stall' is a bit of an injustice!<BR>Also, Xampanyet (excuse spelling) opposite Picasso museum in El Born area is fantastic for afternoon tapas and cava -- been running for 3 generations...and still full of locals.<BR>I found Citrus (often mentioned) to be disappointing...average food and atmosphere not that special. You could try Tragulez -- a lively designer restaurant near Rambla Catalunya. Quite smart, with a gorgeous glass roof top area -- you must book ahead! <BR>So that covers lunch, tapas and late dinner. Enjoy!

I don't know if this is the BEST place to eat in Barcelona as we were only there a few days, but it's one I certainly plan on going back to when we go again--La Dolca Herminia--at Magdalenes 27--2 blocks towards Ramblas from Palau del la Musica. Excellent food, terrific selection, young crowd, contempoary atmosphere, very inexpensive, AND they have a non-smoking section!!! Everything we had was delicious.

Thank you everyone for the replies. I' ll try to check them.<BR><BR>Take care.