Fodor's Expert Review Moments

Inside the ultrasleek Hotel Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, this restaurant continues the glamour with mod white chairs and glinting goldleaf on the ceiling. The food by Raül Balam and his mother—the seven-Michelín-starred Carme Ruscalleda—lives up to its stellar pedigree, with original preparations that draw on deep wells of Catalan culinary traditions. Together, it adds up to one of the city's finest dining experiences. Dishes display a masterful lightness of touch and come to the table so exquisitely presented that putting a fork into them feels like wanton vandalism. The reward, however, is sublime, with treasures of taste revealed in every astonishing bite. To peer behind the curtain and see the magic being made, request a "chef's table" in the kitchen.