Spain
Barcelona
Eat
El Mercado
I've eaten at many places in Barcelona, some of which are crazy imaginative and fancy. This is the one place I'd eat at if I could only eat at one restaurant in Barcelona. It's literally a food stall within the market, there's a wait, but each dish I tried was absolutely different and delicious. People who don't eat meat or seafood I'm sorry, you will be tempted to go to the dark side.
Born District
Serving traditional Spanish tapas, with super cute ambiance, this is a solid choice if you find yourself in the Born district.
Passeig De Gracia
Located along the touristy and shop-filled Passeig De Gracia, I happened to pop in here and was pleased. Not only was the waiter super nice and crazy concerned about the safety of my stuff, the tapas were solid and plentiful.
Chinese Restaurant
Roger de Flor 74, 08013
Metro: L1 Arc de Triomf
Tel: 932 450 359
Okay, I can't read the name because it's in Chinese so I can't tell you what it's called, but you can tell it's good because it's filled with Chinese people and I'm telling you so. Plus, if you're feeling somewhat broke and also don't want anymore Spanish food, this is a magical place.
Shop
Formista
This shop has a small but really well-curated collection of chic artisan jewelry, bags, and houseware made in ceramics, metals, leathers, and wood. Kind of reminds me of Danish style but without the tear-inducing price tag.
This place looks like an antique shop, but one run by tasteful hipsters. Think books everywhere, well-placed, Instagram-ready piles of bags and handmade shoes on a table with antique tins and vintage pocket mirrors.
This is a pretty cool flea market. Having lived in Buenos Aires and going to the flea market in San Telmo I thought it would have the same crap, but the antiques they have here are pretty random and I actually learned about history by accident.
Born District
Because I'm crazy, I bought a shirt in each of the two shops in this franchise (hey-they both had different stuff!). If I could shop at only one clothing boutique in Barcelona, it would be here. Great selection, international but smaller designers that people will frequently ask you about.
Girona & L'Escala
Eat
Girona
When I stayed in Girona, I ate here like 5 times, no joke. While there aren't any dishes that make me think about them 2 years later like some other places do, this place is still pretty solid.
Rotisseria Kan Kilis
Cami Ample, 1
Av. Ave Maria, 21 L'Escala 17130
Tel: 972 774 558
L'Escala
You know when you're traveling and someone always asks where the locals go? I found this place because of the line out the door. It's probably the best rotisserie chicken I've ever had, and on my hierarchy of meats where chicken is right above tofu, this actually could rank higher than beef or the king of meats (pork).
Shop
Girona
Super cute, chic but young clothing boutique with international designers. If you find yourself in Girona, go!