On the always-buzzing Carrer de Blai where pintxos rule the menus, Denassus is doing something a little different. Come for the extensive list of natural wine, stay for the regular changing seasonal tapas menu and don’t miss the local mushrooms if they are on the list. It’s a skinny slither of a bar mainly set up for tables of two making it a great spot for a date.  

Xemei - the Venetian word for twins - is the creation of Stefano and Max Colombo, twins from Venice who are also behind much-loved Bar Brutal. A love letter to the cuisine of their hometown, they have been serving their Venetian menu spanning classic antipasti, homemade pasta and fresh fish in Poble-Sec for over twenty years. Book an outdoor table on the street side terrace and settle in for a long lunch.

On an unassuming sloping street in Poble-Sec, this excellent Peruvian-inspired spot serves up a fish and seafood heavy menu with highlights including oysters in tiger milk, tuna ceviche and thai style mussels. The pisco sours aren’t to be missed (both the classics and the twists) and Sunday is a great day to visit with the regular afternoon Pisco Disco sessions featuring live DJs and a guaranteed lively atmosphere.  

On a quiet street in Poble-Sec just before the city meets the hillside park of Montjuïc, this boutique bolthole has a modern tropical aesthetic and a lovely little rooftop complete with plunge pool. Expect excellent breakfast from local bakery Funky Bakers, complimentary yoga and boxing classes from nearby fitness studio Beyond BCN and nice touches like the hotel’s daily ‘Brummell News’ that shares current goings on in the city.