Estimar

Barcelona, Spain

Prepared to get lost as you roam the narrow alleyways of Barcelona's trendy El Born district in search of Estimar. It's tucked away, but when you do find this cosy dining room, you'll be handsomely rewarded. It was opened in 2017 by executive chef Rafa Zafra, after stints in some of Spain's top restaurants including Arzak and the legendary El Bulli. However, the focus here is less on boundary-pushing molecular gastronomy and all about celebrating the sea. Ice trays displaying the day's fresh catches sit on the counter in front of the open kitchen, piled with langoustine and oysters to razor clams, octopus and whole fish. It's a la carte with myriad choices, whether you go flame-grilled or breaded, salted or pickled. The shrimp carpaccio is a standout, so too the whole grilled wild sole. All the better paired with a chilled bottle of Spanish white wine.

Key Information

• Average price per person $82
• Lunch and dinner: Tues – Sat
• +34 932 68 91 97
• Visit Estimar's Website

Location

Carrer de Sant Antoni dels Sombrerers, 3, El Born, Barcelona, 08003