By Neil Durham

Two years ago we wrote a prequel to this listicle after a September 2019 visit to our favourite city and little did we know then that Covid-19 would mean we would not return until March 2022.

• Read on for reasons including how a former El Bulli chef has opened a new restaurant in Barca’s Raval district

As we explained in our earlier piece we’ve owned a flat off Las Ramblas in the Raval district of the Spanish city since the early 00s and what surprised us on our return was how some real culinary delights had sprung up in the neighbourhood since we’d been gone.

1. Dos Pebrots (Two Peppers), Carrer Doctor Dou 19, Raval, Barcelona

Albert Adrià is a Spanish chef who was formerly the pastry chef of the renowned El Bulli in Roses on the Costa Brava in Catalan. Dos Pebrots is a stone’s throw from Las Ramblas in a venue we remember as a lesbian bar way back when but now focusses on reinterpreting the origins of Mediterranean culture through the cuisines of the different civilisations who have inhabited its shores. We had the reasonably priced tasting menu and indulged ourselves in very many courses including the mock kebab barbecue delights pictured above as well as some gorgeous sea urchin (pictured below) and menjar blanc with green peas (far below).

2. El Chigre 1769, Carrer dels Sombrerers, Born, Barcelona

This intimate bar offers diners the opportunity to sit on stools and watch the kitchen staff as they create Catalonian and Asturian dishes to be tried alongside cider, vermouth and regional wines. Fish is a speciality and if you are prepared to wait a little longer than you might expect there are some real treats to be tasted here. Also, the place you’re most likely to hear Oasis be played in Barcelona if you’re looking for a Britpop vibe. Details

3. Fat Schmucks, Carrer de Joaquin Costa in El Raval, Barcelona

Our flat in Raval looks out onto a square where this memorably-named restaurant has sprung up. Always busy with a lively young crowd, including outdoor seating, this offers a sociable night out with perfect big portions of comfort food for the hungover and we can recommend the lunchtime Bloody Marys and avocado. There’s a great story behind the Two Schmucks brand and there’s a sister cocktail bar further up this street towards Placa Catalunya. We’ve already recommended it as a fun place to visit to friends who are holidaying here. Details

4. Rosa del Raval, Carrer dels Àngels, 6, 08001 Barcelona

Where we go after a day of travelling for a warm Barcelona welcome. Mexican food and glorious cheap frozen margueritas, guacamole and crisps. There’s a very generous chicken fajitas deal for 2 although we’d go pork quesadillas or tacos de cochinita pibil. Details

5. Carlota Akaneya in Raval

We’re back in May and visit this restaurant tomorrow (Tuesday May 17). We’ll write about it shortly but it looks promising. Details

• Pictures by Neil Durham courtesy Dos Pebrots and Fat Schmucks
• Have you been to any of these restaurants or bars? Let us know what you thought in the comments below
• Enjoyed this review? Follow monstagigz on Twitter @NeilDurham, email neildurham3@gmail.com and check us out on Instagram and Facebook