BACARO

To satisfy a craving for Italian that involves neither pizza nor a Latin hottie, we’d usually head for Xemei in Poble Sec, a small Venetian eatery that is revered by locals. But now you don’t even have to leave the centre of town.

A break-away group has set up Bacaro in a narrow street just behind the Boqueria market, also serving up Venetian. The burrata with speck ham is perfect for a shared starter (on the large side for one) but there are really no bad options – and no pizzas – on the short menu of yummy dishes and very drinkable wines.

Casual and unpretentious, the small place is perfect for a date or a night out with friends. For either, pick a mezzanine table to keep dinner free from Grindr alerts – cell phone coverage is spotty.