VIVANDA

Now that the peak of the Barcelona tourist season stretches year-round, the sleepy, residential but relatively visitor-free Zona Alta (the well-heeled neighbourhoods above Diagonal), starts to look very alluring indeed. And it only got better since Jordi Vilá, one of Catalan’s most exciting young chefs, arrived at Vivanda, one of city’s most delightful summer dining spots thanks to its leafy garden. Jordi has already earned his first Michelin star at Alkimia, and has left his subtle mark on the already solid cuisine. With relatively simple dishes that are served almost tapas-style in small taster portions, the new menu is less experimental than Alkimia’s, but follows the same gospel of excellent value for money. Amen to that.