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Josep Manubens Figueres, the chef and owner, otherwise known as Pep (the Catalan nickname for Josep) presides over what is viewed by many as the best tapas bar in Barcelona.
Cal Pep serves authentic Mediterranean cuisine, with an emphasis on fish, shellfish and fresh seasonal produce. Pep is said to send scouts to the best fish auctions along the nearby Costa Brava every morning to bring back the best seafood available, rather than buying from Barcelona markets.
A written menu is not offered at the lively and informal bar. Among the most celebrated dishes are cloïsses amb pernil (clams and ham), trifàsic (a combination of calamari, whitebait and prawns), tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelette) and tartar de tonyina (tuna tartare).
The restaurant consists of a long bar with 20 stools and and a small and dining room at the back. Cal Pep does not take reservations apart from the tables in the dining room and it is advisable to book well in advance. The ever present long line of locals queuing for a seat at the counter serves as a testimony to the quality of the food here.
Address: Plaça de les Olles, 8, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Neighborhood: El Born
Price Range: €€€€€
Credit Cards Accepted: Yes
Nearest Metro: Barceloneta (L4)
Phone: 933 10 79 61
Website: www.calpep.com
Email: calpep@calpep.com
See also: Best Tapas Restaurants in Barcelona