Santa Gula

Santa Gula stands on Plaça de Narcís Oller, at the edge of Vila de Gràcia near Via Augusta. Its small-restaurant format lends itself to building a meal around several sharing plates rather than necessarily ordering an individual starter and main. Executive chef Martín Marchese's Mediterranean approach leaves room for international influences.

The seasonal repertoire brings together vegetables, pasta, fish and meat. Macarfi highlights dishes such as mushroom and prawn ravioli, roasted carrots and Wagyu tartare with spiced butter. That variety invites comparisons as plates are shared; it does not mean every recipe is available throughout the year.

The dining room is intimate, with tables close together, and suits an informal meal more than a search for seclusion. Wine has its own place in the restaurant's offering, which also advertises bottles outside the main list. It can be a good choice for sharing different preparations and taking time over them, with conversation as part of the meal.