Dine Like a Local in Barcelona: 6 Restaurants to Try on Your Next Trip

Beatrice Clark August 14, 2018 Leave a Comment

As well as iconic architecture, fantastic shopping, and guaranteed sunshine, the Catalan capital also seduces visitors with its flourishing food scene. If you’re planning a trip to Barna (as it’s sometimes called by locals), here are our top recommendations for where to dine like a local in Barcelona. We’ve hand-picked some of the best options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Brunch at El Rebost De Sant Antoni
Start off your day by visiting one of Barcelona’s traditional food markets such as the Mercat de Sant Antoni in the heart of the city. Right next to the market you’ll find El Rebost De Sant Antoni, the perfect brunch stop offering traditional and market cuisine and a passion for authentic flavors. Enjoy a selection of cured meats, grilled Iberico pork, a wide range of cheeses, and delicatessen products sourced directly from their places of origin (Torreznos de Soria, Morcilla de Burgos and Jaén, Sobrasada de Menorca, and many more). Make a reservation at El Rebost De Sant Antoni.

Traditional lunch at Taller de Tapas – Rambla Catalunya
You cannot visit Barcelona without walking along the famous Rambla Catalunya and taking in Spanish daily life. Why not stop at Taller de Tapas and enjoy an al fresco lunch at one of the shady tables on the tree-lined boulevard (just like Scarlett Johansson in Woody Allen’s movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona)? Give the roast Pyrenean lamb with rosemary and thyme a try or enjoy traditional Spanish tapas dishes such as crisp, fried artichoke shavings or sizzling chorizo cooked in Asturian cider. Make a reservation at Taller de Tapas.

Venetian lunch at Xemei
Another great spot for lunch in the Catalan capital is Xemei, especially if you have had enough of tapas and paella for a while. We recommend Xemei and its outstanding Venetian cuisine and atmosphere. Tip: Owners Stefano and Max have collected a fantastic selection of wines and will match your food and drink choices absolutely perfectly. Make a reservation at Xemei.

Date night at La Dama
Looking to impress your other half? Then pay La Dama a visit – it’s the perfect spot for a romantic date night. Located in an elegant building hailing from the Catalan Art Nouveau era, La Dama provides traditional French cuisine and has a creative cocktail bar, so you can spend your entire evening under one roof. Tip: Try the lobster spaghetti or their signature dish steak tartar la Dama – you won’t be disappointed. Make a reservation at La Dama.

Authentic dinner at El Cangrejo Loco
Lovers of seafood should definitely pay El Cangrejo Loco a visit. A firm favorite of royals all across Europe, you might be in luck and even see Spain’s King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia or Britain’s Princess Anne at this very special location overlooking the Spanish coast. We recommend their fisherman-style paella – an absolute delight. Make a reservation at El Cangrejo Loco.

Where to Eat in 2018’s Top Destinations

OpenTable August 9, 2018 Leave a Comment

What’s the most memorable thing about your last trip? For many people, one of the first things that come to mind is a meal. Whether you tried crawfish for the first time or sampled the perfect pasta dish, finding a great restaurant to have that one big night out can be what pushes your trip over the edge. But with so many great options, how do you pick? To get you started, KAYAK and OpenTable teamed up to crunch the numbers on some of the top restaurants for a big night out in America’s most popular cities.

From more than 1.5 billion annual KAYAK searches, we found the most-searched-for destinations of 2018. These are the cities that are on travelers’ minds, hearts… and appetites. On the flip side, OpenTable analyzed more than 12 million reviews from verified diners to create a list of the 100 Best Restaurants for a Big Night Out across the U.S. that offer fabulous food, drink, and atmosphere, making these hot spots the perfect places to go all-out on your next visit. Here’s where to eat in 2018’s top destinations.

Las Vegas

In Vegas, it’s go big or go home. And a big night out there isn’t just an event, it’s a rite of passage. As KAYAK’s most popular destination for 2018, Vegas is also one of the top foodie destinations in the U.S. It’s where celebrity chefs stake their claims, opening large, bustling restaurants along the Strip. Go in September when median airfare dips to $204/roundtrip. For a big night out, if you’re looking to catch up with your favorite food show star, head to Giada – The Cromwell or Gordon Ramsay Steak. Both have earned 4.5-star ratings from OpenTable reviewers, and you can expect to pay around $50 and up for a meal. Or hit up Ugly Delicious host David Chang’s Momofuku group (pictured below), which has opened their first West Coast restaurant on the Strip. With a 4.7-star rating from 1,055 reviews and an average meal ranging from $31 to $50, it’s a terrifc place to get your fill of steamed buns, salt and pepper lobster and shrimp, and late night ramen before hitting the slots (again). Find flights to Las Vegas. Find accommodations in Las Vegas.

New York

For three consecutive years, New York has claimed its place as the #2 most popular destination. Go in September for a post-summer stay when airfare drops to $236. But no matter when you decide to fly, we recommend that you book at least three months ahead. The city is known throughout the world for its top-notch chefs and culinary experiences. It’s where many kitchen stars have started out to see if they can take the heat. But with so many restaurants, choosing where to eat in the city that never sleeps can get overwhelming. Thankfully, OpenTable has identified hot spots for every appetite. Looking for plates big and small? Go for tapas, steak, and more at Vandal (pictured below) on the Lower East Side. This Spanish-inspired spot by the Bowery Hotel has a 4.6-star rating and reviewers think it’s great for a date. Or you can venture up to Harlem for a table at Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster, a comfort food haven with menu options that reflect the diverse community surrounding the restaurant. Here, you can expect to spend at least $31 to $50 for a meal. Or, you can head out even further with a ferry ride across the East River to Long Island City for a meal at Blend on the Water. With a price point of $30 and under, this is an affordable option to get a fabulous meal in a vibrant setting. Find flights to New York. Find accommodations in New York.

Los Angeles

Dig that West Coast vibe? Whether you’re more Hollywood or Downtown, LA is home to some of the nation’s most exciting restaurants. September is the perfect time to visit with median airfare at its lowest ($236) and average temps a sunny 72 degrees. Eat clean at Gracias Madre (pictured below) in West Hollywood, which serves 100% organic, plant-based cuisine inspired by the kitchens of Mexico sourced from locally grown ingredients (bonus: there’s outdoor seating, too). Or reality TV fans can go casual-romantic under the 100-year-old olive trees at Pump, from reality queen Lisa Vanderpump. Its chic decor and relaxed-yet-fun vibe give this 4.5-star rated restaurant a distinctly European appeal. Expect to spend between $31 to $50 on a meal here. But if you really want to crank up the dial on romance, a meal at Republique is in order. Located in the heart of LA, the restaurant sits in a classic building originally constructed by Hollywood legend Charlie Chaplin that once housed Nancy Silverton’s legendary La Brea Bakery. OpenTable insiders have called Republique “game-changing.” Its French-inspired menu and charming digs make it a must-dine destination in the city. Just expect to pull out all the stops — meals are usually over $50 here. Find flights to Los Angeles. Find accommodations in Los Angeles.

Chicago

The Windy City may be known for its deep dish pizza and hot dogs, but there’s much more to Chicago’s restaurant scene than these two homey staples. That makes it a dining destination for any self-respecting foodie. Just be sure to book your escape to the #5 most popular destination at least three months ahead; according to KAYAK data, that seems to be the sweet spot of finding great deals on airfare (median $215). For dining out options, celeb chef Stephanie Izard’s Duck Duck Goat (pictured below) is a new Chinese-style spot that has already earned 4.8 stars from more than 1,900 reviewers. You can usually find meals here for under $30, making it a budget-friendly pick. Another 4.8-starred darling of the Chicago food scene is Maple & Ash, which is helmed by Danny Grant, a two-Michelin-star chef. OpenTable insiders consider this spot a slam dunk for a romantic date night — meals tend to cost between $31 and $50. If you’re looking for a table that’ll provide the perfect backdrop for a special occasion, Carnivale has been called out as one of the top spots. With Latin-infused cuisine and colorful decor, this highly-rated restaurant is a solid option for your group. Find flights to Chicago. Find accommodations in Chicago.

August 2018 Restaurant Weeks Start Now: Where to Save on Summer Dining

OpenTable August 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

August is peak ingredient season, thanks to the high summer harvest. Find out where to enjoy the best of the bounty for less with August 2018 restaurant weeks.

* Hudson Restaurant Week ends soon with $12-$20 lunches and $25-$40 dinners through August 3. Make a reservation.

* Baltimore Restaurant Week features two-course $15-$20 lunches and three-course $20-$35 dinners through August 5. Make a reservation.

* Howard County Restaurant Week runs for a few more days in the Baltimore area with $15-$40 lunches + dinners through August 6. Make a reservation.

* Dine Out Downtown Delray Restaurant Week begins today in the Miami area with $20 lunches and $40 dinners through August 7. Make a reservation.

* NYC Restaurant Week continues with $26 brunches + lunches and $42 dinners through August 17. Make a reservation.

* Miami Spice starts now with two months of discounted dining at the city’s best restaurants with $23 lunches + brunches and $39 dinners through September 30. Make a reservation.

* Houston Restaurant Weeks is your chance to good while dining out on $20 lunches + brunches and $35 or $45 dinners with $3-$7 going to the Houston Food Bank for every meal sold through September 3. Make a reservation.

* COOLinary New Orleans Restaurant Celebration is on in NOLA with $20 or less lunches and $39 or less brunches + dinners through August 31. Make a reservation.

* Dine LBC comes to LA’s Long Beach area with special $25-$85 dinners, August 4-12. Make a reservation.

* Dine Out Boston has many ways to save with $15, $20 + $25 lunches and $28, $33 + $38 dinners, August 5-10 + 12-17. Make a reservation.

* Downtown Cincinnati Restaurant Week is your ticket to $15, $25, $35, or $45 lunches and dinners, August 6-12. Make a reservation.

* DFW Restaurant Week previews Dallas-Fort Worth’s best dishes. from August 8-10 with a $20 prix-fixe lunch and $39 or $49 dinners. Make a reservation.

* Bethesda Magazine Restaurant Week delivers deliciousness with $20-$22 brunches, $15- $36 lunches, and $18-$45 dinners, August 10-19. Make a reservation.

* Huntsville Restaurant Week comes to Alabama with$10 + $15 lunches and $10, $20, $30 + $40 dinners at restaurants in Huntsville, Madison, and Madison County, August 10-19. Make a reservation.

* San Antonio Restaurant Week arrives in the heart of Texas with $10 + $15 lunches and $10, $20, $30 + $40 dinners, August 11-25. Make a reservation.

* Pittsburgh Restaurant Week is offering specially priced menus from $20.18 to $35.18 at participating PGH restaurants, August 13-19. Make a reservation.

* Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week kicks off in D.C. in a few weeks. Don’t miss $22 lunches + brunches and $35 dinners at restaurants like Founding Farmers (pictured above), August 13-19. Make a reservation.Continue Reading

The Big Easy for Little Diners: 10 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in New Orleans

Nevin Martell July 17, 2018 Leave a Comment

Many travelers have a misconception that the Mardi Gras atmosphere always pervades in New Orleans. In fact, if families head there after festival season, they’ll be greeted with a much mellower atmosphere and a bounty of kid-friendly opportunities – from the Audubon Zoo and Storyland sculpture garden to riverboat cruises and a stroll through the historic Garden District. Plus, there are plenty of restaurants perfect for parents traveling with little ones, offering everything from Cajun and Creole cuisine to modern Israeli and forward-thinking Italian. Here are 10 kid-friendly restaurants in New Orleans for little diners.

Toups South

After a history-rich, appetite-spurring walk through the Southern Food And Beverage Museum in the Central City neighborhood, step next door to this salute to Mason-Dixie cuisine from chef Isaac Toups. There’s an emphasis on comforting classics, so make sure to come hungry. Ask for one of the high seats at the counter of the exposition kitchen where can watch your meal unfold and chat with the friendly staff.

Best bites for tykes: Fluffy sourdough biscuits with briny crab fat butter, Smoke Sticks (think of them as homemade Slim Jims), and the three-napkin, two-hand burger topped with bacon, barbeque sauce, pickled jalapeños, and cheddar.

Make a reservation at Toups South.

Shaya

Who would have thought that one of the best restaurants in NOLA would be a modern-minded Israeli concept on Magazine Street? Though founding chef and namesake Alon Shaya has left, it continues to soar under the stewardship of executive chef Michael Wilson. Everything is designed to be shared and combined, so diners can mix and match a meal to their liking. With so many vibrant flavors at play it can be difficult to decide what to eat next, but that’s not a bad problem.

Best bites for tykes: Salatim (salads and spreads, like tabouli pepped with preserved lemon vinaigrette and thick labneh topped off with peppery rounds of radish) and hummus, all scooped up with the puffy, pillow-like pita bread that arrives warm from the oven.

Make a reservation at Shaya.

Emeril’s

You’ll be able to take it easy at the iconic chef’s namesake restaurant. It attracts a loud crowd, so no one will notice any noise your kid creates. The dress code is casual – though they draw the line at men wearing sleeveless shirts – so you don’t need get fancied up. And moms and dads can unwind with some suggestions from sommelier Ray Gumpert, who presides over a beyond impressive wine list nearly 1,900 varietals strong.

Best bites for tykes: Duck wings, chicken and waffles, and decadent desserts, like the Reese’s-inspired chocolate peanut butter pie with an Oreo crust.

Make a reservation at Emeril’s.

Josephine Estelle

Situated in a corner of the Ace Hotel – which is so beyond hip that each room comes stocked with a record player and full vinyl collection, as well as an epic minibar that will cause cocktail enthusiasts to high five themselves with excitement – its lunch and dinner menu from chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman favors Italian standards with an emphasis on housemade pastas. In the morning, there are the usual suspects that kids love: a short stack of buttermilk ricotta pancakes dusted with confectioners sugar, housemade yogurt sporting granola and honey, and a towering fried chicken biscuit.

Best bites for tykes: Cacio e pepe, gemelli with “maw maw’s gravy,” and meatballs sitting on a field of melted parmesan.

Make a reservation at Josephine Estelle.

Café Adelaide

The sister spot to Commander’s Palace makes its home inside the sleek and chic Loews Hotel on Poydras Street in the Central Business District. There are plenty of booths, so parents can contain their kids while they eat. The menu focuses on classic Nawlins fare and more contemporary interpretations of old-time favorites. Ask nicely and the staff will bring you a board game – such as chess or Scrabble – to amuse the family while the meal unfolds.

Best bites for tykes: Shrimp and tasso ham corndogs, Louisiana strawberry salad with roasted pecans and sherry-balsamic dressing, and the Cajun brownie accompanied by coconut sorbet.

Make a reservation at Café Adelaide.

Brennan’s

A cornerstone of the French Quarter and one of the city’s great dining institutions, the iconic restaurant has been wowing diners for nearly seven decades. Though it features white tablecloths and dapperly dressed staff, it’s still fit for families. Save room for the Banana’s Foster, which was invented there, because it involves a fiery tableside preparation that will awe everyone.

Best bites for tykes: The kid’s menu features grilled cheese, fried shrimp, and grilled chicken with mash potatoes and green beans, though adventurous eaters may want to tackle crawfish cannelloni or Gulf-sourced, Almandine-style fish from the main menu.

Make a reservation at Brennan’s.

Superior Seafood

The extensive menu lets seafood lovers dive into an ocean of possibilities – from char-grilled oysters topped with a layer of melted parm and Romano and crawfish mac ‘n’ cheese to pecan-crusted drum fish and shrimp and grits. Portions are generous and the waitstaff are easygoing, so it’s a good place to camp out and fuel up after a long day exploring the city.

Best bites for tykes: A special menu for children features fried fish strips, grilled shrimp and fries, and pasta alfredo with grilled chicken, and there are plenty of pleasing dessert options, such as profiteroles and carrot cake.

Make a reservation at Superior Seafood.