Bar de Pla, Barcelona, Spain

When it comes to local, authentic tapas bars in the capital of Catalonia, they can be considered a dime a dozen. There are loads of options to choose from, so many so the average visitor to Barcelona can be completely confused as to where to even begin a search for pan con tomate. But one unsuspecting gem in the trendy neighborhood of El Born features a no-fuss, no-nonsense approach to traditional Spanish tapas, adding an extra touch of authenticity with the homemade cava.

Bar de Pla is a tiny storefront that hardly stands out amid tourist shops and a small church across the street, but the restaurant was founded and is run by locals who serve basic, no-frills Catalan dishes without the fancy presentation found at some other tapas spots.

Classic Catalan options include patatas bravas, pulpo (octopus), croquettes, local anchovies, squid, Catalan sausage and Iberian pork, while other innovative dishes include a mushroom and wasabi mix; crispy oxtail with foie gras; and T-bone steaks. Wash everything down with a glass (or bottle) of housemade cava or a local wine recommended by one of the four sommeliers on staff, plus a side of Crema Catalana, a custard-like dessert similar to France’s crème brûlée.