La Luna

La Luna was one of the first restaurants in Barcelona in which I dined, and it has been a classic for my friends and I throughout our time abroad.  Nestled in the heart of “El Born” district, it is on a small side street next to Santa Maria del Mar, called Calle Abaixadores.  It is a perfect fit for a young student, looking for a delicious meal at a reasonable price.  The atmosphere is very chic, with its red tones, dark lighting, and stone vaulting.  The entrance leads to a room with a prominent bar, but the dining section of the restaurant is in a separate room in the back.  The room is cozy and the stone and wooden accents give it a natural feel.  The menu is not enormous but is not too small; it is just right.  It has a few salads, soups, pastas, and a variety of delectable chicken, fish, and red meats.  The meals are fairly large and you definitely get what you pay for.  One interesting meal was the hamburger, which is not served as most Americans may be used to.  My disappointed friend complained the whole meal about his hamburger’s lack of a top bun, which apparently is often the custom in Barcelona.  Aside from this minor glitch, I would go as far as calling the restaurant “flawless”.  The rocket salad with goat cheese, apple, tomato glaze, walnuts, and arugula is out of this world.  The ravioli is another of my favorites.  I’ve also enjoyed the honey-glazed chicken., the tuna steak, and many more.  La Luna is a great place for a more upscale group dinner or even just a casual date with a friend.  With this restaurant you really can’t go wrong.