Thanks to facilities built for the 1992 Olympics and burgeoning international investment (it's up 26 percent this year), Spain's cultural capital is giving Madrid a run for its money as the country's top business destination. And thanks to chef Ferran Adrià, it challenges Paris as global culinary hub.

Love foamed beetroot or hate it, it's difficult to deny that Adrià fomented a food revolution by marrying science and haute cuisine. His eatery, El Bulli, is two hours outside the city, and while his influence can be seen from Australia to Chicago, it may be most obvious in downtown Barcelona. Even visitors who can't squeeze into Adrià's culinary temple can experience experimental fare—but they can also turn to far more conservative cuisine.

Seafood is the centerpiece of most meals here, and local shellfish plays a leading role in the city's cuisine. Tapas are also widespread, even at more formal restaurants. That's a boon for solo travelers, who can choose from a huge range of small dishes (razor clams and olives are popular), washing them down with beer, vermouth, or cava produced in the nearby Penedès region. These light meals are served at all hours, which is helpful in a country where eating out is a form of nightlife. Most restaurants don't open until 8 p.m.; venture in before 9 p.m. and it's likely to be you and the waiters. Here, a half-dozen great places to dine alone, whether early or late.


Ciutat Vella: Commerç 24
C/Commerç 24
+34 93 319 21 02
Solo diners eat here for the same reason they might go alone to a museum: to enjoy the artwork undisturbed. Carlos Abellán was a line chef at El Bulli before starting his own restaurant, and Adrià's influence is visible down to Abellán's trademark "Kinder egg," which arrives foaming with truffle and potato. The open kitchen is brightly lit so diners can watch the cooks wield syringes and aerosol cans. Minimum order is three tapas, but most guests order the tasting menu of 10 small courses. The waitstaff gravely explains the contents of each dish—usually not terribly obvious—and enforces the strict non-smoking policy.
Dress: Business/business casual
Prices: Expensive
Reservations: Not necessary for the bar; otherwise recommended

Barceloneta: Agua
Passeig Marìtim 30
+34 93 225 12 72
Terraced restaurants overlooking Barceloneta seem a logical place to find outstanding seafood, but many are tourist traps serving sad, soggy paella. Agua is an exception and locals know it, so make a reservation if you plan to sit outside. The view of a rocky promontory is a big draw, but Mediterranean dishes like monkfish and clam stew or salmon tartare with leeks run a close second. The jamón ibérico on toast is worth trying if only because the specialty ham is so hard to obtain abroad. 
Dress: Business/business casual
Prices: Moderate
Reservations: Recommended for the terrace