La Cova Fumada

Located not far from the harbor in a quaint small neighborhood sits La Cova Fumada. It's a family run tavern - a classic bodega that serves authentic Spanish cuisine. There is no sign outside- the taxi driver just has to look for it. The tiny chalkboard inside reflects the incredible little tapas. There are only ~6 tables inside so come early. We were there just at noon and got the last available two chairs! (Noon is early for lunch in Spain though!) La Cava Fumada is rumored to have invented bombas- a potato and meat dumpling very popular in tapas restaurants. 
We settled into our seats and looked around. This place reminded us of numerous tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurants that we love in New Orleans. There were only 6-7 people running the whole place including the bar area. I ordered a beer. There was no choice. Only one local brew, but in a large or small bottle. We ordered the mussels so fresh that I could still smell the sea water and potato cakes served with a sour cream and hot pepper sauce that I'm still talking about it!!! Incredible!! By the time we left there was a line of people out the door and down the sidewalk- all drinking large local beers. For a really good flavor of traditional Barcelona local fare come to La Cova Fumada!!