A definite find in a low, modern building in the historic Bari Gotica neighborhood. The sign on the outside calls it the COAC Restaurant Cafeteria. This building sits across the plaza from the Cathedral and houses a tourist information outlet as well as a shop with clever items including souvenirs, kitchen items, guide books, and fun watches with paper (Tyvek) bands. Back to the restaurant. It serves a complete meal with crusty bread, appetizer, entrée, beverage (wine, beer, soft drink, or water), and coffee or dessert. All for 11 Euros. Despite the "cafeteria" in the name, it's all table service by waiters who are at once casual and professional. I had two meals there, both excellent. One starter was a tuna salad, that is, mixed greens topped with canned tuna. Now, don't back away: this is Mediterranean tuna packed in olive oil: clean, flaky fish in a fresh-tasting oil that's heavy enough to serve as a salad dressing by itself. This was followed by lightly breaded calamari accompanied by half a potato that seemed to have been boiled first and then lightly grilled. The tender calamari tasted of the nearby sea and the potato had a real potato-ey flavor, not always a given in the U.S. I chose "apple pie" for dessert. It was the Barcelona's version: a flat piece of pastry topped by half an apple that, I think, was first poached in a liquid laced with cinnamon before being dusted with more cinnamon and then baked. I wanted another piece. Or two. Service was fine, always there but unobtrusive. English is handled easily by all staff members, and explanations of menu items are happily provided. And yes, only 11 Euros for all of this. Go! read more
