Tast i Més

Sarrià-Sant Gervasi is the part of Barcelona where the air smells like old money and the streets are lined with private schools and quiet privilege. It’s the 'Upper Zone,' a place where tourists usually only end up if they’ve taken a wrong turn looking for Tibidabo. But tucked away on Passeig de la Bonanova is Tast i Més, a small, unassuming joint that stands as a direct rebuke to the neighborhood’s polished exterior. It’s not trying to be a Michelin-starred temple or a high-concept fusion lab. It’s just a restaurant, and in a city increasingly choked by 'concept' dining, that’s a beautiful thing.

When you walk in, don’t expect a velvet rope or a host with a headset. Expect a tight, cozy space that feels like a neighborhood living room. The decor is functional, the lighting is honest, and the vibe is strictly local. This is where the people who actually live in Sarrià come when they want a meal that doesn't require a blazer or a bank loan. It’s a place built on the backbone of the 'menú del día'—that sacred Spanish tradition of a three-course lunch that keeps the city running. At Tast i Més, they do it with a level of care that puts the tourist traps in the center to shame.

The food here leans toward the healthy and the Mediterranean, with a heavy hand on the vegetarian and vegan side of the scale. But don't let the 'Natural' tag scare you off. This isn't the kind of place that serves flavorless cardboard and calls it a meal. Their tagliatelle with pesto is a masterclass in simplicity—pasta cooked with respect and a sauce that actually tastes like fresh basil and nuts. The veggie burgers are a standout, made in-house with textured protein and oats, served with real greens and cherry tomatoes rather than a sad leaf of wilted iceberg. They also do a mean lasagna and tortillas that feel like they came out of a grandmother’s kitchen, not a factory.

What makes Tast i Més special is the lack of ego. In a neighborhood where everything is manicured, this place is raw. The service is friendly but doesn't hover. It’s the kind of spot where you can sit with a book and a glass of wine and not feel like you’re being timed for your table turnover. It’s one of the best restaurants in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi for anyone who values substance over style. You aren't paying for the 'experience' or the 'ambiance'; you’re paying for a plate of food that was cooked by someone who gives a damn.

Is it perfect? Of course not. It’s small, and during the lunch rush, it can get loud enough to make your teeth rattle if a group of local students or office workers is in full swing. The wine list isn't going to win any awards, and the menu doesn't change with the phases of the moon. But that’s the point. It’s reliable. It’s consistent. It’s a cheap eat in Barcelona that doesn't feel like a compromise. If you’re tired of the hype and the 'gastronomic adventures' that leave your wallet empty and your stomach confused, hike up the hill to Bonanova. Sit down, order the daily menu, and remember what it’s like to eat a meal that just wants to be delicious.