Second stop: Pepito Restaurant, Barcelona

🍴 A Hidden Barcelona Gem: Cozy, Local, and Ideal for Dates Three years later, I’m still thinking about this tiny Western restaurant tucked away near the bustling Passeig de🥩 Gràcia—down a super unassuming side street, of all places. (Pro tip: Ignore the pile of trash bins outside; it’s so worth it.) Locals fill the tables, and on our quiet Monday date night, we had the perfect mix of intimacy and warmth.🍄 🦑 The Bites: Hits, Near-Misses, and That Steak Calamarcitos baby with salsa aji amarillo: Crispy fried baby squid with a zesty yellow chili sauce. Crunchy, addictive, but slightly salty—pair it with a drink, and you’re golden. Setas portobello: Cheesy grilled portobello mushrooms. Decent, but must be eaten hot—cold cheese gets clumpy and stuck in your throat. Not a dealbreaker, just a heads-up. Nuestra Ensalada Cesar: Their house Caesar salad. I hate salad, but this won me over: creamy dressing, fresh greens, and a crispy bread shell wrapping it all up. Unexpectedly delicious. Chuleton (Tomahawk steak): The star. A massive two-person cut, with a choice of hand-cut potatoes or mash (we picked potatoes, but regret not choosing mash—no logic, just potato love). Served slightly rare, with a hot iron plate to cook it more to your liking. Juicy, flavorful, and so satisfying… though prepare for a little post-meal flossing (it’s a bit chewy).🍄 We skipped the croquetas de setas to save room, 🥩but they’re top of my list for next time. 💸 Price & Vibe Cost: €40–75 per person (we splurged, but you can keep it lighter). Atmosphere: Cozy, romantic, with that “locals-only” charm. Perfect for dates. Bonus: The bathroom lighting? Chef’s kiss for selfies. (Shoutout to my boyfriend for the heads-up—natural light + no filter = flawless pics.) 📍 Deets Passatge de Domingo, 3, L'Eixample, 08007 Barcelona (book via Google—worth it to secure a table). This spot isn’t flashy, but it’s real. Great food, warm service, and that “we found a secret” feeling? I’ll be back. #BarcelonaHiddenGems #DateNightEats #LocalVibes