East meets West
Habibi: Away from Barcelona's traffic, this is a simple corner of tranquillity whose calm is reinforced by a waterfall (inactive during our visit) and plants that wind their way around the fittings. The menu offers a range of dishes including couscous, stuffed vine leaves and urugi burgers with houmous. But if it's meat you're after, owner Hassan can create such treats as kube halabi (spiced lamb in a semolina pancake with fruits and nuts). Habibi uses only organic meats and vegetables, by the way. As well as shawarmas and falafels, it is known for its matabal aubergine dip. The two of us dined well for less than 20 euros. C/Gran de Grࣩa 7. Metro Diagonal.
Le Kasbah: Open from 8pm to 3.30am daily and located at the back of the Palau del Mar, this is the place for the de la Ribera crowd to see and be seen. The theme is North Africa-light with low sofas and rugs and chill-out sounds; the fare is cocktails, Shisha Marguile visuals and light food. Outdoors, the bar's pavement extension has cosy pillows and armchairs. Six euros seems to be a standard price. That's what a generous gin and tonic cost and it's the same tariff for a relaxing water pipe. Pla硠Pau Vila (Palau del Mar). Metro Barceloneta.
