No credit cards, no phone reservations, and no service until everyone is seated.

All these conditions (and more) are what you encounter when you arrive at the front door of this Poble Sec signature locale. Sixteen years of successful business on the corner of Margarit and Magallanes streets and a faithful and ever-growing clientele can surely make you accept the rules set in place by the owner, Manel.

And if you’re craving Catalan flavor, this is the place to come. Specializing in caracoles (snails) and barbecued meat, La Tomaquera’s selection is completed with a long list of torradas (toasted bread with various garnishing), tapas, sausages, salads and other traditional tastes.

The house-special sangria is a definite summertime favorite.