Fodor's Expert Review Sant Pau

One of the best restaurants below the Pyrenees, this Sant Pol de Mar treasure is a scenic 40-minute train ride along the beach from Barcelona (take Calella-bound train from the RENFE station on the Plaça Catalunya). Chef Carme Ruscalleda is a household name in Spain, with seven Michelin stars to her credit, and this is the main stage for her talents. Inside are clean, spare lines and a garden overlooking the Mediterranean. Dishes change with the seasons, but picture vieiras (scallops) with crisped artichoke flakes on roast potato, or lubina on baby leeks and chard in garnatxa (sweet Catalan wine) sauce. If you're here for Sant Jordi, Barcelona's Lovers' Day on April 23, you might score a misiva de amor (love letter), a pastry envelope containing julienned berries and peaches. Take a Calella-bound train from the RENFE station on the Plaça Catalunya: the train stops very close to the restaurant.