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In recreating a Spanish tapas restaurant, the owners of Barcelona have left no stone unturned, whether it is with regards to the food that is redolent of the tastes and aromas of Spain or the funky and eclectic décor or even the vibrant atmosphere. In Fairfield they are located in the 1940's Hi Ho Motel, and the dining room exudes a sense of nostalgia with artsy wallpaper and the homey photographs.

Empanadas of spiced beef or chorizo with sweet and sour figs are some of the delicious tapas available during lunchtime alongside salads, sandwiches and steaks. From the regular à la carte, you could choose mussels sautéed with spicy tomato sauce followed by pepper rubbed filet mignon with mashed potatoes, brandy reduction and crispy onions. For dessert, there are churros y chocolate, fried dough with thick hot chocolate while the range of Spanish wines, champagnes and other international favorites complement your meal expertly.

Once you're inside this restaurant it will not be too long before you know who Liana DiMeglio is.  This energetic chef-owner struts around the small dining area greeting diners with an infectious enthusiasm, making them feel welcome right away. This is a perennially busy place and well known for its homely South Italian cooking and friendly service, in itself reason enough to warrant a revisit.

The menu is in keeping with the size of the restaurant but the cooking is fresh and full of flavor. House specialties of veal cutlet Milanese, linguine con calamari, and the famous feather light gnocchi are a must-try at this place. Prosciutto with ripe melon and stuffed red pepper appetizers could follow a main course of chicken breast filled with spinach and provolone cheese and scallops with brown sauce and linguini. Save room for Liana's delectable dessert of panna cotta, which comes with a fragrant lemon infused wild berry sauce.