Barcelona Restaurants - Recommended Barcelona Restaurants

8 / 10 Review

1902

The Café Modernista, a unique terrace

Within the grounds of the Hospital and belonging to Grupo Sagardi, El Café Modernista 1902 is a unique place to enjoy a good terrace and a unique space. With an offer based on traditional cuisine, it offers several options depending on the time of day, covering from breakfast to dinner. If the weather accompanies, its terrace is pleasant to take a good vermouth or even to eat to be at the feet of the Hospital, in a pedestrian zone. In its letter we will see that nothing is lacking of the most classic, seems designed in consonance with the surroundings: Russian Salad Gilda, Bomba de la Barceloneta, Croquetas de Jamón and patatas bravas are ideal for vermouth time If we are looking for something more forceful, going to take a Brunch "a la catalana" is almost essential. It is necessary to take advantage of the Anglo-Saxon format to take some Eggs Started with Iberian Ham. The product is one of its great strengths. Elaborations that are made with fresh and quality product that guarantee a round finish. Their prices are very much in line with their offer.

5 / 10 Review

Palosanto

Restaurante Palosanto find a good tapas, usually as dishes to share. A booming format also where the restaurant is located is appreciated because its kitchen is non stop. The place is nice with good decoration in which tables of different heights, natural colors and white .It has combined a letter quite varied in the Mediterranean and international cuisine are combined. I could try some of them like their tacos marinated tuna with quinoa and onion Figueras highly recommended and good size, just one bite. Another of our choices as starters were a grilled squid with garlic and parsley. A simple preparation, suitable to wear the product was cool. Continuarmos with another of the dishes are rising as: a tartare steak. Well spiced and served with fries and toast to accompany the meat. The steak as defined in your letter is fillet of beef and to get an idea of size, is 180 grams. Their desserts are homemade and we recommend that probéis. The choice is a matter of taste, but both his apple tatin and fresh cream and muscovado biscuit, cinnamon ice cream and amaretto Gele are highly recommended.

8 / 10 Review

Takenori Mito Daruma

Authentic Japanese unpretentious

Daruma opened in 2013 and gradually has been getting a place among the good Japanese Barcleona. Located on the street Villarroel, between London and Paris, is a restaurant which I highly recommend! You have two excocineros of Yashima, and Kibuka. Myth Takenori Daruma has a Teppanyaki (with an iron bar around where they cook in front of you) very cool where you can order a la carte or tasting menu. Daruma decoration is quite simple, without much grace and detail but not bad. The place is clean, new and quite large. The variety and quality of food are super good. I recommend you to try varied Makis, Nigiris and Sashimi and tataki tuna: We bueníiiiiisimos. The butterfish: a "must". Sake also clams, Scallop Nigiri and rice with seafood! The value is great! You can eat for 25 €, or dinner with wine for 30-35 €. The tasting menu costs 45 € teppanyaki Oh, have lunch menu for less than 15 €.

7 / 10 Review

Thai Barcelona Royal Cuisine

Very romantic Thai restaurant

Thai Barcelona - Royal Cuisine: ideal for fans of Thai cuisine: located in the Provincial street Paseo de Gracia is a very authentic restaurant. When you enter you seem to find in Thailand. The decor is stunning. It is fully set in Thailand and is surrounded by hundreds of plants and flowers, and lots of wood around. It also has the typical thai tables, very petite, where you eat at ground level. Very little light, and a romantic environment. Ah, you have a terrace on the same street Diputación. I recommend yes or yes: Khung Pha Pom: shrimp tails wrapped in a crisp batter with a touch peanut. Paneng Nua: beef steaks cover the creamy red curry. Kio Wan Khung: prawns very creamy green curry accompanied by al dente vegetables. Kai Pad Metmamuang: Sauteed chicken breast filleted with vegetables, black mushrooms, pineapple and cashews. The price is not cheap, I think if you eat well and wine, no less than 30€. Thai Barcelona - Royal Cuisine, railandés very authentic restaurant in the Eixample, romantic and ideal for couples or to have a quiet evening.

8 / 10 Review

Bambarol

The best of Barcelona in terms of quality - price

Bambarol is my favorite restaurant that opened in Bcn in 2013. Since its inception, had great success. The chefs are restaurant owners and are ex - chefs of Saüc Maicas Ferrán and Albert Ferrer. The concept kitchen Bambarol are tapas and dishes with a twist, with a very good value for money. For me, the best in Barcelona! The local Bambarol is the weakest it has. Not that it's ugly, it's new, but decorated with little taste, really. Bambarol service is very good, super friendly and fun bartenders, every day I sing the daily specials and review with you the letter. The menu changes a lot, depending on the season. DEATH IS ALL !!!!!!!!! I have been a thousand times, I put the dishes here that I like and that are usually fixed in the letter: Salmon tataki with avocado: sooo well done bestial Russian salad with tuna apart, of high quality. Rich cheese cake! : Fluffy, light and flavorful.

9 / 10 Review

B Lounge

Great Brunch in the Hotel Barceló Raval

The Brunch of Barcelo Raval is one of the best I've had in Barcelona, and very complete for its price. When you arrive, they make you a tour around the restaurant explaining to all sections: salty, cold meats, sweets, drinks ... Later they offer a welcome cocktail: a choice between the Bloody Mary (great for hangovers) or a Mimosa (champagne with orange juice) Then you can taste anything free buffet of appetizers, soups, salads, different breads with cold cuts, cheeses, pastries galore and pastries, fruits ... a lot of things! Finally, they serve at the table or eggs Florentine or Benedict. The Eggs Florentine are poached eggs with spinach, real good. And Benedict, are also poached eggs with ham, topped with Hollandaise Sauce (sauce made with egg, butter and lemon). To liven up the evening, there's good background music, spun by a DJ who puts retro music. Very cool. And all for 25 €, super fine for my taste !!

9 / 10 Review

Isabella's

Italian charming in Sarriá

Isabella's is an Italian restaurant in Sarria, where I go for years and never fails: good environment, product and service. Isabella's restaurant is very cozy, has a very nice terrace on the street Ganduxer and decorated a little baroque chandeliers, antique mirrors, velvet curtains ... The atmosphere is very select, you will always find people "beautiful" and "fashion". If you want to let you see, Isabella's is your place. As for the food, typical Italian quality: antipasti, pastas, risottos, pizza... The meat is also good! Do not miss the Isabella's burrata with arugula and semi-dry tomatoes, zucchini carpaccio with tomato jam and pine nuts and Parmesan beef tagliatta. As for the average price: 35-40€/person. Isabella's: an Italian restaurant in Sarria, charming, friendly, very good quality and ideal for lunch or dinner animated. Perfect for couples and friends dinners.

8 / 10 Review

Bimba's

Good trattoria with great terrace Sarriá

Bimbas is a restaurant I go much in the area of Sarriá, Hospital say over Barcelona (Diagonal-Numancia). Bimba's is a restaurant that never fails, is not it the best of Barcelona but the product is good, also the service and local mola. Bimba's has a very wide and nice and quiet peaceful and romantic terrace, round tables and a terrace. The atmosphere is quite young, have DJ Thursday through Saturday, and provide uninterrupted service kitchen. They close fairly late so it's perfect then go for a drink. The letter Bimba'ses Restaurant quite extensive, with quality ingredients and based on fish, pasta and meat. The food is typical of a trattoria: salads, starters, carpaccio, pasta, pizza, meat and fish. All great. I especially recommend the zucchini carpaccio with olive oil and Maldon salt, and any suggestion of the week. Now they make sushi, and very good !! Oh and have a flourless chocolate cake, perfect for coeliacs, which is that you die!

8 / 10 Review

BarcelonaMilano

Good combination of Spanish and Italian tapas

The BarcelonaMilano restaurant opened in the summer of 2014. Restaurant l'Olive belonging to Group (Paco Meralgo, L'Olivé, Barceloneta, Tuset) is located where the old restaurant Vinya Roel (Villarroel street between London and Paris ). The restaurant concept is BarcelonaMilano Spanish and Italian tapas in a modern place, very wide, divided into several different environments that do not give the feeling of being in a place too great. The place is cozy while modern. BarcelonaMilano is also enoteca, as they have more than 400 references of wines from around the world. During the lunch menu they offer a free buffet for 21 € that is fine. In BarcelonaMilano they offer half portions, so I advise you ask about 3 small plates per person. All tapas are very good, especially reomiendo oxtail with pur, Russian salad, the Burratina, tartare with avocado, tomato and tuna belly, mushroom risotto and also the assortment of mushrooms with egg and potato. You will like!!!

9 / 10 Review

Ca l'Isidre

A lifelong classic that never fails.

Ca l'Isidre Restaurant is a classic restaurant over 40 years located in the Raval district of Barcelona ago. Ideal for special occasions :). Isidro Gironès and his family run this restaurant since 1970. Isidro spectacular comes every morning to personalemente Boqueria market to buy for its customers the best and freshest products. In the restaurant it is offered by one of the best cuisine in Barcelona market without a doubt. Local very very classic, elegant but a bit "carca". Do not expect a cool place with modern decor. Quite the opposite. Therefore, it is ideal to go with friends, family and business meals. The cuisine is traditional Ca l'Isidre market and 100%. Product always of the highest quality. Ca l'Isidre has a bestial winery, and house pastry is also amazing. Everything I've tried is always 10: all dishes with truffles in season, same with mushrooms, cannelloni are very famous .. exquisite fish .. everything! Ah! also croquettes Iberian ham and tuna "Balfegó".

9 / 10 Review

9Reinas Gourmet

Argentine romantic little restaurant in the Zona Alta of Barcelona

9 Reinas Gourmet Restaurant is located in the Ganduxer street of Barcelona (Zona Alta, near Cinesa Diagonal). 9 Reinas is a group of Argentinean restaurants in Barcelona and surroundings have 4: e best known is the Valencia street of Barcelona, also have another in Sant Cugat, one in Sant Just Desvern in the sports center Can Mèlich and 9 Reinas Gourmet in Ganduxer, the tiniest and welcoming. 9 Reinas has a shop Gourmet products Gourmet Argentinos inside, hence the name. 9 Reinas Gourmet offers buenisimas Argentine beef, both taste in the restaurant to take home. The place is tiny: it has a couple of tables in a very intimate space entry, as a terrace-porch. In the part of the store you have another couple of tables, and the bottom of it all, has a room with 4-6 tables more than 2 people each. Outside has a terrace overlooking the street Ganduxer, which fit about 8 people. For a quiet or romantic evening, I recommend the tables of the entrance-porch. The cuisine offered is 100% Argentina (meats and entrees basically). The meat quality is outstanding, and the other dishes are also real good. Steak tartare is great, the best I've had. Bife de chorizo also is super recommended. And yes or yes for dessert I recommend the volcano dulce de leche. 9 Reinas service is super attentive. The average price is around 35 € -40 € / person with wine. In my opinion, very good value for money. 9 Reinas Gourmet: Argentine Gourmet restaurant with small shop inside with a very intimate and quiet atmosphere.

8 / 10 Review

Abrassame

Stunning views of Barcelona on the top floor of Centro Comercial Las Arenas

Abrassame is a restaurant located within the Centro Comercial Las Arenas (the old bullring Las Arenas de Barcelona). Specifically it is in the food court of the Mall, on the terrace on the top floor. An area with beautiful views of Barcelona. The Abrassame restaurant, as its name suggests, specializes in grilled food. For that reason, in his view kitchen you can see the huge grill where their fish and meat are cooked. The local Abrassame of Las Arenas is divided into several areas. On the one hand, it is the outermost area overlooking Plaza Spain. It is a fairly large area. You can also go to the bar area and kitchen view, a very large area. Then you can find a smaller space with 6 tables, the area seemed the most intimate. Finally, we found a booth with a large table that can be converted into 2 Tiniest reserved for group dinners. As for the food Abrassame, it is based on market cuisine and grilled. Buenísimo carpaccio mango, ham and foi, also tataki tuna and filet with foie For dessert, do not miss the Baileys Carajillo: jelly coffee and Baileys mousse. The service is very professional, friendly and attentive. Abrassame is a different restaurant, with great views, and good food at Plaza Spain in Barcelona.

8 / 10 Review

Arturo

Authentic restaurant in Sants

Arturo is a restaurant located in an unknown little street of Sants. Is a restaurant with authentic Catalan cuisine. The food is spectacular: kitchen life with exquisite product. Potatoes "esparracades" with egg and mushrooms, chickpeas with squid or sea cucumbers, spectacular meats ... are some of the typical dishes of Arthur. Arturo also offers "fork breakfast", Monday through Friday from 8: 30h to 12h: dishes that are always changing but usually can find capipota, cod, tripe, tortillas etc ... super family atmosphere, you serve the children of Arthur, he started the business more than 40 years ago the place is quite simple, very normal, but otherwise (kitchen and treatment) make up one of my favorite.. Local eats great, simple quality cuisine 100, unpretentious and try Super family friendly.

Review

Pepito

Although many of the restaurants that suddenly become trendy –see Lázaro Rosa Violán style- may seem just pretty places, you need to try in order to judge that is exactly what I did last week with Pepito, of whom I have been hearing about for several months. At first glance, the interior design -which could perfectly be signed by the omnipresent decorator since it is made by one of his disciples- promises indeed that here details are well taken care of and that the place has been created for beautiful people. What I still have to see is if this is it or if, on the contrary, it will surprise me. The service is quick and attentive from the first moment. The waiter tells me the daily specials and gives me the menu -informal, with no complications, created to share and not very extensive. The truth is that everything looks good: dishes for ‘pica pica’, salads, some fish dishes, Galician meats and burgers, eggs and, of course, the famous pepito sandwiches (5 varieties). The short wine list offers national labels (some by the glass) and no surprises. I get comfy on my seat and quietly enjoy my meal. To begin with, vegetable chips festival (banana, potato, cassava and sweet potato) with guacamole and babaganouche (5.80€). The chips are all good except the cassava, with no taste and very oily. The babaganouche (smoked eggplant) is excellent, much better than the guacamole, which suffers from an excess of cilantro and lime that does not match with the fried chips. Both are, though, a bit cold from the fridge, they should have rested before being served. My main honours the restaurant’s name and speciality: Pepito Puig with lettuce, baked tomato, brie cheese and fig mustard (13.10€). The meat is delicious, previously macerated with a touch of pepper and cooked in the oven. Its taste matches with the rest of ingredients. The crusty ‘coca’ bread is very good. Pepito seems to me highly recommendable and also easy to eat with your hands. For dessert I choose a classic cheese cake (5€), tasty but a bit cold and not very generous. The meal has had a good pace and fair waiting time between courses. When I finish, happy to have given an opportunity to Pepiro, I let myself enjoy the setting -cozy, with dim lighting, comfortable chairs and sofas... I realize that, without doubt, the best time to visit it is at dinner time (they also serve cocktails), so I seriously think to come back for a dinner for two or with friends on a weekend, the place is perfect for casual dining without great gastronomic pretensions. The price (27€ without wine) does not seem very exaggerated considering that I'm in a trendy restaurant and, like it or not, you pay this regardless of the quality of the food. I figure that a more splendid dinner with some good meat, a cocktail and wine would cost around 40-45€.

Review

Els Tres Porquets

Els 3 Porquets

Five years ago, the sons of the owners of the emblematic Can Pineda opened a restaurant specialized in ‘platillos’ (small plates or half portions) known for the quality of the products they use. Cousins Marc and Xavi bet on the best local produce to offer an interesting seasonal cuisine that aims to be suitable for more pockets than what their parents offer only 500 meters away. Even though we have a reservation they make us wait about 20 minutes to sit down, but the truth is that the service is, from the first moment, fast and efficient. Only two waiters -with the help of the cook whom we see out of the kitchen explaining some of the dishes to the clients- in the restaurant that, in spite of being not too big, is almost full. The space reminds of a tavern and a bistro, boasting a totally informal, friendly and welcoming atmosphere. It is well lit and decorated with old bottles everywhere. The tables, high and low, lined with boxes of wine bottles, are occupied by families with teenagers, tourists aged over 30-40, middle-aged couples... As today is Saturday, there are no daily specials, so we focus on the a la carte options, written on a large board and divided into 5 groups -to starters, the traditional ones, from the earth to the plate, casseroles and Mediterranean sea-, each of them with 8-10 dishes. On the other hand, the wine list is presented on an IPad, 25 pages and over 500 labels. Besides, 11 wines to order by the glass. Of the 3 wines we are recommended, we choose the Santa Cruz Artazu 2009, 100% Grenache (36.50€). To start we are brought some coca bread with tomato (4.50€ the portion) and soon we can taste our choice of dishes, which reach the table one after another with no wait (the dirty dishes are cleared once). The Porquets croquettes (6€, 4 units) come with an original presentation. A spicy touch, with chorizo. Good. The artichoke carpaccio with ham (7.50€) seems to all of us very correct. The artichokes are cut in thin slices, the ham is excellent ham, good pepper point, perhaps too much oil. The Delta razor clams (15.50€) are outstanding, cooked to the right point. Big mistake with the sautéed baby squid with green beans (on the house): there is sand. The eggs (or rather the egg) from Calaf with ham and homemade potato chips (11.50€) are very good. Fine both potatoes and ham, but there’s just too little ham. Roger’s duck magret cannelloni with foie cream (14€) reach the table a bit cold. The texture is good but the sauce is nothing special, the foie doesn’t show off. The duck meat is tasty but is cut too thin. Can Pineda’s mini packets of cabbage and meat with green pepper (10€) are fantastic in texture, flavour and pepper quantity. Another mistake here with the alambre (12€). Strips of beef with red pepper, zucchini, onion, tomato and melted cheese with a spicy touch: too salty. We tell so to the waiter but he apologises saying the dish is supposed to be like that. We are not pleased with the explanation... Of the five desserts available we choose two. The chocolate bombs (2.50€ each) are very good, filled hot black chocolate, with the cocoa flavour wrapping the crunchy pastry. The torrija or French toast (6€) is a bit cold, but with good taste and burnt sugar on top. We finish with a top quality poleo menta infusion (2.50€) and a shot of Glenros whiskey (4.50€). The experience has been a bit bipolar. On the one hand, the general impression of the food is positive, but still prices seem too high given the size of portions (the bill is finally about 50€ per person) so the restaurant is, in our humble opinion, suitable for foodies who don’t mind paying too much for the best products.

Review

La Plassohla

Ohla Gastronomic Bar

I had wanted to visit Xavier Francos’ gastrobar for long since he is the Michelin-starred chef of one of my favorite restaurants in Barcelona, Saüc –now also located in the fantastic Hotel Ohla, just above the space I want to talk about today. Placed on the ground floor of the hotel, on Via Laietana, the space is modern yet warm, very cozy, and at lunchtime it is flooded with natural light. The long wooden bar –from where I see how the cooks work- dominates the restaurant, in which it is also possible to eat at the comfortable tables by the large windows. The waiting staff are young and dynamic and work quickly and with kindness with the aim to make my lunch at least a most enjoyable time. I start with the house’s ‘patatas bravas’. Very good, cooked to perfection but to me -I admit that maybe I'm too critical when it comes to this specialty- lacking of personality. The chicken and cod croquettes are excellent, specially the latter. The cheese fagottinos with caramelized onions are an ideal dish to share and taste delicious. The grilled mussels with fresh sauce are really good. Undoubtedly, Franco bets on a smart and effective cooking. The steak tartare with sweet mustard ice cream is rather small, but I must say that even the accompanying toasts are worthwhile, it is obvous that behind its preparation there is somebody who knows what cooking is about. The dish is though not suitable for those who do not like spicy. As for the desserts, I choose the ‘Torrijas de Santa Teresa’ with vanilla ice cream. It takes a bit to serve them but the wait is justified: they not fried but caramelized. The variation turns out with a sublime result. As I finish my meal with a coffee, I process all the information. Some of the dishes reminded me of great moments in other restaurants. The ‘patatas bravas’ of Bohèmic, the desserts of Gresca... Without reaching that point of glory of those memorable moments, Ohla reaches very high. The value is fantastic. The final bill is 38.40€ (wine included), but for 30€ you can have a great meal and there's even a set menu for 22€. I'm sure I will go back to this gastrobar that serves -I confirm that- haute cuisine in small plates. See restaurant

Review

Casa de Tapes Cañota

Knowing in advance that the Iglesias brother of the emblematic Rías de Galicia (also partners with Ferran Adrià in Tickets) run the restaurant sets the bar really high in my first visit to Casa de Tapes Cañota. < p> The first thing that strikes me upon entering the place is its decoration. If I didn’t know that what had been the brasserie next to Rías had been refurbished in late 2011 in order to become the 'low cost' (not 'low quality') version of its older brother, I wouldn’t be able to say whether it is a new restaurant or it has instead many years of history. Although everything looks new, the fact is that it reminds me of the restaurants in the past. It is a genuine and informal place in which the keyword is 'casa' (house) because you feel very comfortable, just like home. From the moment you are brought the menu -the service is cheerful, friendly, attentive, close and fast-, you can see that they want you to have a good time. The cheerful and informal ambience should not be misleading: eating tapas is having fun but it doesn’t mean eating poorly. Nothing further from the truth: here it is only possible to eat truly well. The ambience reminds me of show at Tickets, on a different scale, of course. There is a ham cutter in the middle of the space and an ice cream house, and funny drawings decorate the interior and the two terraces. If I had to find an inconvenience in the atmosphere I’d say it is a bit noisy. Turning now to what is really important, the menu is long but not excessive. I see meat, rice, but mostly tapas, of course the great stars of the place. After making my choice –with which I try to get a general idea-, a waiter brings me two slices of toasted bread with tomato (they will charge it later 1,50€), and the white wine glass (3€) and bottle of water I have ordered. Here the ‘caña’ costs only 1€, a bargain for beer lovers (not my case). The Iberian ham croquette (1,20€) is really creamy and has nothing to do with the croquettes of the typical tapas bar. But when I really start to realize the intentions of the restaurant is with the Galician style ‘patatas bravas’ (4,20€), not fried and cooked and baked in the oven, with a spectacular sauce by Albert Adrià and a very light ‘allioli’, ideal to share (though not my case, I do not regret it). I culminate my meal with a sublime rice with crab (14,80€) that is certainly prasiworthy. Succulent, tasty and very generous. One of those dishes that when you see them you think 'this is just too much for me' but before you realize it there is not a grain of rice left. Of course, I have no appetite for the desserts... When I ask for the bill (less than 30€) I am invited to a Gilimonger, a homemade liqueur made of passion fruit that I find a good way to end my meal. I'm looking forward to trying the prawns, the Lolín anchovies, the steamed mussels with white wine, box of fried fish and the burgerbull (oxtail burger with rocket, havarti cheese and mayonnaise). I leave it for when I go back with somebody, sure to be soon (the place is perfect for all occasions: couples, friends, families…). I leave the place very satisfied with the experience, I think the restaurant is a must for everyone (it is also perfectly suitable for all budgets), but especially for those who believe that eating well and having fun have much to do. My most sincere congratulations. That is indeed doing things well. See restaurant

8 / 10 Review

La Clara

The sign on La Clara lets us see an unmistakable"Tapas-Bar-Restaurant". As I enter, I run into a crowded and hectic bar which I Pass through as if it has nothing to do with the restaurant. The place is U-shape, so when I reach the back of the corridor, where people talk while enjoying some tapas, a slight turn takes me to the part that really interests me, the restaurant. It is decorated in white and black and a large wall mirror dominates the larger wall. I also see a television screen. You can tell it is new, or at least that it has been renovated recently and, although I notice that the owners have tried to soak it in design and modern lines, I still find it as welcoming and cosy as La Clara de l'Ou, the restaurant that previously occupied these walls. The result is cosy and elegant at the same time. For once in my life, I don’t find it hard to plan my meal. The menu is not very extensive and the foie millefeuille with fried egg has bcaught my eye from the first moment. The wine list, on the contrary, is super complete. It seems a book! Here I will have more problems. I'm going to have the duck magret with red berries as a second course, so I opt for a young red wine to accompany it. To whet my appetite, I order some ‘pa de coca’ with tomato, a reliable classic. They bring it to me ipso-facto -I confess that the service is the fastest I've seen lately-. I guess that serving tapas next door affects the rest of the offer. My first contact with today’s meal is really successful. The ‘pa de coca’ is excellent and reminds me of the one I tasted last week at Paco Meralgo.Soon I have in front of me the foie millefeuille with freid egg, or so says the waiter when I ask him, since what my eyes see could perfectlty be a McDonald’s Big Macbefore. It certainly does not look like I had imagined but, as they say, "appearances can be deceiving" and this time that applies perfectly. As I make the first bite I am relieved: it is delicious and the dish is clean in less than five minutes!The magret got me waiting in suspense. I am prepared for a new visual shock, but as I said, the service is fast and I have no time to think about it. When I am served the magret, I check it looks like a duck magret and is served with apple. It's good. Perhaps it lacks spirit, but it is correct.I have to hurry so I decide to skip the dessert and have a coffee while I try to think about the experience: correct cuisine at correct prices. But I want to make that, for me, it is not just another restaurant in Barcelona. I think it is definitely a place to have in mind, where you can eat very at easy for a reasonable price. It is almost a place of reference and I strongly recommend it.

Review

Tik Asian by The International Kitchen

Sindur

The first thing that catches my attention when entering this small restaurant -the truth is that I expected it to be much bigger- is that it is not the typical Indian restaurant full of ornaments, carvings and gilded Buddhas. On the contrary, at first sight it looks more like a restaurant for business meals rather than like a traditional restaurant, I guess because of its modern decor –in dark grey, black and dark red-, and –I dare say- the total absence of wood. I should have taken a little more seriously Sindur’s slogan: "Fine Indian Cuisine." If the food is not ordinary, why would the setting be so? Once inside, it is clear enough that at Sindur nothing is trusted to chance and that, indeed, it is not just one Hindu restaurant. I find the setting exotic, as well as attractive, modern, elegant and comfortable –modern and comfortable don’t usually go hand in hand so I appreciate it. The only thing I dislike in such a zen space are the paper napkins. They don’t match the restaurant! The staff members welcome me very kindly. They are polite and very attentive and that, as well as the background music playing soft and relaxing, makes me feel very far from the office. Without doubt, this meal will help me to switch off. I sit at a table for two and ask for the menu. After a brief look –there are really curious and innovative dishes-, today I choose the daily set menu. There are prawns, chicken, a variety of vegetables ... but I order lamb as a main dish. While I wait to be served, I have the second disappointment: the set menu’s red wine menu is not worth much. This is what happens when you don’t eat à la carte. The main course, however, is a very good choice. The lamb is served as a combination platter with five terrines and pita bread. I am also brought some rice and, once I have tried all the sauces, I have to say it tastes really well. As I wait to pay the bill, I realize there are few people in the restaurant –taking into consideration it is Friday. That's when I decide Sindur deserves another visit. Next time it will be at night and, if possible, with good company, since the restaurant is perfect for a romantic date and I still have an unresolved matter: exploring the menu. See restaurant

Review

Can Fusté

The meeting I had at 12pm has lasted shorter than expected so I show up at the restaurant quite earl -I'm not surprised that the place is rather empty. "Perfecte”, I think as I see the first three tables are empty,"I can choose where to sit and nobody will spoil my meal." But when I really get to choose table, it is quite difficult to make a decision, since the decor of the place is -at least- curious: minimalist white walls on one side, other walls covered with large paintings, illuminated shelves full of bottles of bright colours, a space at the back with a rustic touch and a round table and overlooking a lot of bottles of wine and a bullfighting poster –this must be the most requested corner for family and friends gatherings-, paintings on the floor and two huge windows decorated with colourful glass on one of the sides invite me to have a sit. Frankly, I can’t define the style, but it's obvious that the restaurant has been renovated recently. Adapt or die, they say, and Can Fusté is one of the many restaurants in Barcelona that do their best not to die. I eventually choose one of the tables in the back of the restaurant. Instantly, one of the waiters kindly offers me the menu. At first sight, it doesn’t seem very extensive, but as I have a better look at it, I conclude it doesn’t lack anything. So, I decide to class it as "very correct" and thinks about choosing among the daily specials –it’s impossible not to notice them-, going straight to the menu or asking the professional and attentive local staff for some advice. The creamy mushroom risotto with vegetables and Parmigiano Reggiano (21€) seems a good choice as a main course. Now, I just have to look for the perfect starter, and I finally order the beef carpaccio with pesto and fresh pasta with lemon (15€). While waiting for the carpaccio -which should not take very long-, a waiter surprises me with a shot of gazpacho as an appetizer while another brings a classic toasted bread with tomato. That kind of details are always welcome. The carpaccio turns out to be simple exquisite. The combination with the pesto sauce is really wise and the presentation measures up to the expectations. I wonder if I'll be so successful with the second course and it doesn’t take me long to find out the answer: Bingo! The risotto –just at the right cooking point- is very tasty, creamy, and is served with crunchy vegetables and a generous amount of porcini that makes it even better. It deserves only word: excellent. Gradually, the restaurant has been filled with people, mostly high class (or so it seems to me) middle-aged people, and some businessmen who know where to eat well. Something tells me that many of them are mot first-timers and I think to myself that I'll will go back to Can Fusté soon. I still have to taste one of its specialties: fish and shellfish. Next time! See restaurant

5 / 10 Review

Coure

As soon as I step in the restaurant, I find myself in an elegant space decorated in shades of brown. I am soon led to my table. I order the tasting menu (45€+IVA), although there is another one for 35€. I want to try as many dishes as possible since a lot of people have heartily recommended me Coure. The service is kind, and I am brought home-made bread, seed and curry breadsticks, oil and salt. As aperitif, wild board pâté. The first dish is egg cooked at a low temperature with quinoa, sundried onion and cheese ravioli with bird stock. The egg’s texture is especially good. Compared to all the eggs I have tried, this one’s cooked right at the perfect point. The combination of flavours is correct, but not perfect. It is basically an exhibition of culinary technique. Then it’s time for the oyster with sweet potato cream, lime and ginger emulsion. This is indeed something different. Flavours are good separately and very good in combination; they create a new flavour, almost special. Next is the boneless partridge with porcini and spinach, followed by the sea bass with polenta, coffee and capers. Very correct. We now try the young pigeon with porcini risotto. Simply sublime. I suddenly get my faith back, right when I thought I would not fulfil my expectations. And when the desserts arrive -even though I’m not a great dessert lover- I am completely convinced. The passion fruit with coconut mousse and mint ice-cream is delicious. For me, the best dish in the menu: original, surprising and really tasty. Top level. When I think the meal is over, I am brought the chocolate textures with liquored cherries. The truth is that I am not able to reach a verdict since I am so full that I don’t even enjoy it. As a conclusion, I can say that the recommendations and good reviews are all well deserved. The set menu is really complete and dishes are surprisingly generous (if we consider it was a tasting), there are ups and downs but the whole is by far over the average. With no doubt, Coure is a restaurant to have in mind, perfect for many occasions like special celebrations and business meals. See restaurant

Review

Sense Pressa

Although the fame of this little restaurant has not spread to the extent it deserves, the truth is that it is already difficult to book a table –I guess the fact that it only has nine tables has something to do with it. The thing is that I booked one week in advance for two people at lunch time. As soon as I enter the place, I realise how tiny it is. Even so, between brick walls and bottles of wine, the atmosphere is nice and quiet. Most of the tables are busy with businessmen. The members of the staff are really helpful and attentive from the very beginning. I have a look at the wine list –with information about each “denominación de origen”. Very correct, not too short, nor too long. The menu, though, is short indeed, but is completed with a few dishes that the waiter tells us. To begin with we order a dish of “croquetas” that turn out to be some of the best restaurant “croquetas” I have ever tried, and artichokes stuffed with foie, really good as well. As a starter –though the dish is classified with the second courses- we decide to try the grilled Iberian pork trotters with truffle oil, which come with baked potatoes and it feels crunchy and tasty. The other starter is a porcini risotto, perfectly presented over melted cheese. Splendid in every sense: creamy and not mushy at all, as it should be. As a second course, we opt for the roasted suckling pig for two people, in spite of my scepticism –born as a result of my experience in other restaurants where this dish is served rather dry even though it is the house’s speciality. The surprise is quite pleasant, though, for the dish is a wise choice: served on a clay casserole, it is tender and crunchy at the same time, really good. Our meal is capped off by a warm apple pie and a warm chocolate soufflé. It’s really difficult to find any downsides. It may be not a very innovative cuisine, but everything they do they do it very well. Dishes are very complete and the product is top quality and perfectly cooked. Everything is well executed, probably “sense pressa” or with no rush. At the end, we pay 50 euros per person, which I don’t find expensive at all, after all we have enjoyed. They will definitely see me again. I’m actually thinking what I will order next time. In short: a place where we will make a good impression on absolutely anybody. See restaurant

Review

Kibuka Goya

Kibuka

A friend of mine recommended me this Japanese restaurant in Gràcia and, as we normally have the same tastes in terms of gastronomy, I decide de try it. The first thing about Kibuka that surprises me is that its looks have nothing to do with the Japanese restaurants I am used to. The ceiling has wooden beams, the waiting staff speaks Spanish since most of them are Argentinean and the three sushimen are Japanese only if I am a top model. But they wear on their forehead the typical band that became famous thanks to Mr. Miyagi in Karate Kid, the one who told Daniel Son to wax on and wax off. So far, this is the scene I find when, at 10.30pm, I enter the restaurant and leave behind groups of friends and couples waiting on the street. The hustle inside and the line of people that waits outside make me think that the staff may be a bit nervious and histeric, but I am completely wrong. A smile here, a smile there. “You have to wait for 45 minuts for a table, but if the bar is ok for you, then you can seta right now”, tells us the maitre who is also Argentinean. We decide to sit at the bar, from where we can see how the sushimen –who turn to be as Brasilean as Ronaldinho- work, and we are happy to see that in spite of the hectic rhythm, good manners and friendliness are always there. The only waiter with Asian features gives us the menu with long lists of dishes on both sides: from makis with meat, chicken, cheese, crab, mayonnaise, veggies, spicy...to the most classic rolls. The combinations are original, attractive and suitable for genuine Japanes cuisine lovers but also for those who can’t stand raw fish. That is probably the key to the evident success of the restaurant –one hour after we sit, people keep entering the place. Our choice includes Spicy Maguro Tempura, some sort of spicy tuna wrapped with a breaded seaweed, and Ebi Tempura Uramaki, with crab in tempura, roe and mayonnaise, delicious. We continue with Skin-Uramaki Salmon, a roll made with smoked salmon filled with its skin and with a generous seaweed salad topped with a wonderful sauce. Our meal is completes with an old Ramón Bilbao wine, since the Protos Crianza featured in the wine list is not available. Everything costs 30 euros per person. My final impression is very positive, especially after confirming the excellent value for money the restaurant offers. I can only reproach the restaurant for not having the wine I wanted to order. See restaurant