Tag Archives: Barcelona restaurants

Indulge at the ’7 Portes’ during your stay in Barcelona

A much talked about restaurant, a constant stream of people queuing expectantly at the door, an impressively decorated traditional Catalan restaurant in Barcelona and a rather ‘international’ pool of guests; you wonder if this restaurant is a recipe for that common pitfall; an over-hyped, touristy restaurant. But……no. The 7-Portes, on Passeig d’Isabel II, 14, really is a gastronomic delight to add to your ‘to do list’ when here in Barcelona. You almost get that impression that its well deserved ‘hype’ has not yet caught up with them; as if they are blind to the queues outside the door; this is a large restaurant yet separated into smaller rooms giving a more intimate and personal dining experience. That feeling of having entered into a separate world is reinforced when the waiters welcome you in smart but un-pretentious white uniforms and the striking and distinctive rich orange large lampshades hanging from the black beamed ceilings. Having heard that it does one of the best paellas in town; it was only fair to try; to see if it deserved such an accolade; and yes the paella lived up to our expectations…this is certainly a place not to miss.

Why not locate yourself close enough to this much talked about restaurant to allow for that stroll back home after a late night supper; perhaps stay in this beautifully decorated designer 3 bedroom apartment in the Borne, that would really make for a special stay here in the city. Or as an alternative, we have a lovely 2 bedroom apartment in the Old Town; that is also very close to the Palau de la Música.

Please contact us for more information.

‘Bar Mut’; a luxury restaurant for the foodie visitors to Barcelona.

When in Barcelona, allow yourself that special feeling that only an abundance of fantastic food can give. It’s that feeling of expectant excitement that you get from the very beginning of the meal. The moment they bring you the bread basket; almost like a drink with a meal, a habit, normality, the bread arrives and the excitement begins. For me, a restaurant’s choice of bread dictates a lot about the establishment that I have found myself in. Your meal could start with a plain white bread roll or you could be graced with the absolute delight of freshly cut, warm, rustic with perhaps something slightly unexpected. This is the start of your restaurant experience and this is where all too many restaurants fall at the first hurdle…

Head to Bar Mut, C/ Pau Claris, 192 in Barcelona and your restaurant experience is instantly headed in the right direction as you catch a glimpse of the friendly waiters slicing thick chunky slices of a large, rustic style treasure that is then delivered to your table to savour and relish that feeling of having realised that you have made the right decision of choosing that very restaurant. Bar Mut is a Barcelona restaurant with unpretentious dining and tall rustic stools around wonderful old tables. One wall is made up of the most fantastic display of wines set behind reach in a lovely glass cabinet, whilst there, the chef, within such easy sight, cooking food the aroma of which creates anticipation among all diners as they decide upon their chosen meal. Then the waiter arrives and all panic is removed when he relieves you from the fear that is decision making, by offering to create a menu for you designed on your personal tastes; you are perhaps crying out for Barcelona seafood/fish or maybe you are in the mood for meat; which ever it is, a selection is chosen.

Upon choosing the fishy/seafood option you are then presented with a selection of small tapas style dishes, although I fear ‘tapas’, that simple sounding word, does not do this meal justice. This is luxurious food. A meal where every mouthful is savoured and discussed amongst the table. This is success.

When you are in Barcelona why not make a trip to Bar Mut…see what you think of this hideaway ‘bar’ and perhaps like me you will be graced with a meal that is simply unforgettable. To make the most of that feeling when you feel so lucky to have a fantastic restaurant on your doorstep, an amble away from your home, why not stay in one of Lucas Fox’s properties in the area. If it is a romantic break and it’s a 1 bedroom apartment you are looking for, this is the perfect one; a central location and a stroll away from Bar Mut and other great restaurants. If it is a holiday with friends or family then why not stay in this lovely, well designed 5 bedroom apartment.

Experience El Bulli style dining in the heart of Barcelona; Ferran Adrià’s latest project.

The recent news of Ferran Adrià taking the decision to call a stop to the world’s number 1 restaurant this year in July, caused much stir and worry that this was the end of his spectacular and creative approach to cooking that was so perfectly located within close reach of Barcelona city. El Bulli, this world renowned 3 Michelin star restaurant priding itself on its creativeness and molecular gastronomy, is something of a one off; with its idyllic location overlooking a bay in Catalonia’s Costa Brava coastline and simple sea side restaurant appearance, this gastronomical vision receives a flood of more than 2 million reservation requests each season. Its popularity and pristine reputation amongst the high-end yet adventurous or simply inquisitive gastronomic minded is clear through the pure over indulgence of reservations with the restaurant only accepting a mere 8,000 of these vast requests.

The closing of El Bulli needn’t be the grounds to cross Barcelona off your top foodie destination to visit; last month Ferran Adrià, brother Albert and the three Iglesias brothers have successfully opened ‘Tickets Restaurant’ in Barcelona’s theatre district at 164 Avenida del Paral.lel. This will allow the continual portrayal of his fascination with the gastronomic creative capabilities that the world has to offer, by offering an evolution in traditional tapas.

Next door to this prime ‘foodie’ destination is their other latest project, 41 degrees; primarily the ‘cocktail bar’ of the two destinations; however, maintaing that infamous gastronomic quality that Ferran Adria does best it also offers a prime selection of snacks and small tapas to enjoy.

These new additions to the restaurant and eatery world only opened their doors last month and the news is spreading, people are getting inquisitive as to what the latest gem following on from El Bulli really is and what it has to offer. It is certainly in a fantastic location in Barcelona and should feature in prime position in amongst the other gastronomic experiences that the city has to offer. A definite place to experience; even solely through sheer inquisitiveness and intrigue. Why not stay in the Old Town of Barcelona with everything on your doorstep allowing you to put aside one evening to really enjoy what the Adrià brothers have accomplished here in Barcelona or perhaps stay further towards the area of El Borne in this fantastic 2 bedroom stylish apartment with a terrace.