Pompa - Review - Gràcia - Barcelona - The Infatuation

"Pompa is the diminutive new sibling of Berbena, a trendy spot known for its playful food and superb taste in wine. It’s also more casual, with a kitchen that consists of a two-burner stove and an oven that could fit in a carry-on. Which all makes the elaborate menu go even harder. There’s a collagen-rich hake pil-pil made with cheeks instead of tails, a deep, briny tarama laced with trout eggs that pop satisfyingly in your mouth, and a sweet-and-savory, not over-creamy crème fraiche ice cream, topped with sea salt and a generous drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. The pared-back interior—think distressed walls and a vinyl record player blaring Otis Redding—channels a Bushwick-meets-Oberkampf wine bar. Never pass on the cheese and charcuterie, which are so magnificent they would convince even the French to raise an approving eyebrow. Book well in advance to avoid disappointment." - Isabelle Kliger