Ashley B.
Yelp
Having had a delightful experience with takeout from Barcelona during the Covid era, I was eager to return for an in-person dining experience, especially since it was my husband's birthday. My excitement, however, soon turned into disappointment during our visit this past Saturday evening.
We began our meal with high hopes, ordering a variety of tapas including lamb, shrimp, pork belly, and empanadas. These were delicious and reminiscent of the quality we remembered. Unfortunately, the positive aspects of our meal ended there.
The trouble started with the main course. My husband ordered paella, a dish we knew from past experience would take about 45 minutes to prepare. We made sure to place this order right away. However, as time went on, it became clear that something was amiss. Our server, who seemed either new or still in training, had forgotten to put in the paella order.
A manager eventually intervened and managed to get the paella to us within 15-20 minutes. Sadly, the rushed preparation was evident in the dish's quality. It lacked the rich flavors and careful execution we had previously enjoyed. Hoping to salvage some of the meal, we decided to take the paella home, only to throw it away later.
While the restaurant did not charge us for the paella, the overall experience was disappointing, especially since it was a special occasion. My husband didn't get to enjoy the meal he had been looking forward to based on our prior visits.
In summary, while Barcelona's tapas remain a highlight, the inconsistencies in service and the quality of the main dishes have left us hesitant to return. What was supposed to be a memorable birthday dinner turned into a night of unmet expectations.