Stephanie L.
Yelp
Looking for a traditional Catalan meal, at a large restaurant packed with locals? Are you a picky eater that wants to select or control every course you get? Con Gracia is not the place you're looking for, there are plenty of other options in Barcelona that will be able to deliver what you want. While they do offer local ingredients and wines for the pairing, the food tends to err on the side of international molecular rather than conventional Spanish. That being said, this intimate dining spot delivers a high level of sophistication, and some great flavor combinations for a very reasonable amount compared to similar style restaurants.
Be sure to make a reservation in advance, as the location itself is quite cozy. There were actually only about two people working when we went, taking on the role of host, server, and pretty much everything but the chef. They managed to achieve a flawless precision as they weaved in and out of each table, explaining the courses and the wines, and switching between several languages seamlessly. When you arrive, you are taken to your table and offered a choice of their traditional menu or the surprise "experience" menu (both 65€) plus an optional wine pairing add on (30 € more).
The surprise menu is filled with gaiety, although I have no idea of everything that we ate (they do tell you each course but my memory is not nearly good enough to recall). We started with a crinkled nori chip with some sauces artfully dotted across it perched atop smooth white stones, then progressed into quite a few other plates with an array of textures and colors. I remember loving one in particular that featured fresh tuna and edible dust, with some avocado creme. As for some of the other more memorable items (in a very vague overview as the specific slowly flit away from my recall) a bright green Cannelloni with chicken and other meats and sauces, a bowl that looked like a volcano filled with creamy risotto and topped with fresh fish, as well as a palate cleanser with strawberry and kiwi foams alongside a tiny spoon containing foreign berry that altered your palate. Quite fun! For dessert there was a silken chocolate mouse inside a porcelain cacao bowl, topped with edible silver pebbles, raspberry, and other garnishes paired with a Crème brûlée-esque 1927 Alvear Pedro Ximenez Dulce Viejo.
Overall it was a terrific meal, with avant-garde dishes. While I wouldn't eschew the more orthodox Spanish menus when your time in Barcelona is limited, Con Gracia will absolutely offer a delightful experience.