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    Alkimia

    3.9 (37 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndCatalan, Signature Cuisine, Mediterranean
    Closed 1:30 pm - 3:30 PM, 8:30 PM - 11:30 PM

    Alkimia Photos

    ALKIMIA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Upscale
    Moderate noise

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    09/05/17 @endoedibles on Instagram for more
    Michael U.

    Open from Monday through Friday at Ronda Sant Antoni 41, the relocation over one year ago apparently still a secret to the manufacturer of Audi's GPS (and several late arriving guests who were overheard telling the receptionist that they'd gone to the former location first,) Alkimia by Jordi Vila is one of those polarizing Michelin Stars that has many supporters but an equal number of people who claim the restaurant in "terrible," a visit on Tuesday afternoon validating both opinions In one way or another. Set-up as a sort of clandestine space, the buzzer near a small sign at the door allowing guests with reservations to be rang in before climbing stairs lined in wrought iron, it is upon reaching the top that a large wall of fluid-filled vessels looms with the foyer to the right, a reservationist speaking slow and monotone before leading parties to the dining area where things thankfully lighten up. Clearly an expensive restaurant, the Chef's agreement to design a menu for longtime Brewery Moritz in 2011 still an ongoing partnership that assuredly helped Vila build-out the space next door with a modern open kitchen, digital screens and elegant softening touches beneath the original painted ceiling, it was at a table only feet away from the line that a seat was offered, the menu divided into two tastings and an a la carte section with the shorter Jordi Vila menu described as "more traditional" across-the-board more appealing on this particular afternoon. Named after the Spanish word for Alchemy, though in reality not nearly as Modernist or 'molecular' as such a title would suggest as Chef Vila instead looks to rejuvenate tradition by way of technique-driven cooking featuring high quality products, it was with Wine declined and Water poured that the menu quickly got underway without an amuse, the Roasted Red Pepper Flat Bread smoky and sweet in front of a glass filled with bitter Granita and topped with a leaf of Lettuce filled with herbal crumbs and a sort of Cannelloni filled with Anchovy Paste. Continuing strong with Seafood, a plate of Tartare absolutely pristine with tender chunks of sweet flesh playing well off tangy Yogurt, it was next that a Red Prawn with Caviar was served, the flavor immediately 'off' with an intensely bitter liquid gushing forth as the Head was squeezed and something, that if intentional, seems severely misguided as it immediately made one wish the next course would come and additionally threatened to spoil the rest of the meal. Still reeling from the Prawn, a description of what had been experienced brushed away as "yes, it is intense" by the server who thankfully brought course three no more than two minutes later, suffice it to say that "Tuna with Sherry Tomato and Acidulated Lemon Juice" was definitely better than the Prawn but still not particularly well-made as the Fish got lost amongst competing ingredients, the Rockfish Rice pleasant and texturally intriguing despite the fact that the protein was slightly overcooked amidst tender Grains and a net of aged Manchego. Said to be a master of Catalonian cuisine, a focus on 'modern, fresh and light' methods used to coax the best out of his ingredients, it was finally with a meaty Filet of Turbot that Vila and his team served a dish that was truly remarkable as the Oyster Cream and Squash Blossom stuffed with earthy flavors each contributed something different yet complimentary, the Sourdough used to wipe up some sauce a nice touch while the "French Fries and Iberico" follow-up was a throwaway course that seemed far too gimmicky. Again showing some skill with flavor pairings by way of the Chicken and Pumpkin Ravioli, a very "Thanksgiving" sort of dish that found balance between freshly grated Ginger and a thick dollop of what tasted like Cottage Cheese, savories were rounded out by Medium-Rare slices of Beef set next to a Sweetbread cooked rubbery, the Almond Milk Palate Cleanser with Peaches pleasant enough as was the €14 a la carte add-on Lemon Soufflé served slightly browned with a sidecar of Fruit Salad and Orange Ice Cream that was added to the center of the red-hot baking dish immediately. Told that Chef Vila also creates his own pastries, an impressive fact considering the fact that the combined menus contain a dozen daily, it was prior to a double Espresso that Dark Chocolate Cake with a texture like Pudding was enjoyed alongside Pickled Plum Ice Cream, the flavors complimentary and without a doubt the meal's highlight besides the Turbot though the Mignardise of Caramelized White Chocolate and Vanilla Bean was also well executed with a clean break and smooth cream featuring restrained but lingering sweetness.

    Breadsticks, cava
    Nancy L.

    This was our first Michelin starred meal in Barcelona and what a great start! Service, food, and ambiance were all spot on. The "Traditional" five course menu was more appealing to our taste buds than the "Alkimia" 10 course so we went with that. It was more than enough food as we left stuffed to the brim! Amuse bouches were tomato gazpacho with salami, baby squid. Entrees: fig and sardines with lemon sorbet; chicken cannelloni in a bechamel sauce; saffron risotto with langoustine; sea bass with greens; lamb with mushrooms and pumpkin Desserts: nougat with raspberries and kumquats (too tart for my tastes); and chocolate cake with roasted apples, eucalyptus ice cream. Petit fours: Yogurt with fruit compote, chocolate truffles, passion fruit and white chocolate truffle, raspberry filled donut holes with ginger glaze. Delicioso.

    English menu
    Wei-Ping L.

    Reserved restaurant tonight for two after reading the introductions on Lonely Planet guidebook. I was barely getting over the shock of the set menu Alkimia Menu's price (everyone at the table has to order the same set menu). There is a cheaper, more affordable set menu and you could order the dishes separately as well. However, considering that this might very well be the last time I will ever be in Barcelona again, I convinced my wife into ordering the Alkimia Menu together by promising that I'll save more money from now on (thereby condemning myself to instant ramen meals for next few months I think). Alkimia menu supposed is about 10 courses with two appetizers several dishes and two desserts. The dishes are all very small portions reminiscent of french quisine style tasting menu. The dishes range from raw fishes, seafood soup, grilled pork cheek, to the famous ibérico pork. The dishes in general are extremely exquisite and delicately plated. We were in awe and enjoyed the look, the smell, and the taste of each dishes. Despite the menu's description, they gave us no less than fifteen items, including a serving each on the house of a very large and fresh prawn that was literally just carried into the restaurant as we sat down. Would I do it again? Probably not in the near future. But the memory of one of the most exquisite (and expensive) restaurant will be with me for the rest of my life. Oh as for service. While some other yelpers complained about the service, I didn't find any fault in it. They are a bit busy at times but always pleasant and responsive. Maybe it helped that we came on a night that isn't busy and we ordered a menu that naturally takes two and a half hour to finish. Enjoy the pictures. :)

    Codfish brandada with green beans
    Y C.

    4.5 stars. Incredible food, the codfish brandada with green beans and cured pigeon with plums were extraordinary. I've never had better pigeon, the texture.. The price was reasonable as well for the quality and breadth of the dishes. The decor itself was rather minimalist and the service a touch cold. Nonetheless, definitely worth trying out!

    Dessert

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    13 years ago

    Fantastic food and service. Try the tasting menu. This IS Spanish gastro food!

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    11 years ago

    Simply one of the best meals I've ever had...ESPECIALLY the liquid tomatoe course...Oh My!

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    11 years ago

    We had the tasting menu for lunch, every single dish was incredible. It's hard to get a table so please book way in advance!

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    La Taverneta - Anchovies in vinegar

    La Taverneta

    4.7(44 reviews)
    0.8 kmBarri Gòtic
    €€

    Don't even bother searching further for a great restaurant. This Italian establishment was…read moreexcellent and Samuele provided outstanding service. Food was muy delicioso. Savor your next visit.

    Quite pleased with my meal as a whole. Lot of positive a tad bit of negative during my dining…read moreexperience here. On the positive side, the food was very good and very fresh. My Greek salad was very authentic and was as good as any salad I had while I lived in Greece. Very fresh vegetables, great Feta and seasoned to perfection. The shrimp scampi under the Tapas menu with garlic was equally good and oh so tasty. The smallish inside restaurant is best described as rustic and a tad warm. Instead I opted for the outside dining area, which has just a few tables but offered a very pleasant ambiance in the small side street this business is located on with low foot traffic and a very nice breeze on the warm day I dined here. The relaxed dining on the outside is definitely the way to go here especially during the summer months. From a negative standpoint, certain aspects of the service were too slow. I was seated pretty quickly upon arrival but I waited a tad bit too long to get my order in. Once ordered though, the food came pretty quickly on a positive note. However, for all intents and purposes the service stopped at that point where I had no follow up and literally had to walk inside the business to get my bill. Overall, the dining experience was still great for me slow service aside as the quality of the food and outdoor ambiance far outweighed the negatives. I would say if you are in a bit of there rush you may want to look elsewhere. However, if you are looking for a relaxing dining experience with great food than this business will be definitely fit the bill!

    Photos
    La Taverneta
    La Taverneta - Ceps with Egg Yolk

    Ceps with Egg Yolk

    La Taverneta - Fig and ricotta

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    Fig and ricotta

    Ziryab Fusion Tapas Bar - charcuterie board

    Ziryab Fusion Tapas Bar

    4.9(39 reviews)
    1.4 kmSant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera-Born

    What an amazing place! Great to see the success of this restaurant and their staff. The food is…read moreamazing - definitely should be on your list if you are planning a trip to Barcelona!

    Ziryab fell onto my radar as a popular tapas spot in Barcelona. I didn't make that many dining…read moreplans in advance before visiting the city, I just knew I wanted tapas. Ziryab seemed to fit the bill, so we made plans to stop here during our first night in the city. Ziryab is located close to the Gothic Quarter, on side street. It's kind of inconspicuous from the outside, but the interior gives way to a really welcoming space. The restaurant is separated into two main areas, with an earth-tone color scheme that has a rustic, almost cave-like aesthetic. The high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows keep the dining room open and spacious. The tapas menu had a good selection, and we decided on several items: pan con tomate, sweet potato rolls, chicken cannelloni, bacon-wrapped figs, croquettes, falafel, and a charcuterie board. All the tapas were great - my favorites were the chicken cannelloni, pan con tomate, and the charcuterie board. The cannelloni especially was a standout - definitely a unique dish, and the chicken was super flavorful. We opted for dessert, and got the feta whip cheesecake - this was great as well. The combination of tang and sweet was a good finisher to our meal. Service was great - everyone was friendly and our dishes were served at a good pace. Overall, I'm glad I tried out Ziryab - the tapas were delicious and atypical of ones you find elsewhere in Barcelona. I would have no qualms returning here for another meal.

    Photos
    Ziryab Fusion Tapas Bar - One of 3 interior rooms

    One of 3 interior rooms

    Ziryab Fusion Tapas Bar - Pan con tomate

    Pan con tomate

    Ziryab Fusion Tapas Bar

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    Tuscania - Shrimp/jamon/bread

    Tuscania

    4.3(202 reviews)
    2.6 kmL'Eixample
    €€

    My wife and I were by the Sagrada Familia and my wife knew I wanted to try some paella. I thought…read moreit might be a little too close to the Basilica, but I was wrong! We got there right when it was opening and our waitress spoke real good English and I ordered a beer and the black ink paella. There were a lot of good looking dishes available though! If we were here longer, I would have tried their regular paella as well, I liked it because you could order a single serving, which seemed a little rare in Barcelona. The dish came out about fifteen minutes later, which is good for paella, because you know they made it fresh. I heard some places just nuke it and bring it out. It comes out in the cool looking pan that looks like a gold mining pan. It is colored deep black and has a huge prawn in the middle and lots of clams and mussels and calamari. The rice was cooked perfectly and the black squid ink sauce was delectable. Great service and my second beer was a great pairing for a lunch that fills you up perfectly. Highly recommended place, that could have been touristy, by was a delightful surprise!

    This is a fantastic little Mediterranean restaurant mostly Italian and Spanish dishes. Chef is from…read moreFlorence Italy and he can definitely cook. Pizza's to paella, and desserts are all great. Highly recommend their Italian cheesecake and their homemade pistachio cello.... Wowza. Limited seating outside, but make sure you do overlooking basilica la familia is just breathtaking. Fantastic service , Fantastic Food, Fantastic Drinks equal a Fantastic Time.

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    Tuscania - Interior

    Interior

    Tuscania
    Tuscania - Seafood Paella-Very delicious!

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    Seafood Paella-Very delicious!

    Mazah - Mixed grill

    Mazah

    4.1(13 reviews)
    0.6 kmL'Eixample

    Our first dinner in Barcelona- had walked to the gothic quarter- walked past it and decided to go…read morein. We were not disappointed. Cute place, nicely decorated- has great seating places to hang out. Staff welcoming and efficient. Food was great- needed a healthy meal- and we got it. We got the fattoush salad: was refreshing Mixed grill- had a kebab, grilled chicken, grilled beef (or lamb maybe- whatever it was, was good), and a lamb chop. Served on the classic thin bread with a side of grilled potato, onion, pepper! It was everything I needed it to be- all the meat was tender, flavorful and moist. Was also the perfect amount for 2- and we finished everything!

    We were seeking a non Spanish restaurant in Barcelona and we decided to try Mezah after I stumbled…read moreupon the reviews in Yelp. Both my son and I are very picky about Lebanese food having been spoiled by the excellent Lebanese in our home town Los Angeles, so we ordered with trepidation. The very first must-try dish immediately set our minds at ease: please, do yourselves a favor and order their Fatoush salad. It's done so right, juicy tangy, bursting with flavors and the pita in the salad is made into a curly flower and gives a delicious crunch. We liked the dish of garbanzo and yogurt a bit less, as it was quite heavy and lacked flavor. My son was very pleased with shish tavouk with chicken, and I loved my halloumi dish. The service was slow (as everywhere in Barcelona) but it was efficient, and our Egyptian waiter had good recommendations for everything. He was funny and personable.

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    Mazah - Mazah!!

    Mazah!!

    Mazah
    Mazah - Fattoush salad - the bread crispies were yummy!

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    Fattoush salad - the bread crispies were yummy!

    Alkimia - catalan - Updated July 2026

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