BCN had me at octopus... get it, get it, GET IT!! The menu was honestly overwhelming in the best possible way -- everything sounded amazing, which made it so hard to choose. But that just gives me an excuse to come back and try more next time. We came here for my birthday dinner and it absolutely delivered: delicious food, beautiful atmosphere, excellent service, all tucked into one of the most charming neighborhoods. Highly recommend the octopus and the branzino. The bomba rice was flavorful, but a bit too rich for me because of the heavy amount of oil in the dish. Still, that wouldn't stop me from returning -- there are so many other menu items I already want to try. read more

Catching up with all my reviews and I knew I had to write one for this one as it was one of the best meals I've had in Texas! This place is a one star Michellin restaurant and I can see why. They have valet but we opted for street parking as there were plenty around the residential areas. When we went, they were super busy so they took out the tasting menu, however, given that we were not from the area, we knew we had to ask, and they were kind enough to accommodate us and offer it. We ended up getting Guava gin n tonic with a hint of matcha and chili. It was unique, different, and surprisingly delicious. As for the food, the lamb chop was delicious, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The suckling pig was crispy, flavorful with a hint of cherry which helped enhanced the flavor, and cooked to perfection. The two salads was fresh, refreshing, and creative. The Iberian Ham and croquetas looked simple but it was actually delicious and not too salty with the right amount given. The Spanish octopus was delicious but my fiancé and I thought the potatoes could've been replaced with something else as the starchiness hinders the octopus. The branzino dish was delicious, soft, hot, fresh, and crispy. Honestly, would order this again as fish can be a hit or miss, and this was a hit without a doubt. We ended up with two desserts since we actually came here for our anniversary. The sorbet was very refreshing with all the unique citrus flavors. The chocolate cake and fillo dough was very soft and had the great amount of sweetness. Overall, I had a great experience. The foods were delicious and the staffs were knowledgeable, attentive, and kind to every customers. read more

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Food was okay. Not worth the inflated prices. They also don't honor their own gift cards unless you have the envelope that it was delivered in. We had a gift card that was 5 months old and was told it was too old and they had no record of it. Keep better records if you're going to issue and honor gift cards. They didn't even apologize or give any discount for the trouble, time and extra effort we had to endure because of their issues. We had to wait for a long time to get the payment sorted out. Thankfully the family member that bought the gift card was available on short notice and able to email us the receipt to show the manager. Ridiculous for an apparently very nice restaurant. I would spend my money elsewhere. read more

I highly recommend trying BCN! We've been here once before for Valentine's Day 2022 however we went for our four year anniversary! When we were deciding if we should go here I was checking the menu and found a VEGAN MENU! Which is so very unique. The second we arrived we were greeted with a congratulations and taken to our private seat on the first floor of the house and in the corner. We were given menus and our waiter was very enthusiastic about the menu, providing recommendations for the food and drinks. My husband ordered a guava, matcha and lime rimmed drink and I ordered a camomile mocktail. Both drinks were absolutely beautiful- picture worthy. We were given some bread with olive oil and salt and some pepperoni for my husband. The bread was good. For ordering the food we decided to get the Batatas , beet- pistachio ravioli salad, my husband ordered a fish dish with ratatouille and I ordered the rice with ratatouille. The potatoes appetizer was good- one bite of spicy and creaminess! The salad was very unique , presentation was cool- the flavor was unique. The mains arrived and my rice dish was good but I would not say amazing. We were given dessert menus but were way too stuffed to eat however we got a surprise anniversary cake which was very delicious. We realized it wasn't on the menu, it was a cream based cake with sugar crystallized on the top absolutely delightful. Overall the ambience and experience of BCN is incredible. They are so accommodating to vegetarians and vegans. It's such a nice place- a house turned into a romantic restaurant. read more

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One Michelin Star, well deserved! Dining at BCN Taste & Tradition was a standout experience and a clear example of why it holds a Michelin star. Every course showed precision, restraint, and deep respect for flavor. The drinks set the tone immediately. The Ultimate Gin & Tonic was exceptional--aromatic, balanced, and thoughtfully composed. The Apple Spice Mocktail deserves equal praise: complex, warming, and crafted with the same care as any cocktail. The food was where BCN truly shined. The cuttlefish ink risotto with langoustine shrimp was rich, savory, and perfectly executed, with deep umami and impeccable texture. The seafood spaghetti was another highlight, showcasing pristine seafood and flawless pasta cookery. One of the most memorable bites of the night, though, was the BCN-style patatas bravas--a refined take on the classic. Delicate rolled potatoes topped with a silky aioli and chives, elegant in presentation but bold in flavor. Simple ingredients, elevated technique, and absolutely a standout appetizer. Elegant without ever feeling pretentious, BCN Taste & Tradition delivers exactly what you hope for from a Michelin-starred restaurant. Highly recommended and unquestionably worth the visit. read more

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We first discovered BCN Taste & Tradition years ago, well before its Michelin recognition while attending a corporate dinner. It was phenomenal then, and it remains just as exceptional now. BCN is hands down our favorite restaurant in Houston and holds deep meaning for us, as the ambiance, cuisine, and cocktails beautifully transport us back to our cherished memories in Spain. As you walk in you'll fond yourself surrounded by an extraordinary art collection that truly sets BCN apart. The restaurant showcases original works by Picasso, Dalí, and Miró throughout the space, making the experience feel like enjoying an unforgettable meal inside a private art gallery. From our very first visit, we had the pleasure of meeting Paco Calza, General Manager, with whom we instantly connected with. He made us feel genuinely welcomed and part of the BCN family from day one. As we continued to dine here over the years, we also met Ximena Martinez, Server Manager, who has truly elevated every experience with her warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail. Honestly, the entire staff operates at a level that sets BCN apart from the rest. On our most recent visit, we began with a Lustau Rojo Vermouth that was absolutely delicious. The green olive paired perfectly with the vermouth's subtle sweetness. This was followed by a glass of the 2020 Albadia Retuerta, which was nothing short of phenomenal. As a house starter, we were offered warm bread with chorizo, meant to be enjoyed with Spanish olive oil and a pinch of salt simple, thoughtful, and perfect. We continued with the Poached Quail Eggs in Potato Foam with Black Truffle Shavings, which is an absolute must-rich, comforting, and beautifully balanced. The Egg Yolk Carpaccio with Confit Potato and Spanish Jamón Ibérico did not disappoint either; it's one of those dishes that instantly transports you to Spain. For our main course, we chose the Grilled Branzino with Avocado, Grapefruit, Pine Nuts, and Warm Mayonnaise Foam. Succulent yet delicate, it was flawlessly executed. To top off an already memorable evening, we were surprised with a dessert on the house, as we may be relocating out of the Houston area and this could be our last visit for a while. That gesture truly touched us. BCN will always have a very special place in our hearts. We wish you continued success and look forward to the day we return read more

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Good fine dining experience and service. Food was alright. I probably wouldn't crave any of it again but it was fun to try some new dishes. Service - Very attentive and quick, they will clear your plate and clean off your table as soon as you're done with your last bite of the dish. You will never have trouble getting their attention cause they will be there even before you think about needing them. We were seated in upstairs back room with many windows and so it was getting cold in there. They couldn't turn up the heat but they were able to lend me a shawl and it smelled lovely too. Ambiance - They converted a neighborhood home into a restaurant so it feels cozy. They have a vibe of what you would expect a Michelin restaurant to be. Egg yolk carpaccio - With the potato, crisps, egg yolk, and ham, it tasted like a complete breakfast. Beef tartar - Beef with capers, mayo on the side, and chips. The chips were a lovely light dainty texture. Overall, reminiscent of a Big Mac. Pear duck breast salad - My least favorite of the night. The duck pieces were a tad bit chewy tho the fried pieces of either skin or fat were tasty. The fruits made for a refreshing taste but the cheese sauce was way too strong for me and overpowered the fruits and duck. Rabbit - The meat was soft and the rice had a sweet apricot puree that worked very well with the smokiness in the dish. Quite good. Fideua pasta - Fun noodle texture with strong seafood/lobster flavor mixed in The lobster was a bit chewy. Don't eat the clams; mostly for looks, was very fishy tasting and not pleasant. Fillo pillows - Cream wrapped with thin sheet of dough and fried. Cream not too sweet, fillo was crispy. Gypsy cake - Whipped cream wrapped with cake and drizzled with sugar that is then torched to create a crispy sugar top. The cream is cold and gave a feeling of fluffy ice cream. The crispy sugar was a nice textural contrast to the soft cake and cream. Complementary with birthday. Was fun and interesting to try though I can't say any of the dishes were amazing enough for me to dream about. I was expecting to still be hungry after these types of fancy meals but I ended up being pretty stuffed so that's good. read more

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This is one of my favorite restaurants in Houston and definitely worth the Michelin star! I've been here twice and both times have been awesome. As soon as you walk in, you know you are in for a nice experience. The restaurant is inside a house that feels elegant yet cozy. I've sat on both floors and definitely prefer the second one. Service is great, everyone is very attentive and they have good recommendations. I've tried the Spanish Octopus, Spanish Ibérico Ham and Toasted Tomato Bread, Patatas Bravas, Bomba Rice and Suckling Ibérico Pig. Needless to say, I will be back! read more

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I've been wanting to come to BCN for a long time so when I saw that they were surprisingly on HRW I knew I had to make a reservation asap. The restaurant is very cozy but still gives a nice ambiance. We started off with their famous gin & tonics. We tried the orange coffee and the guava matcha one. The guava was the better of the two but both very good. They provided complimentary bread with some chorizo, good olive oil, and also a croquette. The second I tasted the soft yet crusty bread I knew dinner was going to be amazing. For the appetizer I upgraded to the octopus and also had the Patatas Bravas BCN. The patatas bravas were small but had so much flavor. The octopus was very tender and cooked perfectly. It wasn't the best octopus I've had but still very good. For entrees we had the cuttlefish ink bomba rice with grilled fish and shrimp and upgraded to the suckling iberico pig. Both entrees were soo good and flavorful. The skin on the suckling pig was light but crispy and paired so well with the peach. For dessert we had the gypsy's arm which is a sponge cake with whipped cream and custard along with the crispy fillo dough with brulee and aged raisins. While the desserts don't sound super exciting on paper they both were really good and not too sweet. Overall, the dinner from start to finish was amazing. I can definitely see why they have a michelin star and can't wait to come back to try more items next time. read more

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This place deserves its Michelin star. I came here a couple times for work and family events - the food never disappoints. My favorite dishes would honestly be a little of the appetizers!!! I recommend getting a few. The service is great! The food comes at a decent pace, the servers are all very nice. The place looks like a homey house inside and out but is decorated very well and cozy. I recommend coming here for a special occasion!! read more

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There's a reason why reservations were so hard to come by for HRW. The hype is real and the Michelin Star that BCN received is well deserved! My friends and I had dinner last month. My friend made a reservation about a month in advance for a Saturday evening. The restaurant is in an old house. The entrance is actually off of the driveway past the patio. I was able to find street parking a few blocks away, but they do offer valet. From the moment we walked up to the to the time we left, we received such great service from everyone including the valet employees. We were seated downstairs in the main dining room. It had a homey intimate feel to it. The fireplace and art (original works from Dali and Picasso) were a nice touch. Our server Mario was phenomenal! He was so funny and personable, knew the menu well, and was great with explaining some of the menu items. He also provided great suggestions on beverages. For my cocktail, I started with the Sol i Sal G+T. It was so good and refreshing and the citrus profile was prominent. BCN (and their sister restaurant MAD) do G+Ts well. We were given a plate of sliced Iberico Ham which was smokey and delicious. We also had bread with olive oil and flaky sea salt which was very tasty. We received complimentary tastings of the Lobster Salsa. I don't even like shellfish, but it was so delicious and flavorful! We noticed that other tables did not receive the Lobster Salsa so we felt like VIPs. For my entrée I had the Branzino. It had a crispy skin which I really enjoyed! It was so tasty and seasoned well! I really enjoyed the avocado, pine nuts, grapefruit, and mayonnaise foam. It was a nice balance of flavors and textures. For dessert I had the Tarta de Santiago almond cake which came with a dessert wine. The wine was too sweet for my preference, so I gave it to my friend. The cake wasn't very sweet which I liked. Mario persuaded me to try a Carajillo and I am so glad that he did because it was one of the best ones I've ever had. The presentation was impressive and the flaming cinnamon stick really brought out the coffee flavor. The staff brought my friend a complimentary birthday dessert even though we told them that we weren't celebrating anything besides friendship. It was a lovely gesture and we greatly appreciated it. We noticed the attention to detail. The staff was constantly scraping crumbs off the table for us, ironing fresh table cloths when turning tables over for the next guests, and making sure everyone was having an incredible dining experience. The stories that Mario shared about Spain were so fascinating. This was hands down one of the best fine dining experiences I've ever had. I hope that BCN participates in HRW next year. I'll be sure to make a reservation months in advance. read more

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Where do I even begin? BCN had been on my list since their one-star Michelin last year, and there are a few friends I love to try restaurants with, so we finally went. We originally wanted to go during Houston Restaurant Weeks (HRW) this year, but it was fully booked in August. If they participate next year, you'll want to book in advance, possibly in June for August. I know I will. Parking isn't the best, but you can park in the neighborhood or valet. Or, if you're like me and live nearby, you can Uber. However, they may accidentally pass it up since Echoes is right next door, and the valet entrance blends in. My friend got there early and went to Echoes for a few cocktails prior to dinner. If you walk up the valet entrance, you'll see the patio seating. Keep walking, and you'll see the stairs leading to the entrance, and someone from valet will open the door for you. Restrooms are unisex and at the front. The hostess stand is right when you enter to check in, and you're led past the bar to the main dining area. It has a homey vibe with a fireplace and wooden floors. We were seated near the staircase to the second floor. Upstairs, they have themed rooms by artists and the street name - The Roseland Room, The Miró Room , and The Dalí Room. I love how art from Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí are spread throughout the restaurant. Seating is a little tight in the main dining. A few people bumped me when walking out of the main dining area. The service was impeccable from beginning to end. Mario was our server, and he was knowledgeable about all the dishes. We were provided with Iberico ham, bread slice and olive oil with flaky salt. If we wanted more bread, they would offer another slice. All of it was delicious to start with, but we wanted to save space for our entrees. We were also provided with a complimentary bite of lobster with salsa, which was great. I didn't see other tables around us receiving this. We ordered drinks while we waited. My friend got the Sol i Sal, one of the numerous G+T cocktail options. It was beautiful with the grapefruit and basil. I got a mocktail version made with Seedlip garden - Fresa y Tonica. It was just as exquisite and looked like the real deal. It reminded me of the G+T at Melrose. I ordered the following: Patatas bravas - Omg, I loved this appetizer. Mario said they used to offer one complimentary, but it was so popular that they made it into an official appetizer. There were 5. I could've eaten 20. Lol. It was soft and creamy with the mayo presented untraditional with dusted paprika and mini olive oil beads. Highly recommend and would order again. The suckling pig - Perfectly roasted with tender meat and thin, crispy skin. It was a good portion of meat. The potato shoestrings were cooked well and not burnt. I liked the combination with the peach to cut the richness of the pig. The side of gravy was also great and added some saltiness to it. Gypsy's Arm - I loved this sponge cake rolled dessert with whipped cream inside. The outer layer had a thin sugar glaze that added a crunch. The berries and citrus glaze at the bottom accentuated the whipped cream and sponge cake. I got this dessert complimentary. Wasn't my birthday, but it was given to me that way despite us saying we were just celebrating life and friendship with a ladies dinner. Very sweet of Mario. I also chatted with him about Spain and art. Dessert drinks - Mario served my friend a sweet dessert wine from Spain to go with her almond cake, which I ended up drinking since she doesn't really care for sweet drinks. I liked it since I like Riesling-like wine. My friend ordered the Carajillo, and it was presented well with a cinnamon stick that was lit. I tried a sip, and it tasted like a cold brew and not bitter. Not as sweet or creamy like other Carajillo drinks I've had. This might be my favorite version though! As far as Michelin status, I think they are deserving. They wiped the crumbs from the table, served new silverware each time, refilled water and cleared the table often. I've never seen a restaurant put a new table cloth and iron it before each new group. Wow. Food portions were larger than a tasting menu like Tatemó and delicious. My friends enjoyed their branzino. Drinks were fancy and on point. Worth a visit for a date night, birthday, anniversary, friend dinners and even booking for events. I'd love to see the rooms upstairs with all the private art collection. read more

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We came here with a big group, and overall had a really enjoyable experience. The appetizers were definitely the highlight of the meal. We tried the Spanish octopus with potato purée, olive oil, and smoked paprika (8/10), patatas bravas BCN style with spicy oil and alioli (10/10), Spanish Ibérico ham croquettes (9/10), and a special squid dish (7/10). Flavor was spot-on across the board. The patatas bravas stood out the most for their creative presentation- such an elegant twist on a classic that made me appreciate every bite. The croquettes were pure fried goodness, perfectly hot with that satisfying burst when you bite in. For my entrée, I ordered the recommended bomba rice cooked in cuttlefish's black ink with grilled branzino, langoustine, and octopus (2/10). Unfortunately, this dish just didn't work for me. The seafood on top was cooked well, but the rice itself was drenched in black ink to the point of being inedible- it was dripping from the spoon and overwhelmingly pungent. I even had two others at my table taste it to make sure I wasn't being overly picky, and they agreed it was too much. I really wish someone had checked in on my entrée so I could have shared that feedback in the moment. For dessert, we had the chocolate cake (9/10), Gypsy's arm (8/10), crispy fillo dough filled with crème brûlée (10/10), and the tarta de Santiago (8/10). Each was excellent, and everyone at the table had their own favorite. Personally, the crispy fillo dough was the standout- it was so unique and delicious. The chocolate cake was also insanely decadent and rich. Our waiter handled our large group with ease, humor, and professionalism. The atmosphere was cozy yet elevated, with a warm, homey style of décor. Overall, I enjoyed the appetizers and desserts. My entrée was a big miss, however. read more

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Why 5 stars? Because it activated a deep desire to return to Spain. --- --- --- I only visited Spain once and it was only for two days, but my God did I love eating there. I've really wanted to go back ever since and my visit to BCN only amplified those desires. I'll run down everything we ordered: Croquettes: 5-stars. Everything you want in a croquette. Patatas Bravas: 5-stars. It's a small portion, but these bites pack a crazy amount of flavor. Spanish Octopus: 5-stars: We love Octopus, but we've had a lot of subpar octopus lately. Subpar, this was not. It was actually about as good as it gets. And a crazy good value too. You get a ton of octopus for $22 (at brunch). Spanish Iberico Ham: 4-stars. This was great, don't get me wrong, but it was $48, and I couldn't really figure out why. It was really enjoyable, but it didn't taste any different than other iberico ham or prosciutto that I've ever had, so I don't know why it was 2x the price. To be honest tho, if you told me that this plus the Octopus was going to be $70, it would have made more sense if I didn't know it was $48 and $22. Suckling Iberico Pig: 4-stars. We enjoyed this dish, but if I could go back, I probably would have gone with something different. Again, it was more a cost thing, as it was the most expensive thing we ordered ($58), and was my least favorite item. It's not that I didn't like it, but I just thought everything else was so great that this was outshined a bit. Roasted fideo pasta: 5-stars. Loved every bite of this. Had the portion size been 3x, I still would have gobbled it all up. That's not to say it was a small portion (it was not), but I just couldn't stop eating it because it was so addicting. Crispy fillo dough: 4-stars. These were okay. It's a small portion for $14. I'd probably just skip dessert next time and order something else savory. We had a really great experience overall here. The service was top notch. Everytime we took our last bite off a plate, someone just seemed to appear out of thin air to take the plate away. People of Spain: count your blessings everyday that you have unlimited access to this kind of food everyday. read more

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Finally got to try this place during Houston Restaurant Week and it did not disappoint. Our server was great with providing recommendations and the food was delicious. The space itself isn't that big, but they do what they can to maximize the place. It feels very cozy. For my first course, I got the burrata salad with watermelon and it was super refreshing and was a nice chill start to the meal. I sampled the patatas bravas and it was so delicious. It was smooth, creamy, and tasted like whipped french fries. I also managed to sample the Iberico ham which was alright and the croquette which was nice and crispy. For my second course, I got the bomba rice with branzino and shrimp. The branzino was perfect, lightly crisp yet still tender on the inside. I sampled some of my friends' lamb chops and filet mignon--both were incredibly tender and were cooked to perfection I highly recommend either of these options. Last but not least, dessert! I got the crispy fillo dough and it was sooooo good. Definitely my favorite part of dinner. The fillo was so light and airy and paired so well with the brulee and rum raisins. I also got the guava gin and tonic to sip on--so delicious. Crisp and not too heavy on the gin. The matcha rim was perfect and went amazingly well with the guava. read more

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How many ways can you say incredible? The service was incredible, food fantastic and the ambiance was perfect. However warning it is a busy place and it can be a bit loud. Three of us visited for Restaurant Week and a Birthday Celebration. The included meal and included gratuity was about $330. This included a couple of drinks and two uncharged items. Included the Suckling Pig recommended by Eric Sadler (Culture Map). Well worth it. We will be back for our next special occasion read more

BCN Taste & Tradition - Catalan Near Me - Houston, Texas

Really impressed by BCN! Everything from the bread to the entree was really good. For apps, the octopus and croquettes were the most popular at our table. I highly recommend the Filet Mignon (the grandma sauce was just as good as promised) and Bronzino for entrees. For dessert, the lemon tart was surprisingly good--perfectly tart and sweet. read more

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Finally got to try BCN a few weekends ago, and was so happy we were able to get a reservation! Our reservation was for bar seating, but honestly it was still great. The service was still exceptional and we always felt looked after. We had a few drinks, and the cocktails are gin based. I wish I would have taken photos or wrote down what I had, but honestly we were having a great time and didn't even think about taking photos. There are no bad options! For our appetizer, we did get the patatas bravas (so creamy and the texture is just absolutely perfect). We also got the fresh beef tartar with waffle chips-- also delicious! For our mains, I had the Spanish cod and my partner had the suckling Iberico pig. Both were fantastic and mains that are well worth their money! The suckling Iberico pig is crispy but also tender, truly something special. Looking forward to another meal here! read more

If I could give ten stars out of five, I would. It's been years since I've had a dining experience as enjoyable as this one. Our server Edgar made the whole experience a delight. We came for our fifth year anniversary and BCN made our celebration feel special. We got the strawberry balsamic gin and tonic and the Sol I Sal gin and tonic. I don't like gin and tonic but loved these. My husband never orders drinks but after having a sip of mine, ordered his own. They give bread that is sooo good in the beginning. The presentation and quality of the plating and taste of each dish was exquisite. The octopus was cooked to perfection. Papas bravas were excellent. The plum duck breast salad was full and flavorful. The suckling pig is cooked 36 hours and crispy on the outside while juicy and tender on the inside. The lamp chops were smoky and the texture was phenomenal. They even plated and split our main dishes and served them as such so we didn't have to but could still enjoy the beautiful plating. We ordered the fillo dough for dessert and wow... it was delicious. They gave us a sponge cake for free as a treat for our anniversary. There was nothing in this meal that was lacking. The service was impeccable and the whole place was charming. The whole place filled up within the hour. There's valet parking for $8 or free street parking around. They also have original Picasso pieces and Dali. You can tell the interior design is very intentional. Thank you BCN for such a delightful dining experience! read more

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It is kinda hard to find the location of the restaurant, but the building stands out. The interior has a simple decor, but welcoming. The food menu is short and sweet, while the alcohol menu is extensive. To start, my family ordered the calamari, and garlic shrimp appetizers which weren't in the menu. We also got the Spanish octopus from the menu. The appetizers were amazing! They were flavorful and cooked well. For the entree, we had the Roasted Fideo pasta, Bomba rice, and lamb chop (not in menu). I can't say which was my favorite, because all three entrées were cooked perfectly. Every item in the dishes was flavorful. To end of our meal, we had the churros, and chocolate cake for desserts. I had the best churros ever. They were soft and crispy, and the warm chocolate sauce paired so well with the churros. The chocolate cake was soft, and the small cone of passion fruit ice cream was so good. When it comes to good desserts, one serving wasn't enough. We had another round of the same desserts. Yum! There is free self-parking on the street, or valet parking is available too. It is a small restaurant, thus reservation is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. However, they require a credit card on file when making reservation online. Congrats on getting the Michelin star! Well deserved! read more

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Had a truly disappointing visit to BCN this week. We had not been to dine at BCN since they received their Michelin star. We had a 6:15 reservation on a Monday night. When we arrived our guests were already at the bar and said that they had checked in with the hostess (whose station is directly behind the bar). We were given cocktail menus at the bar but no one ever asked us if we wanted to order a drink and the hostess never let us know that our table was ready if we wanted to be seated. We finally asked about the table and were taken directly over (still having ordered no drinks). Both my and my companions napkins were taken by the waiter presumably to bring us black napkins. He received his but I never received mine. When we finally ordered drinks I asked for a lime in my water which also didn't come until a while later when I asked again for the lime and a napkin. We also saw the tables around us receiving the complimentary amuse bouche but we never received one. When it came time to order our main courses I asked if it would be possible to get the sauce on the side for my main course. Our waiter said of course, but then the dish came out with the sauce right on top. None of these things alone would be particularly problematic but all together it was just a huge mis-step. To have this many oversights in one seating at a Michelin starred restaurant was both surprising and disappointing. The food itself was good, but quite frankly was overshadowed by the experience. read more

Top notch spot! In addition to great food & service, they are known for their gin & tonics(G&T). Even if you don't think you like G&T, try one! I believe you will be pleasantly surprised!! Hake, an Atlantic Black bass, was the special of the day coated in rice flour & pan seared was absolutely lovely! So tasty! Dining mate had the lamb chops & he said they were really good. The beet salad was good. Quite small. Subtle touches make the difference here: they offer you to taste your wine by the glass before the full pour, steam tablecloths while putting new cloths on the table, and clear tables of all crumbs in between courses. Service was great. Food was delicious. Ambiance was quaint. On 1 visit, you'll know why they got a Michelin Star! read more

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I can definitely see why they have a Michelin star! I came on a Saturday without a reservation during HRW, but I was still able to get seated on the patio, which ended up being perfect. It was a nice day outside and shaded from the elements, so we got to enjoy the meal and the breezy weather. I am typically wary about sitting outdoors (even though in this case we did not have a choice) because I find that the service tends to be poorer or there are too many bugs. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the service we received on the patio. We were given some bread, olive oil, sea salt, slices of cured sausage, and croquettes as a welcome. We got some sangrias and ordered the Spanish Ibérico ham, Spanish octopus, grilled lamb chops, and grilled branzino. We were also given some chocolate truffles with sage to end the meal which was so kind of them. The sangrias were very strong. I liked how large they were and how beautiful the presentation was. The star anise, berries, and orange slice were a great touch. If you are a red wine lover this is right up your alley. (6.5/10) The bread, olive oil, and sea salt were such a good pairing and was elevated by the cured sausage. The bread came out warm and the olive oil was super high quality. This was a great starter to the meal. (7.5/10) The croquette was also good. The outside was crispy and the filling was very flavorful. Exactly what you'd expect from a croquette. (6.5/10) The iberico ham was really nice. The cured ham was salty/smoky and sliced really thinly so it was not too chewy which I liked. I layered it on the tomato bread to create the perfect bite. The bread was the same bread we were given in the beginning but with a light tomato sauce on top. The flavors altogether were a great combo. (7.8/10) The Spanish octopus was well-cooked, however, the dish had really mild flavors. The octopus was tender and the perfect texture. The potato puree was soft and I liked how the potatoes soaked up the flavor of the olive oil and paprika. Though the preparation of the dish was executed well I wished the octopus was more charred/ smoky, but the is just personal preference. (6/10) The grilled lamb chops were amazing. I loved how it came with a generous portion of four lamb chops. I asked for medium rare and they were cooked to perfection. They were so tender and juicy and paired great with the garlic aioli. I love lamb chops and have ordered them at multiple establishments and I have to say that these were some of the best I've had in Houston. The potato puree, eggplant, and roasted red pepper were a good side and a great palate cleanser from the heaviness of the meat. This is a must try! (9.5/10) The grilled branzino was also delicious. The crispy skin on the branzino was phenomenal and the fish itself was cooked perfectly. The meat was tender and I enjoyed the nuttiness of the pine nuts, with the sweetness and acidity from the grapefruit and the creaminess of the avocado to complement the fish. I've never had a fish dish like this and I was thoroughly impressed with the flavors. (8.5/10) The chocolate truffles at the end were so rich and creamy. The chocolate was more like a dark chocolate which I prefer. Though we were stuffed from the food, the truffle was a great sweet treat to end the meal. (8/10) The service was stellar. We were constantly checked on and the food was brought out in a timely manner. Though I am a slower eater, I never felt rushed and I could tell no difference between the service inside or outside the restaurant. Our waiter also took the time to run us through the menu, give us recommendations, and let us know about the special off-menu items. The ambiance is very upscale, and everyone was dressed in their Sunday best. The parking is valet, but if you circle around the neighborhood you can find free street parking. The location and looks of the restaurant are unassuming, but don't let the looks fool you. Many restaurants have great appetizers, and the main courses fall flat, but that is not the case at all at BCN. With every dish I was more and more impressed by the food. Though the prices are steep, the dining experience you will receive is worth it. I would highly recommend coming here for a special occasion. read more

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Food was very nice. All 4 main dish were good especially lobster plate and shrimp plate. Appetizer was very small portion but good They gave sorbet for birthday. Atmosphere was moderate as this place was converted from a house. Other Michelin star restaurants have more upscale feeling for atmosphere. Service was good except he tried to force us to order more than what we wanted. Overall good. read more

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Great service, food was hit and a few misses. Start off the Oloroso Fashionwas just awful. I was told it would be a "sweet" old fashioned but it turned out to be a sour mess. They replaced it with a regular old fashioned which was just ok. I feel most high end restaurant bars are rarely ever good. But my wife got their G&Ts and she said they were both great We started off with a garlic shrimp appetizer. I don't remember what it was called but it was great. For our main i chose the Suckling Ibérico pig "a la Segoviana", shoestring fries, and peach in textures. For starters, the pork was cooked to perfection, it had an amazing crunch, it was juicy but that's about it. And the "shoe string fries" were just forgettable. However the Roasted fideo pasta "fideuá" with grilled lobster, clams, and allowing was just flat out amazing. I cannot same enough good things about this dish. All in all the dinner altogether was just ok. I'd go back for a couple dishes and maybe eat at the bar since the reservations can be hard to get. read more

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I hate giving places such low reviews, but when I'm paying such a high price and the experience is so bad... Anyways the appetizers were pretty good and was probably the best part of the night. The Main courses, duck and cod, were both not well balanced in flavor. Duck tasted gamey even with the amount of cream sauce that they dumped on. The cream sauce was overpowering as well. Cod tasted too salty on some parts, and not too different from the frozen fish. Overall not great. Dessert was good however. I'd come by again just for appetizers and dessert but not their main courses. It's a pretty restaurant, but again, incredibly disappointed by the lack of flavor balance on their main dishes read more

I had a wonderful dinner experience at BCN during HRW. Every dish I had was delicious, service was excellent. Indeed, BCN serves the best G&T in town! Lovely atmosphere indoors. Valet parking. Can't wait to be back to try more items on the menu! read more

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This spot quickly hopped up my list of places to try with the Michelin nod - we had a really nice experience overall with a few minor mishaps along the way... some of these may be picky, but when you get a star, the bar is certainly raised and expectations are up there. We had missed items that we ordered (twice), wrong drink brought vs what was ordered, and overall lack of attentiveness towards the end of the evening, likely because they were focused on closing. The vibe here is intimate yet welcoming; staff is very friendly. We enjoyed every dish we ordered - especially the Patatas Bravas (must get, could eat only this and be happy) and the Suckling Iberico Pig (also a must get in my book). Drinks were great - lots of plays on the G&T, so if that is your thing you will be in heaven. They have a nice amount of variety on the menu so everyone should find something to their liking - recommend ordering family style so you can try more. Parking: street or valet read more

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Wow! Very grateful to my work colleagues for taking me here to try their special menu for Houston Restaurant Weeks. From the moment we sat down, our serving staff was very attentive. Each course was presented with such artistry, and every bite was thoughtfully crafted, flavorful, and memorable. This is fine dining at its best, and absolutely worth the price. The only minor drawback was the dining room felt a little tight--we were a party of four and our corner table was a bit snug. Still, that hardly detracts from the overall experience. I can't wait to come back, especially to share this place with my fiancé when we're in the mood to splurge or celebrate something special. read more

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BCN Taste and Tradition was already on my list of favorite restaurants but wanted to know if any thing has changed since the new Michelin award. Nope! Still an outstanding dining experience with cozy intimate seating without feeling over-crowded. The staff is friendly and committed to making sure everything meets your expectations. You'll feel comfortable and welcomed starting with the valet before moving inside to the smiling host. I highly recommend valet parking. Their food along with the speciality gin and tonic cocktails are simply amazing. I started with the Beet Pistachio-Raspberry salad which is an incredible light starter. Next, I enjoyed the tender lamb chops which were perfectly seasoned covered by a light glaze all tempting you to pick up the bone to get every bite. A trip to BCN is a wonderful treat but think of them only as a special occasion restaurant. read more

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I wanted to try a Michelin-starred restaurant for a special occasion, so we reserved a table here. Keep in mind--you need to put your credit card down when booking, and if you no-show, they will charge per person. You can valet or park on the street; we chose street parking. The restaurant is a beautifully converted house, and we waited about 10 minutes for our table while it was being prepared. The walls feature stunning artwork, including a piece by Muri. Once seated, our waiter explained that the cuisine is Spanish, with about 80% of the ingredients imported from Spain--hence the name BCN, like Barcelona's airport. We started with drinks, opting for Sangria instead of their famous gin and tonic, and it was worth every sip. For appetizers, we had the poached quail egg in potato foam with black seasonal truffle and the tartare--both were fantastic. The quail eggs literally melted in your mouth. For the main course, we tried the suckling pig and the grilled branzino. They also surprised us with a small complimentary appetizer, and because it was a special occasion, we received a free dessert--but we went ahead and ordered another one as well. The ambiance is cozy, quiet, and intimate, perfect for a celebration. The food is excellent, and the price is very reasonable for a Michelin-starred experience. Overall, this is a wonderful spot for a special occasion--I'd definitely come back! read more

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A one star Michellin restaurant at the time we went, BCN is a Barcelona inspired cuisine located at a very unassuming part of the Houston neighborhood, with some small quiet apartments and suburban houses within the same block. The actual restaurant looks like a house from the outside. We had a reservation made several weeks prior, and they have valet but we found parking around the block. I was surprised to see that there was no tasting menu offered on the day we went, but they were able to provide that when inquiring about it, which was around $130 per person. They're known for gin n tonic's so I started with a Guava gin n tonic which was creative and unique in flavoring; sweet and spicy, cold and smooth all at the same time. Most courses were amazing hits. Many restaurants have amazing starters and mediocre mains, but here the meal gets better with the mains. My favorite was the suckling pig, which came with cherry and shoestring fries. Never would I have thought that cherry would go well with something as savory as pork, but the sweetness brought out so much of the meat flavor. The branzino is also one of the best I've ever had. Normally I think of it as a bland dish and a boring order, but here the skin is so flavorful and crispy, and the first is so fresh. The lamb chop is also very flavorful, topped with I believe lavendar and plenty of garlic flavor. We also had two salad courses which were light and refreshing, perfect for summertime. We also had the opportunity to try Iberian Ham and croquetas in elevated form for appetizers. The Spanish octopus with smoked paprika was also really good, but actually one of my lesser favorites, as the potato puree was still a little too starchy for me. Great taste on the octopus though. Desert was also great, especially the fillo dough with vanilla brulee, it was fluffy and not too sweet Service was immaculate. They passed the napkin test, and was able to answer many of our questions including history and technique. Our server was also a great photographer! I would definitely want to come again, I would say this is easily one of my favorite Michellin starred restaurants of all time so far. read more

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Had another incredible dinner here again tonight. It's such a lovely setting - we prefer the patio, it's a little more relaxed than inside and we think has the best servers at least for our group. Cocktails, bread service and 36 month Iberico ham to start, octopus and patatas bravas were next followed by peas with Jamon and mint with the suckling pig. Great dining experience and just such warm, caring service. Highly recommend an evening along these lines. read more

BCN Taste & Tradition - 36 month aged Iberico ham and vermouth - Catalan Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Amazing Spanish inspired restaurant. I had no idea it was here, do t get out enough. We boosted last min as it worked around going to Echos next door to hear some jazz by some friends. Echos is a great place also by the way. BCN is very nice inside, out and of course food is excellent. Service excellent. We sat at the small bar because it was a Friday night and we did not have reservations. You definitely want to make reservations coming here. Have a gin drink their speciality and will not disappoint. We had the crocettas to start and they melted in your mouth. I had the pork dish and my wife had rabbit. Both were well prepared and yummy. I have to say the rabbit was superb. All the sides were tasty and for and sometimes fancy michelin star restaurants do not feed you but the portions here were good size. We also had dessert the almond cake and a carrajio. I did not have time to spell check this post. Definitely will come again and make a reservations and come with friends for a very nice dinner. Lots of Spanish people there so the locals like it ;) read more

Food is great, ambiance is better. We tried one or two dishes from every category of their menu, except salads, and thoroughly enjoyed the dining experience. Our server, Mario, was excellent in communicating the dishes and ensuring we had a great anniversary dinner. Appetizers: Octopus with potatoes was fantastic, reminded me of tapas I had in Barcelona. Egg yolk caparccio was a flavor bomb and absolutely gorgeous. The ham, the lobster, the fish, covered in a creamy egg yolk. Chef's kiss. Highly recommend pairing with wine because the flavors can be pretty heavy. Soup: We enjoyed the fisherman's soup. Really felt like you are on a fishing boat eating a stew from everything that was caught that day. Rich flavor, but I feel it is missing some "oomph" Entrees: Love love love the bomba rice entree cooked in cuttlefish ink. The ink flavor was strong and there is plenty of protein to accompany. BCN does seafood well. In contrast, the highly hyped up Iberico suckling pig was just ok. The skin is crispy like Chinese roasted pork, and the flavor is almost like a stewed pork leg. It feels like a dish I've had before, for a lot cheaper. Desserts: I tend to like almond flavored dessert, but the almond cake was also just ok. A bit tough and dry, paired with jam. It does taste a lot better when you drink with the dessert wine that is part of the dish. Funny enough, the complimentary Gypsy's Arm we received was a lot better. Fluffy, creamy, not too sweet - but at the end of the day, it is a simple sponge cake with whipped cream. read more

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Food - the potato bravaz and the pear salad were probably one of the better items I liked out of all the dishes I tried- the suckling pig was tender well textured and well made but with a bitter taste; whereas the sous vide rabbit was overly salty. The dessert that our server raved about was pretty average it's just crispy thin shell with custard inside. Overall I wasn't impressed with the food especially given it was recently given a Michelin star I was hoping for much better food. Hence the 3 stars here. Service - nice as expected Ambiance - clean classy nice vibes good for dates and friend groups read more

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With Michelin finally delivering some stars to my hometown of Houston, it would be the first time I could easily take my parents out to try one. I had raved about many that I've experienced around the world, and they had been waiting for an opportunity to try one that was more local. Luckily I was visiting home for the Thanksgiving holidays. BCN is undeniably a beautiful restaurant with a sleek and sophisticated ambiance that sets the tone for a memorable evening. The modern decor, combined with subtle nods to its Spanish roots, creates an inviting atmosphere perfect for a special occasion or a refined night out. However, the service was a bit mixed. When we originally entered for our reservation, there was nobody to greet at the reception stand for at least 10 minutes, and my party as well as another were both a bit confused. It was the longest I've had to wait at the entrance in a Michelin restaurant, so a bit unacceptable at this class. I did notice that much of the staff seemed to be wrapping up a group meeting farther in the back, and while that is understandable, there should always be someone left in front to greet. Once we were checked in though, the service vastly improved. Our server went above and beyond to explain the dishes and wine pairings, as well as the art pieces place tastefully throughout the converted home. I enjoyed the bit of education, and it was clear the owner had pride in his collection as well. To get a bit of variety, we ordered several dishes, including a foie gras, scallop, Spanish Cod, rabbit loin, and duck breast. However, the food, while solid, didn't quite meet the expectations set by other Michelin-starred restaurants I've visited. The presentation was artful, and the flavors were well-balanced, but there wasn't that "wow" factor that takes a dish from great to unforgettable. Some honestly felt a bit underwhelming, lacking a standout ingredient quality that typically defines the experience. Admittedly one of the dishes (the duck breast, I believe), was our fault due to my parents' stubborn insistence on meat being well done. I can't complain about that one. For the others though, the foie gras had little to no texture, and many of the other dishes had sauces that were solidifying by the time they arrived at our table. I suspect this was part of the problem: it was winter after all, and dishes weren't maintained at temperature well before being delivered. My father liked the rabbit, which I'd consider high praise since I know that used to be a common dish of his youth. By far I'd say the cod was my favorite dish. Perfectly seasoned, tender, and with sides to match. My mom ended up taking half of mine. That said, BCN is still a great choice if you're looking to experience elevated Spanish cuisine in Houston. The ambiance and service make it worth a visit, and while the food didn't entirely blow me away when compared to what's in the Bay Area or Europe, it's a still a solid spot for a special occasion. I would consider trying again after circling through the other Houston starred restaurants and seeing if the food improves. In short, the experience was worth a star, the food no. read more

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BCN truly tops the list of best dining experience. The food is amazing. Hands down. But let's talk about the service! We had the opportunity to have Guillermo as our guide for the evening. He was not only super knowledgeable but very patient when we could not stop chatting long enough to make a selection. (In our defense it is hard to choose when you know every dish will be perfection). The other team members helping him out were so nice as well! So much attention to detail across the board. We also had a drop by a manager of sorts, and I seriously had to hold back from giving them hugs at the end of the evening.. Now the food-- Every bite was great! Even something simple like croquettes were one of the best things I have eaten. They also kindly split the salad and entrées into separate, nicely plated portions. Oh and the drinks --- the G&T list was something to see (and drink)! Would definitely consider enjoying one on the patio. Paid valet -- could possibly find street parking if you are lucky! You better plan ahead for these reservations. They are going quickly! So put your fancy outfit on and get your wallet out! A must try! read more

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This is a tough one. The service was amazing and we definitely felt pampered. We were attended to throughout the evening & it felt luscious. The drinks were amazingly beautiful and well crafted. I am not a gin drinker so primarily enjoyed the beauty. I felt the same about the food. It was beautiful and beautifully prepared but the flavors did not blow me away the same way as Uchi had. These were amazing but perhaps not as inventive. The other experience aspect is the art. This was a true thrill to me and elevated the night. So many things to love - I think it is worth the experience with people you love celebrating something special. Know that part of the review is based on experience. From a pure taste experience, there are other chefs with perhaps a more elevated pallet in Houston. So I am left asking myself, is Michelin about taste or experience? Based on this beautiful evening, it is experience. Again, worthwhile but don't limit yourself to those with a star - many more stars abound in Houston if flavor is your king. read more

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Went for HRW, and a few things to note: Food: a) Fried croquette ball: this was very good, light notes of cheese and some ham b) patatas brava: I was actually a little disappointed in these. There wasn't alot of texture and the aioli overpowered the potato on a ratio basis. It was good, but not quite great. c) Suckling pig and shoe string fries: Very good crispy skin and the pig itself was cooked perfectly. The shoe string fries let me down a bit, they were more like potato zest to be honest. Service: Perhaps the best service I have had in Houston, the waiters and staff clearly care about the food and provided great feedback on the questions we had. They were excited to share the theme of the restaurant and took great care of us. Ambiance: This is built inside of an older home in Montrose, and I really liked the more casual feel of it. Not too loud upstairs and great amount of natural light. read more

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