La Barca del Salamanca
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"I still don’t understand….."
What can I say… Returning to La Barca at the Olympic Port after five years, I was hit with a wave of memories — but sadly, that’s where the magic ended. The food was just okay, far from the excellence I remembered from over 30 past visits. The once-impeccable details were gone: a dirty glass, stained ice bucket, mismatched plastic salt and pepper shakers, and paella rice stuck to the pan. Even the tableware was basic, with the added discomfort of having to use street-level toilets. The jamón ibérico was decent, though overly salty, and the paella lacked finesse. The only highlight of the evening was our friendly and professional waitress, who made a real effort in an otherwise disappointing setting. A page has clearly turned. It’s heartbreaking to see a place that once held such meaning and quality fall so far. I’m grateful for the memories — but I won't be back. What happened to the soul of this place?
"Without more"
We ate well, but it’s clear that this place is no longer what it once was. The atmosphere is noisy, and the service feels rushed rather than welcoming. While the main dishes were okay, the sides were disappointing and lacked attention to detail. Also, important to note: it is no longer halal, so be aware before you go if this is a concern for you.
"Terrible squid if they were tasteless gum squid the paella for giris industrial broth flavor the mummies prawns"
Rubbery squid that tasted like gum, paella made with industrial broth — completely lacking authenticity or care. This place feels like a generic beach bar aimed only at tourists. An absolute disaster. I will never return.
"Lunch based on fish"
We had lunch here and opted for the set menu, which offered three choices for each course. It included two courses plus a dessert of your choice, along with coffee and drinks. The food was tasty, portions were fair, and we felt the price was just right for the quality. A solid choice for a well-balanced meal at a reasonable cost.
"Disappointed and unhappy"
While the welcome and service were friendly, I was very disappointed with the overall experience. The quality and freshness of the fish were lacking, especially considering the excessively high prices. Unfortunately, the meal did not meet expectations, and I won’t be returning.
"good quality price restaurant"
We had a very good dinner with excellent quality for the price. The atmosphere was comfortable, and we were well taken care of throughout the evening. I actually just recommended it to an Italian colleague who will be visiting Barcelona soon!
"I’m still positive."
The food here is very good, but unfortunately the experience was let down by the attitude of some of the female staff. Their behavior was quite unpleasant and could easily drive customers away. It's a shame, as the cuisine deserves better service to match.
"Obviously two very different levels of service for locals and tourists ….."
We visited this restaurant based on a local recommendation and were initially impressed by the beautiful marina-side location and the appealing Menú del Día displayed on a chalkboard outside. However, once seated, things took a turn. The set menu was not offered until we specifically asked for it, at which point it was handed over reluctantly from a waiter’s apron pocket. We also felt pressured to choose higher-priced dishes from the main menu instead. The food we ordered was just average—nothing memorable. Interestingly, the inside of the restaurant was full of locals seemingly enjoying much better-looking meals, which left us wondering if tourists are treated differently. The hostess stationed outside was overly pushy, and her friendly demeanor came off as insincere after watching her interactions over time. Waitstaff were also quite forward, asking us to increase the tip when paying by card. To top it off, a wandering guitarist came by asking for tips, which added to the feeling of being targeted as tourists. We live in Spain and are used to authentic service—this felt like a clear case of style over substance. Beware: what looks like a warm welcome may end up being a polished sales pitch.
"Everyone tries to get a change!"
The food at the restaurant was truly excellent—well-prepared and full of flavor. However, the overall dining experience was disrupted by constant interruptions. Throughout dinner, we were approached by photographers, street musicians (including a Moroccan group), and several others trying to ask for money, which took away from what should have been a relaxing evening. To top it off, when we asked for a taxi after our meal, the restaurant staff insisted on arranging it themselves, which felt a bit suspicious—as if they were trying to make a profit from it. Great food, but the surrounding chaos and questionable practices left a bad taste in our mouths.
"Meh"
Well, I guess the moral of the story is: don’t always trust Google’s top 10 lists. This place was just okay at best. Honestly, I can make a better paella at home—and I don’t have a single Portuguese or Spanish bone in my body. Totally meh. Do yourself a favor and try somewhere else.
La Barca del Salamanca
Popular seafood restaurant at Port Olímpic, great for paella and grilled fish.
Address
Carrer de Pepe Rubianes, 34, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Website
https://www.restaurantesalamanca.es/
Email
[email protected]
Telephone
+34932215033