Cinc Sentits
Write A Review
"Good Value for a 2-Michelin Star Restaurant and a Nice Memory"
After reading many reviews, I’d like to share my perspective as an American who has dined at numerous fine dining establishments across the Americas and Europe. From my standpoint, Cinc Sentits offers superior value in both quality and price compared to U.S. 2-Michelin-star restaurants. Some may find the theatrics excessive or unnecessary, but I view them as part of the experience at this level of gastronomy. At Cinc Sentits, the theatrics are subtle, allowing the complexity and originality of the food to shine. We opted for the full tasting menu with wine pairings, and I was impressed by the harmony between each course and its wine. A few daring choices stood out—one brilliantly executed, another slightly ambitious—but overall, I appreciated the creativity and surprise. Service was impeccable: precise, polished, and clearly well-rehearsed. The minimalist yet grand dining space, with generous distance between tables, offered a sense of privacy and opulence that enhanced the experience. While fine dining of this caliber is never inexpensive, I found the overall value excellent. For our meal—complete tasting menus, wine pairings, two bottles of water, and a 10% gratuity—the total was €728.20. For serious food lovers, Cinc Sentits is a must-visit. The experience, the quality, and the meticulous attention to detail make it well worth it.
"EYE WITH PRICES"
Attention: there are two important irregularities that diners should be aware of. First, the prices are shown excluding VAT, a detail that is not clearly disclosed. Second, the invoice states “service not included,” which is actually incorrect. It’s a shame, as these issues cast a shadow over the many merits the restaurant truly has.
"Trying a bit too hard to hold onto their stars. Felt forced."
Attention: there are two important irregularities that diners should be aware of. First, the prices are shown excluding VAT, a detail that is not clearly disclosed. Second, the invoice states “service not included,” which is actually incorrect. It’s a shame, as these issues cast a shadow over the many merits the restaurant truly has.
"A technically excellent restaurant, with serious and solemn atmosphere"
This was my first stop in Barcelona, and I’m torn between giving 3 or 4 stars. The meal was very expensive, so expectations were high. The visual presentation was excellent, and the flavors stood out—particularly the white asparagus, lobster tail, beef with homemade garum, and the Torrija dessert. However, the atmosphere felt excessively serious and sterile, with a minimalist environment. Staff were friendly but over-explained every ingredient and flavor interaction, sometimes feeling like a lecture rather than a dining experience. The wine pairing, entirely Spanish with rare and unusual selections, was superb—especially the Galician Mencia with the lobster tail. The cocktail with dessert was also a highlight. Overall, the food and wine pairing were excellent, but the overly serious atmosphere and heavy explanations made the experience less enjoyable. I would give 3 stars for food and ambiance, but the wine pairing nudges it to 4.
"Surprise"
I visited this restaurant as a birthday gift from a friend and was pleasantly surprised, as I hadn’t known it before. The introduction and explanation of the starters were original and engaging. However, the main dining area felt very sober and cold, lacking warmth or cheer. The food itself was well-prepared with good combinations, and the dishes came with detailed explanations. There were perhaps too many desserts, and after finishing them, the sugar felt overwhelming. Drinks are priced separately, which adds to the overall cost. Overall, it’s an interesting experience to try once, but given the high price and the heavy dessert selection, I wouldn’t return.
"Awkward beginning and ending"
We visited to celebrate my birthday, and despite a 2-hour flight delay from Stockholm, we called ahead to inform the restaurant we might be 10–15 minutes late. The person on the phone was unexpectedly scolding, questioning the wisdom of booking on the same day as our arrival. Thankfully, when we arrived only five minutes late, the in-person experience quickly erased our concerns. The staff were warm and welcoming, and the food began flowing. We had ordered the small menu with wine pairing and were delighted—and a bit overwhelmed—by the number of courses. The fish and seafood dishes, along with the truffle tartlets, were particular highlights. However, our enjoyment was slightly spoiled at the end when the bill showed we had been charged for the big menu instead of the small. It was clear we had been served the bigger menu by mistake, but the staff did not immediately rectify it, leaving us feeling uneasy as we paid. While the food and wine were outstanding, a 2* Michelin restaurant should handle such errors more smoothly. Overall, a fantastic meal but a disappointing ending.
"I needed think a few times before writing this down.."
I took some time to reflect before writing this. I can echo many of the previous reviews. The staff were extremely attentive and professional, and the experience was interesting, set in a beautiful room. The dishes were creative and engaging, touching all of my senses—but I expected the most important one, taste, to be truly exceptional, and it didn’t fully deliver.
"Amazing 11+ course lunch but the 3 warm dishes disappointed"
I had high hopes for a perfect lunch at this restaurant, and the attention to detail was immediately evident. The three amuse-bouches and the cold dishes were delightful, with interesting flavor profiles and textures that complemented the main ingredients beautifully. Unfortunately, the warm dishes that followed did not live up to the promise. The sous-vide trout, promoted as the "best trout in Spain," was mushy and lacked flavor—its delicate character lost in this preparation. The Foie Gras was bland, with chives that added little to balance the richness; an acidic element would have made a noticeable difference. The venison tenderloin, while visually stunning, lacked charring or caramelization, and again, an acidic or pickled component could have elevated the flavors. These dishes seemed designed more for visual impact than taste, which was disappointing after such a strong start. Desserts were plentiful, with the nougat standing out, and the wine pairings were excellent, raising expectations even further. One red wine, however, suffered from an overly smoky character due to a vineyard fire, which overshadowed its fruit. The atmosphere was formal, bordering on restrained, and it felt as if the Michelin recognition had frozen the experience into a structured routine. While the meal had highlights, I left feeling that the warm dishes didn’t match the creativity and execution of the cold courses. I’ll continue searching for hidden gems where innovation meets taste in every course.
Cinc Sentits
A Michelin-starred restaurant focusing on contemporary Catalan cuisine and tasting menus.
Address
Carrer d'Entença, 60, L'Eixample, 08015 Barcelona, Spain
Website
https://cincsentits.com/
Email
[email protected]
Telephone
+34933239490