Dos Palillos
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"For those seeking beauty and a relaxed environment"
This little restaurant thrives on beauty, presenting a sequence of choreographic tapas that blend a Catalan avant-garde look with Japanese-inspired flavors. It’s not a place for those seeking only substance, but for anyone who appreciates creativity on the plate, it delivers plenty. One dish that stayed with me was a unique interpretation of nigiri, shaped like a flower and delicately perfumed with a splash of rose essence — memorable both in taste and presentation. The service is young and quick, not quite what you’d expect from a Michelin-starred venue, yet it matches the overall playful concept of the restaurant. Perhaps it deserves the highest praise, but I hesitate, knowing some might find it less satisfying if they come expecting traditional depth over beauty. Instead, I’d suggest enjoying it for what it is: a fun, inventive experience, complemented by the historical gastronomic research you can explore at its cousin restaurant, Dos Pebrots. Would I return? Absolutely, yes!
"Original!"
The food experience was surprising, exquisite, and unforgettable — truly deserving of 5 stars for the kitchen. Unfortunately, the passive-aggressive behavior of the assistant sommelier (the lady with glasses) ruined part of the evening. She forgot three wine pairings, was far from welcoming, and at times came across as downright rude. A painful reminder of how one person can spoil an otherwise perfect night. My advice: if she’s on service, skip the €90 wine pairing and opt for wines by the glass instead.
"Lights and shadows"
I have to say that I expected a little more from this restaurant. The food itself is delicious and beautifully prepared — no complaints there. The service was good as well, though since I was seated at the bar, I felt it could have been a little more attentive and personal. The real disappointment for me was the wine pairing. For €90, I expected wines of higher quality, not bottles that retail around €10. At that level, a price closer to €60 would have seemed fair. I enjoyed the opportunity to try this place, and I appreciate the creativity in the dishes, but it didn’t truly captivate me. For that reason, I don’t think I would return in the future.
"I’m not coming back."
I expected much more from this place. While the flavors were decent and the staff attentive, the portions were very small, presentation mediocre, and the prices far too high for what was offered. Overall, poor value for money.
"Lots of surprises in the tasty menu"
We had a lovely experience watching the team work so efficiently while preparing clever and beautifully presented dishes. Most of the food was superb — I especially enjoyed the smoked tuna sashimi. The squid with ink and liver was a bit unusual, especially alongside the cold chicken soup, but overall the creativity was impressive. The only downside was the recommended wine package. We liked only about half of the selections, and in some cases the pairing actually made the flavors clash rather than complement the dishes. Next time, I would definitely skip the wine package. One detail I really appreciated was that, even though seating was at the bar, the floor was elevated so you could sit on a regular chair instead of a bar stool. The service was pleasant and relaxed, which made us feel very comfortable. I would gladly visit again, just with a different wine choice.
"You stay hungry"
A little expensive for what they offer. We paid €300 for two people and still left hungry. While the food is creative, it didn’t truly surprise us. Out of 22 dishes, we only really enjoyed 4. Overall, not worth the price.
"good experience"
The chef comes from El Bulli, once considered the best restaurant in the world, so expectations were naturally high — and they were met. The food was creative and well-executed, and the service was very good, even while sitting at the bar in the front.
"A big shame"
Food: truly impressive — creative dishes, strong contrasts, varied cooking methods and presentations, all very successful and above expectations. Service: unacceptable. Despite booking 3 months in advance for a counter seat in front of the kitchen, we were moved outside to the so-called “terrace,” essentially a table on the street. The reason was unclear, though it seemed the entire dining room had been reserved for a celebrity chef. Outside, one staff member struggled to manage too many tables. Explanations of the dishes, attention to detail, and overall service were nearly non-existent — not what you expect from a Michelin-starred restaurant. Experience: tempted to give a negative rating, but the high-level cuisine can’t be ignored. Sadly, everything else was missing.
"Not suppose to happen"
The food was delicious, but my experience was ruined when I choked on a fish bone in one of the dishes. The waiter only mumbled a quick “sorry” and moved on. This should never happen in a Michelin-starred restaurant.
"Possibly the best Japanese fusion meal I’ve ever eaten"
The menu is wide-ranging and eclectic, often featuring clever twists and deconstructions, but the standards of cooking and presentation are truly first class. Standouts included the deboned chicken feet, the huge grilled langoustine, the duck throat in sauce, all the sashimi, and the refreshing lemon dessert. We dined at the counter overlooking the kitchen and prep area for nearly four hours, enjoying 16 dishes alongside a pairing of 10 wines and sakes. There wasn’t a single misstep throughout the evening. The total for two came to €475, plus we treated ourselves to the eponymous cookbook. In summer, guests can dine in the patio area, but we visited in January. As a wheelchair user, I found access somewhat challenging due to the small space. Seating options were either bar stools (difficult for core support) or a raised area, though I was kindly assisted into a chair. Despite the accessibility issue, this was a memorable, world-class dining experience.
Dos Palillos
A Michelin-starred restaurant blending Spanish and Asian flavors creatively.
Address
Carrer d'Elisabets, 9, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Website
http://www.dospalillos.com/
Email
https://www.dospalillos.com/
Telephone
+34933040513