Fonda Espanya
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"Were in pairs and ordered food and drinks with desert and ate everything and all food"
We were two and ordered the entrecote, which unfortunately was not cooked very well. The side dishes were quite ordinary, and the dessert was just average. Overall, it’s a place you can try, but not one I would strongly recommend.
"Did not live up to the hype"
This was supposed to be a 4-star experience, but it fell far short. Honestly, 3 stars is generous. Service was painfully slow, and we noticed other tables around us had the same issue. As foodies and good cooks, we were especially disappointed with the quality. Many dishes felt pre-cooked and reheated. The cod fritters were bland and cold—when sent back, they clearly just microwaved them, leaving them rubbery. Octopus was tough, though the grilled squid was at least passable. The only real highlight was the truffle croquettes. With so many amazing restaurants in Barcelona, we’d recommend skipping this one. Not deserving of 4 stars based on our visit.
"Great food, but…."
This was a memorable experience with beautifully presented dishes full of flavor, enjoyed in a fantastic restaurant located within a good hotel in the heart of Barcelona. The wine selection was also excellent and complemented the meal well. What took away from the experience, however, was the pace at which the dishes were served—it felt hurried rather than relaxed. In addition, the somewhat arrogant attitude of the female head waitress detracted from the otherwise polished service, as her rushed explanations of the dishes and wines left us feeling less valued as guests.
"Great place but not up to the level of service required."
Good place with good food, but unfortunately not the experience I was hoping for. I went for the €40 tasting menu with an additional €18 wine pairing. While the food itself was mostly exquisite—rich and a bit over the top at times—it was overshadowed by service issues. The waiter attending our table was condescending, which left us feeling unwelcome. All the other staff, including the maître d’, were fine, but it only takes one person to ruin the atmosphere. Another major letdown was the wine pairing. As a sommelier myself, I was shocked by the lack of explanation and poor selection. The wines felt mismatched with the dishes and came across more like bottles they needed to clear out rather than a thoughtful pairing. For a restaurant of this level, I expected far more attention to detail and hospitality.
"Superb experience"
A very good restaurant offering fine cuisine with beautifully presented dishes—easily deserving of Michelin recognition. The staff were professional and efficient, though they did not speak French. We chose the Rosa menu, which was excellent: smaller portions but with many varied and flavorful dishes. The Spanish wine list is also very good and complements the meal perfectly. All of this was enjoyed in a superb setting, making for a memorable dining experience.
"Fine food, But…"
The flavors are creative, well researched, and at times quite novel, though occasionally they feel a bit strained. Presentation is elegant, though it borders on excessive. The wait staff tend to give instructions to diners, which adds to a sense of formality that may not be to everyone’s taste. Overall, the meal is good—nouvelle cuisine with fine ingredients and some local touches that help balance out the more forced elements. Still, the price feels a little high for what’s offered, leaving the impression of a caricature of nouvelle cuisine. The staff, while attentive, are perhaps too present, which makes the experience feel somewhat self-conscious.
"High Class, top food and friendly service"
Top-notch service and excellent fresh food in a refined setting. This is truly a high-class restaurant where every detail is well executed. Prices are on the higher side, but that is to be expected from a Michelin-recommended venue. A wonderful spot for a special dining experience in Barcelona.
"Wey nice food"
The flavors are creative, well researched, and at times quite novel, though occasionally they feel a bit strained. Presentation is elegant, though it borders on excessive. The wait staff tend to give instructions to diners, which adds to a sense of formality that may not be to everyone’s taste. Overall, the meal is good—nouvelle cuisine with fine ingredients and some local touches that help balance out the more forced elements. Still, the price feels a little high for what’s offered, leaving the impression of a caricature of nouvelle cuisine. The staff, while attentive, are perhaps too present, which makes the experience feel somewhat self-conscious.
"Disappointing, only the service and environment is saved"
We had fond memories from a previous visit to Fonda España, so we chose it for our Christmas lunch. Unfortunately, the experience was a disappointment. The menu was presented as a traditional Catalan set, but none of the dishes matched their descriptions—neither in preparation nor in quality. What was served felt far removed from the standard we expected. It’s difficult to understand how Martín Berasategui lends his name to such an uninspired offering. Sadly, this visit did not live up to the reputation or to our past experience.
"Fantastic experience"
We booked the Rosa de Barcelona menu and it turned out to be a fantastic experience. Each dish was beautifully presented and full of flavor, and the attentive staff explained every composition in detail, adding to the enjoyment. The warm, modernist-style dining room made the atmosphere even more special. Congratulations to both the kitchen and front-of-house teams for their excellent work. Fully recommended!
Fonda Espanya
A restaurant designed by modernist architect Domènech i Montaner, serving creative Catalan cuisine.
Address
Carrer de Sant Pau, 9, 11, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Website
http://www.hotelespanya.com/es/restaurante-fonda-espana/
Email
[email protected]
Telephone
+34932200922