CATALUNYA - BARCELONA - RESTAURANT GRESCA

RESTAURANT GRESCA Michelin Plate IIO

This restaurant is a hidden gem, but from its discreet, tiny entrance, you would hardly guess this could be a fantastic culinary trip. We arrived early Monday night for a 9 p.m. booking, but the place looked closed, so we went for a drink around the corner. On our return, there was still only one other diner.

Within half an hour, the place was full, including ex-Barcelona footballer and TV pundit Gary Lineker. He had local knowledge. The main room, which is plainly decorated with its white walls and white tablecloths, has around ten tables, and at one end, there is an open kitchen and a few bar stalls where you can eat and watch the food being prepared, getting a view of the skilful team.

There is no a la carte, so you must choose from two tasting menus. Only one of these options is available for each table. The options are a short menu for €45 and a long menu for €70.

We were allowed to replace one course on the long menu (beetroot) with one course from the short menu (prawn curry) as one guest had a beetroot aversion. We picked the extended menu and the courses from chef Rafa Peña, then started to flow,

beginning with aperitives.

Sardina (sardine).

Ostra con caviar (oyster with caviar).

Curry de gambas (prawn curry).

Caracoles de mar con dashi royal (sea snails with dashi royal).

Pañil a la parrilla (grilled celery).

Tortilla con finas hierbas (omelette with fine herbs).

Morillas y espuma de foie. (morels and foie foam).

Pescado del día (caballa) fish of the day (mackerel).

Carne del dia (pollo) meat of the day (chicken) A couple of guests said, "This was the best chicken they had ever tasted".

Sorbete de casis con sake (casis sorbet with sake).

Chocolate con sal marina. (chocolate with sea salt).

To drink, we had,

Verdejo from Rueda (cannot remember the name) at €28 a bottle. Followed by Torroja del Priorat Roc d'Aubaga Terroir al Limit 2017 at €38 a bottle.

Alta Alella Puput Tarragona 2015 (sweet red, port-like wine ) at €42 a bottle.

This restaurant is a perfect option for trying contemporary dishes that showcase seasonal ingredients. The top-quality cooking has been extended to the Gresca Bar next door, which seems more focused on wine.

Service was friendly and helpful, if a little brisk.

RESTAURANTE GRESCA Carrer de Provença, 230, 08036 Barcelona +34 934 51 61 93

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