Cover Tapas,24 head chef Carolina Garcia Santamaria, whose time working in Barcelona makes her restaurant recommendations trustworthy (Photo: Tapas,24)
Tapas,24 head chef Carolina Garcia Santamaria, whose time working in Barcelona makes her restaurant recommendations trustworthy (Photo: Tapas,24)
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The protégé of renowned chef Carles Abellán spills all about her favourite places to dine in the city
With stunning waterfronts and unique architecture, Barcelona is undoubtedly a city of beauty, but it is also a haven for foodies. As the capital of the Catalonia region in Spain, the city’s gastronomic culture sits at the intersection of traditional Catalan fare, Spanish cuisine, and a whole host of international influences to spice up the dining scene.
Spoilt for choice on its cobblestone streets? Carolina Garcia Santamaria can guide the way. The head chef of Tapas,24 has spent quite a few years working at some of Barcelona’s most exciting restaurants such as Espai Kru and the now-defunct La Barra de Carles Abellán, where she and the rest of the founding team pushed for its Michelin star. It was here that she met Abellán and became his protégé, which has propelled her to our shores to helm the Singapore outpost of Tapas,24.
Don’t miss: Tapas 24 From Barcelona is Opening its First Asia Outlet in Singapore in May 2021
Above From left: chef-owner Carles Abellán and head chef of Tapas,24 Carolina Garcia Santamaria at the Singapore outpost of the Barcelona flagship
From left: chef-owner Carles Abellán and head chef of Tapas,24 Carolina Garcia Santamaria at the Singapore outpost of the Barcelona flagship
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With her story ingrained in Barcelona, we know her recommendations can be more than trusted. Here are Santamaria’s list of the best restaurants in the Catalan capital for you to try on your next visit.
1. Palo Verde
“Palo Verde specialises in charcoal-grilled cuisine with predominantly organic ingredients, adhering to a ‘nose to tail’ cooking philosophy, which means no waste! With a concise menu and modest portion sizes, it allows you to explore a wide range of dishes (something we chefs really appreciate). Each dish has a delicious smoky touch that enhances its tasty appeal. Not only that, but their choice of flavour combinations is also novel and original.
The restaurant offers a comfortable atmosphere, with an open kitchen that allows diners to observe the culinary action. The waiters are very approachable and friendly, which adds to the dining experience. Palo Verde is a welcoming place where customers can enjoy delicious dishes at a very reasonable price. Whenever I dine there, I always leave happy!”
Palo Verde
Address: Calle de Còrsega, 232, L’Eixample, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
2. Alkimia
Above Grilled wild fish with Swiss chard at Alkimia, one of chef Carolina Garcia Santamaria’s recommendations for Barcelona restaurants (Photo: Alkimia)
Grilled wild fish with Swiss chard at Alkimia, one of chef Carolina Garcia Santamaria’s recommendations for Barcelona restaurants (Photo: Alkimia)
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“Alkimia offers traditional Catalan cuisine expertly executed with contemporary culinary techniques, using seasonal ingredients. Located on the first floor of a modernist building, the restaurant’s perfect combination of old and new creates a unique gastronomic atmosphere. The tranquil ambience complements the impeccable service, ensuring a delightful dining experience. In addition, Alkimia offers a budget option called ‘al kostat’ for those looking for quality dining at a more assessable price point. Whether sampling classic Catalan dishes or exploring innovative creations, Alkimia promises a memorable culinary journey through the flavours of Barcelona. Do try their red mullet rice if you head there, it’s a delight!”
Alkimia
Address: Ronda de Sant Antoni, 41, L'Eixample, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Read more: Tapas 24 Opens in Singapore—Here’s What You Need to Try
3. Bar Gresca
Above Cosy tapas options await at Bar Gresca (Photo: Instagram / @restaurantgresca)
Cosy tapas options await at Bar Gresca (Photo: Instagram / @restaurantgresca)
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“Bar Gresca is a trendy ‘neighbourhood bar’ that offers a cosy place for tapas and informal dining experiences. Customers can sit at the bar to enjoy the ambience and watch the open kitchen in action. The simple but cosy décor sets the scene for a relaxed dining experience. The menu offers eclectic, high-quality dishes, focusing on original tapas and seasonal produce with a modern twist.
Although not extensive, it offers a varied selection of flavours to suit all palates. Bar Gresca is the perfect place to savour delicious contemporary Spanish cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Their delicious Iberian loin bikini is a tough competitor with Tapas,24’s own tapas 24 bikini sandwich!”
Bar Gresca
Address: Calle de Provença, 230, L'Eixample, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
4. Taberna Noroeste
Above Dish at Taberna Noroeste one of chef Carolina Garcia Santamaria’s recommendations for Barcelona restaurants (Photo: Taberna Noroeste)
Dish at Taberna Noroeste one of chef Carolina Garcia Santamaria’s recommendations for Barcelona restaurants (Photo: Taberna Noroeste)
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“Nestled in Barcelona’s Poble Sec, Taberna Noroeste is a hidden gem near Montjuic. The star of the show is its open, well-lit kitchen, which allows diners to watch the chefs at work while enjoying their meal. With seasonal dishes and flavours from northwest Spain, each dish showcases expert technique and exquisite presentation. Not to be missed is their version of Tarta de Santiago, a delicious dessert not to be missed. Taberna Noroeste offers a culinary experience that combines ambience, masterful cuisine, and regional flavours, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers in Barcelona. If you decide to walk, pack your most comfortable shoes, because the restaurant is at the top of a steep slope!”
Taberna Noroeste
Address: Carrer de Radas, 67, Sants-Montjuïc, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
5. El Pachuco
“El Pachuco is, in my opinion, one of Barcelona’s coolest Mexican taqueria. Dimly lit space adorned with religious icons and lucha libre posters sets the stage for a truly authentic experience. Alongside excellent tacos and top-notch micheladas, their impressive selection of Mezcal adds to the allure. Despite the no-reservation policy and long queues, the experience is undoubtedly worth the wait. El Pachuco captures the essence of Mexican cuisine with its vibrant atmosphere, great music, and delicious food, making it a must-visit for anyone looking for a slightly more underground dining experience.”
El Pachuco
Address: Call ede Sant Pau, 110, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
6. Direkte Boqueria
“Located inside La Boqueria Market, Direkte Boqueria is a ‘must go’. With seating for about ten diners per service, diners enjoy a dynamic and fun experience at a small bar. The chefs are always interacting and engaging with customers, making conversation and serving dishes directly, without the need for waiters.
The menu offers an interesting fusion of Catalan, Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine, complemented by optional wine pairings. Not to be missed is their delicious matcha cheesecake, a delightful blend of flavours. Direkte Boqueria offers a unique gastronomic adventure, where culinary fusion and interaction converge to create a memorable gastronomic journey in the heart of Barcelona. I was lucky enough to work with Aranau, the chef, previously during an apprenticeship.”
Direkte Boqueria
Address: Calle de les Cabres, 13, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
About
Ethan is a dining writer with Tatler Singapore. Trained in literary arts and filmmaking, their work has previously been published in Esquire Singapore, Men's Folio, and with the Asian Film Archive and the Singapore International and Film Festival, across a wide range of interests from gastronomy to fashion and arts criticism.
Work
Ethan writes about exciting news in the F&B industry, specialising in fine dining, exclusive spirits launches, and new restaurants. They are always looking for riveting voices to bring something fresh to an already-dynamic industry.
Follow them on Instagram at @faustiangourmand.
