June 27, 2011

Con Gracia - A Little Heaven in Barcelona


Price: $$$$$
Atmosphere: cozy, romantic, quiet, perfect for couples and friends
Attire: casual
Languages: Spanish and English (English menu available, and all staff speak good English)
Reservation: Yes (dinners only; lunches are available for groups)

Nestled in a small and quiet alley in the middle of Barcelona, Con Gracia is a hidden wonderland for the well-informed crowd. This is not a place you would stumble upon on a stroll, but it is definitely a place worth seeking out if you would like to taste some of the most delightful and creative Mediterranean cuisine with an Asian flair.

As soon as you walk through the door into this rather humble place, its simple decor, dimmed lights, and welcoming staff immediately make you feel at home. The choice is simple for the dining guests as well, deciding between the only 2 tasting menus every night: the 7-course Surprise menu comprised of 7 inventive creations by Chef Treacy using seasonal ingredients, or the 7-course Traditional menu where you get the chance to try 7 signature dishes of Con Gracia.

With experiences in several prestigious restaurants around the world under his belt, Irish chef Paul Treacy is dedicated in creating fine-dining experience for his every guest, interpreting fusion cuisine at his own liberty while making it accessible to everyone with a mere €56,00 per menu. A great selection of wine to complement your lovely evening full of flavorful surprises is available at the suggestion of sommelier Fredrik Blomberg. If you are a wine lover, the option of pairing different kinds of wine with each course is highly recommended at a very reasonable price.

One interesting fact: Con Gracia has been rated as the No. 1 restaurant in Barcelona on TripAdvisor for 3 consecutive years, edging out almost 3000 other local competing restaurants listed on this global travel website. Bad reviews on Con Gracia is almost non-existant, which should be considered as a clear indication of its level of service as well as its quality of food produced.

This cozy hidden gem only has 8 tables and can seat up to 20 people maximum. So if you ever visit Barcelona and feel like going through a michelin-starred dining experience without costing an arm and a leg, you'd better book ahead; trust me, you will NOT be disappointed!


Cozy and enjoyable atmosphere

Lobster sashimi with ponzu sauce, fried garlic, sesami seed and chives

Chilean sea bass with lentils

Venison with beetroots and mashed potatoes

Apple tart - deceivingly simple yet surprisingly delicious!

Some tea after a satisfying dinner

Con Gracia
Address: Carrer de Martínez de la Rosa 8, 08012, Barcelona, Spain
TEL: +34 93 238 02 01

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