Barcelona Restaurant and Bar

08/17/2008 Posted by carmonwhittier

The experience itself wasn't absolutely terrible. Starting at the front door, the hostess was pleasant, greeted us nicely, but even though we had a reservation, still had to wait 30 minutes which wasn't too bad because my wife and I thought we could sit at the bar and have a drink while we waited. Being as it was a Friday night, the ar was very crowded as well, and the bartender a total a**. not attentive at all, condesending, and rude. Although he was very "chatty" with a group f men at the end of the bar. After finally being seated, our able was nice the atmosphere was nice, (but noisey) and our server was right on point, and did an excellent job suggesting a great bottle of wine. The menu itself is confusing, not appealing, and repaticious. The food came out in a timely fashion. The chickpea hummus and vegetables was good, but who could mess that up? The beet salad was a dissapointment. It was just a plate of beets! entrees were terrible. My wife thought the baked chicken would be safe, but it was dry, and appeared to have been cooked the day before. I thought I would try the seafood stew, too much work! and messy! everything was still in it's shell. The chocolae pudding cake for dessert was just ok. I would have been happier with a hostess cupcake. Again, our waiter was excellent, but that is about all. The food is way overpriced for what it is. By the way, upon leaving, I asked the hostess who the bartender was, she informed me that he is Tim and a manager! I was dumbfounded. I have dined all over the world, eaten at some really great restaurants, and some really bad. Barcelona is definately on the bad list. Get a six pack, and go to Taco Bell, it's cheaper, better, and they won't give you as much lip.

Pros: Valet attendant was nice

Cons: bartender with bad teeth

06/29/2008 Posted by mattm2g

Barcelona Restaurant and Bar is consistently one of the most outstanding restaurants in Columbus. It is always tops with cutting edge food service and atmosphere, and this most recent experience was among the best since I have been going to Barcelona Restaurant & Bar. We started out with a simple Hummus appetizer that is quite possibly the best Hummus preparation I have ever had, with chili oil. Served with what appeared to be home made flat bread chips and fresh, very crisp veggies. Barcelona always offers Items in addition to the menu, but 2 of our party of 3 ordered a sautéed scallops from the menu, with bacon, mushrooms, baby lima beans, dates, chili flake, cream (I tasted it) that was, in a word, sensational, and a symphony of flavors that were different with every single bite. In addition to the menu (that changes regularly), Barcelona offers several items that the chef prepares special. I had the Chef’s take on Surf & Turf, which is Seared Blue fin Tuna and Braised Short Ribs. This dish was incredible, and melted in my mouth. I have not seen Blue fin Tuna offered in any area restaurants here in Columbus, let alone the coasts when I travel. It was an exquisite preparation. It was a hot evening, so we chose to eat inside, but Barcelona has, by far, the largest, and most beautiful outdoor patio dining that I have ever seen. Our server, Mike, who says he has been there since Barcelona has opened was very knowledgeable and gave impeccable, attentive service, without being overly hovering. Bottom line, in terms of Food, Service and Atmosphere, Barcelona Restaurant & Bar is quite simply the best dining experience that Columbus has to offer.

Pros: Online Reservations, Atmosphere, Service, Food, Rotating Menu, Specials, Special Events

Cons: Parking (Use Valet)