Columbus

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msendel57

Joined 7 years ago

A great date spot. I recently got engaged and I took my future wife to Barcelona to celebrate the occasion. Neither of us had been there; however, I had read that it is one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. Barcelona did not disappoint. The food was and service was excellent and the ambiance was fabulous. A great spot for a romantic night out.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

A posh, romantic spot with delicious fusion cuisine and a very pretty crowd.. The Scene
Once home to polkas as the long-time German Village bier stube, Diebel's, Barcelona remarkably transformed the building into a dramatic, elegant dining space. With its grandiose mirrors, swooping curtains, and dim lights, the decor alone is likely to make diners feel under-dressed if they arrive in work clothes.

The Food
You could simply eat the tapas offerings here and have a terrific meal: The seared rare tuna served over soba noodles is unbeatable, and the grilled vegetable salad with bell peppers, asparagus and eggplant is tasty and filling. That's not to say that the entrees aren't worth trying. The grilled ribeye with roasted shallot mashed potatoes, olives, capers and fennel is rich and perfectly cooked. Want to go native? The Grilled Ohio Rainbow Trout with caramelized onion stuffing and balsamic glaze is tasty enough to make you reconsider the virtues of freshwater fish.

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pedestrianwave

Joined 8 years ago

Not Just Another Corporate Chain. One of my pet peeves about Columbus is that it seems to have been inundated with chain restaurants, so I'm happy to write about one that is not.

I've been there on many occasions - Both on dates with my wife as well as with other couples for dinner. Without fail, I'm immediatly relaxed as soon as I walk into the place - the interior is beautifully decorated and comforting. The servers there are always 'real' rather than scripted, and always give good courteous service.

Chef Paul is a very creative person and makes small to large changes to the menu on a regular basis so it's always fresh. Fortunately he leaves his authentic Spanish Paella entree on the menu, though, as it is what I usaully order. Gazpacho - terrific, fried calamari - awsome.

This restaurant is one-of-a-kind and I'm glad it's here in Columbus.

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illfi

Joined 9 years ago

Unique for Columbus. I had lunch at Barcelona last week with two co-workers. The manager sat us and was quite friendly. The server was attentive and described the daily special well, including a little history lesson on the meat. The food portion was of perfect size for lunch, not too heavy, and the pork was of good quality. The best thing I like about Barcelona is the atmosphere, which takes you out of Columbus with it's artsy wait staff and cosmopolitan decor. Great place to take out-of-towners.

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jmyum

Joined 9 years ago

Mixed Review. Outdoor dining is very nice, and calamari appetizer was delicious. However, service was average at best, and food was ok. I had a farfalle pasta special, and my husband had the fish special. Both were nothing to write home about. A little disappointed with the food given that friends had raved about the place before we ate there.

Doesn't Recommend

onetokeoverthekind

Joined 9 years ago

are you kidding me?. the food isn't too bad...but for what i paid, i definitely expected something spectacular. i've been here numerous times; it's certainly a lovely atmosphere - if you don't mind the smoke - which will drift from the bar. i'm not sure what's happened to the place, it used to be one of the "spots" to go. the hosting staff used to be engaged, attentive, and attractive. now their barely present, and they certainly don't have the flair that hey used to - they dress in khaki's for god's sake! the service was okay - but don't count on getting your drinks quickly. i won't even get into my experience with the bartender "tim." he was rude, and the drinks were terrible. someone remarked that he was management...i certainly hope not. you should make a reservation, but don't count on it sticking - especially if it's a weekend.

Doesn't Recommend

amyers7777

Joined 10 years ago

Only if you like a lot of noise. Barcelona's food is good, but the noise level and table arrangements makes it very hard to enjoy yourself, your food and your date.

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chrisj583

Joined 11 years ago

Romantic, warm, relaxing.. Its inviting, the atmosphere is definately for couples, go once and you'll be back!

Doesn't Recommend

denniswieland

Joined 11 years ago

Barcelona Bombs. Upon the high rating of this site I tried Barcelona and rarely have been so disappointed by a restaurant. The service was poor, although not that busy, and the food preparation was very inappropriate. I had swordfish, which was cooked just right but the actual preparation did not do it any kind of justice. My date had a shrimp cocktail which was overcooked, and flavorless. She also had a caesar salad which was basically do it yourself. The only dish which was worthwhile was the calamari which was very good. Our waitress took much too long to deliver drinks, and with a clear view of a bar I could tell they were ready long before they were delivered. Very overrated restaurant and I cannot figure out how it got this kind of rating. Stay away!!!

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redd1946

Joined 11 years ago

Look what they did to Deibel's!. Funky, trendy, tasty describe this European style restaurant in a former bar. Deibel's was an old-fashioned neighborhood bar in German village. It boasted primitive restrooms and an ornate wooden bar. The bar is still there, the restrooms have improved, and the decor has a whole new look, but the food is the real winner. I was prepared to dislike it since it took the place of an old haunt, but what's not to like--excellent service, creative cuisine, and cosmopolitan ambience.