Barcelona Restaurant and Bar

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)

04/30/2006 Posted by flutegirl09

I had dinner at Barcelona tonight with friends. We had a party of 6 and we had a feast. We had wine, amazing appetizers. Incredible hummos, amazing calamari, beautiful trout and outrageous desserts. The atmosphere was incredible and we were so thrilled to hear the live music. This is a true Columbus legend!!!

Pros: Food, Atmosphere, Beautiful

Cons: Parking

03/11/2006 Posted by spiders

We have been here twice and both times were very enjoyable. Our first trip was on New Years. We were seated at our reservation time and our request to be moved further away from the band was promptly granted. Our server was knowledgeable and seemed to have plenty of time for us, even though the place was packed. As pescatarians, we found plenty on the menu to enjoy. Our second trip was even better on a quiet Tuesday night. We tend to despise the waitstaff that snatch away your plate as soon as you set your fork down, so we appreciated the relaxed atmosphere and time to enjoy ourselves. I recommend the seafood paella and chocolate pudding cake dessert, but the romaine salad is nothing special. My only true complaint is that the hostesses are a bit snobby.

Pros: veg-friendly, atmosphere, good service

Cons: snobby hostess

02/06/2006 Posted by msendel57

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.

Pros: Romantic atmosphere, Good wine selection, Excellent service

Cons: Lack of parking, A bit loud

08/29/2005 Posted by pedestrianwave

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.

Pros: Atmosphere, Full Bar, Hummus

Cons: Don't Take Young Kids

08/15/2004 Posted by illfi

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.

Pros: Food, ambiance

07/12/2004 Posted by jmyum

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.

05/13/2004 Posted by onetokeoverthekind

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.

Pros: patio, hummus, wine list

Cons: , parking, bartender "tim"

01/31/2003 Posted by amyers7777

Barcelona's food is good, but the noise level and table arrangements makes it very hard to enjoy yourself, your food and your date.

Pros: good food

Cons: seating, noise level, parking

11/14/2002 Posted by chrisj583

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