03/30/09

Expected more

by NotWendys

The service was a little better than average, the ambience seemed to be a little lacking. Not really a good date restaurant. The bar is adjacent to the restaurant seating area with televisions above the bar. Not what I expect from a restaurant that is supposedly of this calibre. The flavors of the food were very good but I don't think it stayed true to form. The paella was very flavorful but stood in stark contrast to the more distinct and subtle flavors of what I anticipate from a paella. In other words, it was more of a tomato base vs. a saffron and seafood experience. However, the main problem was the rice. My wife's dish and mine were both to be a Spanish rice dish. The rice was either not good rice to begin with or was not cooked properly or perhaps even both. I was very disappointed that the main ingredient to the dish was not even prepared properly, and any hint of a saffron experience was completely overpowered by tomatoes. I did not expect such poor preparation technique of the main ingredient. Nothing about Barcelona compels me to return.

• Pros: Service was better than average

09/14/08

Amazing Dining Experience

by bsiu99

I brought my fiance to this restaurant on the recommendation of this website. It was awesome!!! We were seated outside in their beautiful patio, right next to the fountain. Our waiter, Dillon, was so attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. We tried threof their appetizers: the calamari, grilled octopus, and the beef and rice meatballs. They were all delicious! For dinner we had the Lamb Shanks, the Grilled Salmon, the beef filet and the seafood paella. My fiance didn't like his paella but everything else was out of this world!!!

The manager, Tom, came by to check on us and saw that my fiance didn't like his food. Without any questions, he took it away and recommended another seafood dish. My fiance agreed and it came out in the next five minutes. It was the seafood noodle soup thing that started w/ "Z" but I can't remember what it was called. Not important - my fiance practically licked the bowl clean he loved it so much! It had large sea scallops, shrimp, lobster... and the broth was to die for!! When the check came, we noticed both dishes were comped!!

I can't say enough about this awesome restaurant!! Great atmosphere, great food, great service!! If anything, it is hard to get parking but they offer valet service for $4 which is totally worth it!

• Pros: Great Food, Great Service, beautiful and romantic atmosphere
• Cons: Limited parking but there is valet available

08/17/08

Not worth the time or valet parking

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

06/29/08

Consistently One of the Best Dining Experiences in Columbus!!!

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 sauteed 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)

04/30/06

WOW

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

03/11/06

Memorable and Fun

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

02/06/06

A great date spot

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

12/22/05

A posh, romantic spot with delicious fusion cuisine and a very pretty crowd.

by Contributor

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.

• Pros: hot spot

08/29/05

Not Just Another Corporate Chain

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

08/15/04

Unique for Columbus

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