Casa Calvet, Barcelona

The restaurant is situated on the first floor of Gaudi’s Casa Calvet (probably one of Gaudi’s more conservative works). The interior is beautiful – dimly lit with a grandiose, yet home-like ambiance. I selected Casa Calvet because it was my sister’s first time in Spain and I wanted her to experience something new and unusual. I was advised to book a reservation in advance, because on certain days it can be crowded. Although I did book a table, there were plenty of available tables as well. The wait staff was extremely friendly and welcoming. My party came in during siesta time, because we wanted to experience our larger meal of the day here. It was also going to be one of our treats along our tour of Spain because the plates are costly and can add up quickly. The food was prepared beautiful, it was tasty, but it fell short of my expectations. It gets major trend points, that’s for sure, but I just felt as though something about the food was lacking. Our group decided to share a few starters: croquetas de centollo (crab), jamon iberico, and pan con tomate. Each plate was delicious, although our table agreed that we had eaten better croquetas elsewhere on our trip. The wine we shared was good (a variant of a Rioja), but it was not completely noteworthy. I ordered the squid, prawn, and artichokes with black squid ink sauce. It was delicious and fresh, albeit a little on the oily side. Although I truly enjoyed the texture and taste of the squid especially, I felt that I had experienced fresher squid and seafood at a fraction of the price at other restaurants in Valencia and the Balearic Islands. I also felt as though the preparation lacked the love and gusto so many of the chefs in Spain have for their food; it felt a little pretentious. For dessert, I ordered the cheese plate. I was expecting something the size of the cheese plates at a typical taperia restaurant, where everyone at the table could sample my cheeses as well. The slices of cheese were miniscule, even by my standards (and I’m a small, light eater!). They were all amazing though, just the taste was very satisfying. Arranged in a circular, clock-pattern, as one progresses in a clock-wise direction, the tastes and aromas of the cheeses become stronger and more pronounced. I also had the opportunity to taste some of the yogurt foam with fresh fruit, which was by far the best dessert anyone at the table had ordered. The overall experience was great and my party had a very enjoyable meal. I would not come back here though, because from a culinary standpoint, I would want to experience other highly-esteemed restaurants and see if they possess the charm that Casa Calvet lacked.

I have been several times before in this restaurant and always liked it. Now: the food was good. The service very bad . The person taking the orders had to go to the kitchen to find out what was on the menu. The service of the wine was miserable. We ended up getting the red wine with the ice-cream... I would not recommend this place anymore. Previous reviews were older and I agree at that point in time, but to-day very different. I am not going back unless sevreal people will tell me over time that it went back to its previous standards. I hope to-day's problems are not a new routine.

i like the food because i think is the best food i ever have test in my life i will go bag to visit in dicember 2008

that restaurant was ausum i would love to go back there any time also some of you guys out there need to go there some time

The food, value, service and ambiance of this fine resturant was very excellent. I would reccomend anyone visiting Barcelona, Spain to put this resturant,Casa Calvet, first on your to do list!

Every time we visit Barcelona, Casa Calvet is is a must , there are many restaurants we have visited over the years and the interior of Casa Calvet ranks in the top 3 . To enter is to move into an exquisite visual experience with original interior fitting dating back to when it was originally opened.The private rooms off the entrance passage are beautiful but we like the small private dining room just off the rear of the dining room ......fabulous. Food is excellent and service the same but perhaphs a tad on the formal side. Don't visit Balcelona without booking a meal at Casa Calvet, "historic" as Michael Winner would say .

We had a great evening with very good food, extremely good wines and a service you have to look long for... We started with a very good Cava and enjoyed until the first course of the great menu entered our table. The food was tasty and delicate. I especially and still remember the taste of the crispy and tender suckling pig, not o forget the lovely starters and desserts. To the user from London: Where you really at this restaurant? I does not sound like you have, from what you write!

The reviews I read indicated that this venue was something special. Yes, the room was interesting, but everything else was overrated. Average food, inferior/indifferent service - what restaurant of this "calibre" serves food to a table with the jus hitting/nearly falling off the edge of the plate!.