Savoring

Now, I might not remember every single meal, but the ones that stood out were worth writing down. Barcelona’s local food is incredible, but since this was a work trip, we mixed it up to please everyone. The city’s mix of multicultural options was very welcomed.

Brisa Sin Prisa
Rambla del Poblenou, 59, Sant Martí, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
February 25, 2023

 Once we arrived in Barcelona, we jumped straight into tapas. When  in Spain, tapas are the obvious place to start. One dish that became a staple of the trip was patatas bravas, crispy fried potatoes served with spicy, garlicky sauces that hit the perfect balance of heat and flavor.

We also tried:

• Croquetas de jamón o de pollo – Ham or chicken croquettes, golden and creamy inside, perfect little bites for sharing.
• Alitas de pollo a la brasa con salsa picante – Smoky, grilled chicken wings coated in a vibrant, spicy sauce. Yes, wings…in Spain.
• Chipirones a la andaluza – Fried Andalusian baby squids, which quickly became one of my favorites. Tiny, tender, and perfectly fried, they were addictive.
• Pulpo a la brasa con puré de patatas flameado con coñac – The octopus was smoky and charred to perfection, served in flames at the table. The cognac added a warm, aromatic note that made the whole dish feel dramatic and indulgent. Each bite was a mix of smoky, tender, and slightly sweet flavors, making it one of the most memorable things I ate.
• Paella de marisco – Classic seafood paella loaded with mussels, shrimp, and perfectly cooked, slightly chewy rice that soaked up all the saffron and seafood juices.

Out of everything we tried, the chipirones stole the show for me.  If you know me, then you know that I’m a sucker for cephalopod-based dishes. 

Umaimon Sapporo Ramen Takumi
Via Laietana, 32, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
February 26, 2023

After a long day exploring Barcelona, I wanted something quick, cozy, and satisfying. Knowing that tomorrow would be the first day of the tradeshow I was in town for and that I’d be on my feet all day, Takumi Ramen seemed like the perfect choice. The place had a lively,  eclectic  energy that made it feel fun and welcoming. I ordered the Butatama Miso Ramen, a bowl of rich miso broth with thinly sliced pork, fresh vegetables,  bamboo shoots, nori, spring onions, and a perfectly soft soy egg. Every bite was comforting, making it the kind of meal that hits just the right spot after a day of wandering. It was tasty, affordable, and exactly what I needed to refuel for the busy day ahead.

Restaurante Maxi
Ctra. del Prat, 30B, Distrito de Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
February 28, 2023

While in Barcelona, I hunted down an authentic taste of Galicia at Maxi, a local spot that promised a slice of Galician tradition right in Catalonia, pulpo con cachelos. The restaurant felt warm and inviting, with a cozy, familial atmosphere. The dish itself was simple, almost deceptively so: tender octopus served over soft boiled potatoes, finished with smoky paprika and a drizzle of rich olive oil. But octopus isn’t the easiest thing to cook; it’s a true test of skill and timing. When the plate arrived, its vibrant colors and aromas already hinted at the care that went into it. And it delivered. The octopus was perfectly tender, with just the right chewiness, while the potatoes soaked up the olive oil and paprika into tasty flavorful bites. For anyone wanting to experience authentic Galician cuisine in Barcelona, Maxi is absolutely worth seeking out.

KimchiMama
Carrer del Callao, 12, Sants-Montjuïc, 08014 Barcelona, Spain
March 1, 2023

We also stopped by KimchiMama for a taste of Korean comfort food. I ordered Kimchi Jeon, a spicy and savory kimchi pancake, and Bulgogi, tender slices of marinated beef with a slightly sweet, smoky glaze. Both dishes were bursting with flavor and incredibly satisfying. It was a delicious reminder that Barcelona’s food scene isn’t just about tapas, it’s wonderfully multicultural too.

Hamburgueseria Goiko
Pl. d’Europa, 38, 08902 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
March 2, 2023

Before leaving Barcelona for the long drive back to Milan, we refueled at Goiko, a burger joint where the menu reads like a Hollywood casting list, with burgers named after Kevin Costner, and, naturally, Kevin Bacon. I went with the Kiki, a chicken sandwich, while my coworker went all-in on the Smoke Burger (see the obvious photo). Eating classic American-style burgers in Spain felt a little stereotypical—because yes, Americans do love their burgers—but sometimes you just need a good burger.