Baracca — Restaurant in Leuven

I visited this restaurant about 4–5 years ago but had completely forgotten about it until I came back this time. Perhaps that itself should have been a warning sign. Upon reflecting, I realize why it slipped from my memory—our brains simply don’t prioritize bad experiences. This time, I returned because my friend wanted to try it, and I’ve always been curious about one of the most popular restaurants in Leuven. So, we agreed to go for lunch. Let’s start with the positives: the ribs were great—definitely some of the best I’ve had in Leuven. The spicy oil on the table was another highlight, and it actually helped me finish my disappointing pizza. However, the rest of the food was quite underwhelming, primarily due to temperature issues: Pulled Pork Bun: It looked delicious, but the bun itself was just lukewarm. A proper steamed bun should be piping hot, with steam rising when served. I couldn’t help but feel that the steamers in the kitchen were more for show than function. Pizza: This was, unfortunately, the worst pizza I’ve ever had. The thin crust was completely soaked with sauce, making it soggy and unappetizing. It’s shocking that an Italian restaurant would serve a pizza in such a state. Shrimp with Bread: The shrimp was nicely flavored with spicy mayo, but the accompanying bread was a major letdown. While it looked appealing with its dark brown crust and airy holes, it lacked freshness and had a stale, chewy texture. At the very least, the bread could have been warmed in the oven for a few minutes before serving. It’s clear to me that the restaurant’s popularity has led to complacency. The care and attention to detail that make food memorable seem to have been replaced by a rushed, "waterflow" approach to dining. Paying €50 per person for this kind of experience doesn’t feel worth it. I understand the restaurant may not be concerned about losing one customer, but I care deeply about my dining experience. I want food prepared with love and care by a chef who values their guests. Sadly, I won’t...

A Culinary Journey at Baracca!

We recently had the pleasure of dining at Baracca, and we must say it was an unforgettable experience! We opted for the five-course dinner, and each dish took us on a delightful journey of flavors that we weren't expecting.

From the very first course, the surprising tastes began to unfold, showcasing the chef's creativity and mastery of Italian cuisine. Each plate was beautifully presented and thoughtfully crafted, highlighting fresh ingredients and exquisite flavors, all with their own unique twist. The attention to detail in both taste and presentation was remarkable.

As we progressed through the courses, we were amazed by how each dish told its own story while perfectly complementing the next. It was a delightful rollercoaster of tastes, textures, and aromas that left us eagerly anticipating what would come next!

One of the highlights of our visit was the open kitchen, which added a wonderful touch to the experience. Being able to see the chefs in action was both entertaining and reassuring, showcasing their dedication and passion for creating exceptional dishes.

The service was incredibly pleasant, with the staff going above and beyond to make our experience memorable. The atmosphere at Baracca was very chill and welcoming, creating the perfect setting for a lovely evening.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that truly elevates Italian dining with its own creative flair, we highly recommend Baracca. Prepare yourself for an extraordinary culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds tingling with joy!

Five stars all...

Short version: Food: very nice and looks very pretty but for every ten dishes they bring out they've tossed one cuz it didn't look as pretty as the rest. Price: bit expensive Staff: was friendly and polite Interior: industrial, bit cramped, long narrow hallway Bring the kids: no. There's really nothing regular for kids to eat. I don't mean kids should only eat fries or fishsticks but there's just no regular food at all. It's all quite special so unless they are used to fancy food it might be difficult with them here. Also no area for babies/changing/feeding

Long version: We waited about 5 minutes at the front desk after a lady said "someone would be with us shortly". Standing there doing nothing makes every minute feel like 10. We were seated at the "bar" right in front of the kitchen. It's interesting to see how food is prepared tho I could cry everytime they threw something in the bin just cuz they placed one drop of guacamole one milimeter wrong. It's odd to have a bunch of food "not on the menu". I can't memorize everything you have your waitresses sum up... Just make an extra page with "specials" or have a chalkboard up... Bit oddly place urinal right in sight when you wash your hands (two toiletstalls - one for women, one for men, then a urinal, sink is in the same space). I have no issue with men in general but I really don't need to see them pee while I'm...