Barcino - Uptown Parade — Restaurant in Taguig

A Disappointing Experience at Barcino Uptown

We dined at Barcino Uptown on December 6, and unfortunately, the experience fell far short of expectations. Our group of 14 initially hoped to book their private room, but it was already reserved, so we settled for seating in the main dining area—no issue there. The problems began as soon as we started ordering.

Several items on the menu were unavailable, starting with the cheese platters. Despite my willingness to accept whatever cheese they had in stock, the waiter later informed us that the ibérico ham was also unavailable. His explanation? They were saving it for an event the following day. It’s baffling that, during the holiday season—a time of frequent gatherings—the restaurant wasn’t better stocked to meet demand. I even requested just one serving, but the answer was still no. While I appreciate the waiter’s effort to accommodate us, his hands were tied, which only added to the frustration.

The disappointments didn’t stop there. The chopitos fritos and iced tea were also unavailable. On top of that, service was painfully slow, with only two servers attending to all the tables, assisted by what appeared to be the manager.

The delays became even more glaring when the food started arriving. The paella, which was ordered at 7:40 PM, didn’t arrive until 8:33 PM. As for the food quality, it was underwhelming at best. The chorizo was excessively salty, the spinach pasta overly creamy and mushy, and the marinera pasta unremarkable. The gambas al ajillo, though made with large prawns instead of shrimp, lacked flavor. While the dish was generously doused in olive oil and garlic, it was bland overall—completely missing the savory punch expected from a classic tapas dish.

For a total bill of ₱18,880 for 14 people, the experience was far from worth it. At that price point, we expected exceptional service and flavorful, well-prepared dishes, but Barcino delivered neither.

This visit left us deeply disappointed. While the restaurant has received glowing reviews from others, I can’t help but wonder if our experience was an outlier or if others are simply hesitant to voice criticisms.

In summary: poor service, mediocre food, and an overpriced menu. Barcino Uptown is a classic case of style over substance, and I cannot, in good faith,...

Barcino Uptown Parade, located at the corner of 38th Street and 9th Avenue in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, offers an authentic Spanish dining experience. The restaurant’s cozy ambiance and attentive service create a welcoming atmosphere for patrons. The menu features a variety of Spanish dishes, including more than nine exquisite paella flavors, each a masterpiece. 

While specific reviews for the Uptown Parade branch are limited, Barcino’s other locations have received positive feedback for their quality food and pleasant ambiance. For instance, patrons at the SM Aura Premier branch have noted good service and quality food, despite the location being slightly out of the way. 

Overall, Barcino Uptown Parade is an excellent choice for those looking to indulge in authentic Spanish cuisine within a comfortable and inviting setting. Its strategic location in Bonifacio Global City makes it accessible for both locals and visitors. Given the restaurant’s popularity, especially during peak hours, it is advisable to make reservations in advance to ensure a seamless dining experience.

Note: For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including operating hours and menu offerings, it is recommended to contact the restaurant directly or visit their official website or social...

Disappointing from Beginning to End.

Went on a Monday night when the restaurant wasn't busy, there were only 4 customers at that time. But there was no staff at the door, it took them a while for them to notice us and get us seated.

We ordered 3 items, a pasta, sangria, and a paella. The pasta and sangria were served, and while eating, there was a loud noise coming from the back, and it was the utensils getting tossed into a bin or tray it is very loud and very annoying. (Metals clacking loudly while we are trying to talk).

We continued eating the pasta, and then we waited for the paella to be served. I know that paella takes time to cook, but it was almost 50 minutes, and it wasn't served yet. So we asked how long we have to wait more? And guess what? The waiter failed to get that order, and we wasted time waiting. Almost 50 minutes wasted for a food that wasn't really getting prepared.

So we paid and left, still hungry. It was one of the worst restaurant experiences that we had.

Oh, by the way, the pasta and sangria were JUST OK but not worth its price.

I highly recommend the restaurant beside...