7 Portes — Restaurant in Barcelona

My husband and I travelled for the first time with our 7 month old infant and his parents (back up babysitters!) to Barcelona for a week to attend a wedding in Montbui, sightsee all the attractions, but mainly EAT all the delicious foods in the area!!

7 Portes was recommended on our friend's wedding website as a good sit-down place for paella. I was excited that there was an option to make reservations through theFork so I happily made it for our last night prior to our departure the next morning. Unfortunately, during the day of the reservation, the in-laws were not feeling so great so they decided to stay in and watch the baby and my husband and I would go on a romantic date and bring back food for them.

We arrived right on time for our reservation at 630pm and informed them that unfortunately, there was only 2 of us instead of 4 adults + baby. I can see the hostess whispering back and forth to the host and that, my friend, is when everything started to go downhill.

We were lead to the back corner area and sat in what we found to be the "American" corner as there was a large group of loud, obnoxious, Americans behind us. Our server did not come to greet us until 10 minutes after we sat down. We ordered the steamed vegetables for the appetizers, the vegetable & meat paella for the main dish, and decided to split a bottle of wine for dinner as this was our last night. It took nearly 20 minutes for the server to come back to our table with wine and another 10 minutes for our "steamed" vegetables to arrive. I attached a photo to this review as the vegetables came out COLD and drenched in OIL. My husband and I decided to just let it go and was thinking maybe its our fault for trying to order steamed veggies as an appetizer (seriously... that was my husband trying to be healthy LOL). Then, 20 minutes later.. our paella finally arrives and we were both starving and ready to dig in! Sadly, we were both so shocked and disappointed to find that they made the wrong paella! They brought out vegetable only paella when we wanted the vegetable & meat paella!! We told our waiter this and he tried to argue with us that we only ordered vegetable only. It was totally ridiculous as I heard my husband order it loud and clear. The server then left and ignored us for the next 15 minutes. It was so unprofessional and we were shocked that we were receiving such horrible treatment at what seemed a "fine dining" establishment.

Finally, a manager came who was dressed in black, came to see us and we explained the situation. I think it was shift change as a new server arrived too who was updated about our situation as well. We pretty much told them we wanted the Traditional Paella to go for the parents and then to pay the bill for our appetizer and wine (we didn't touch the paella). The manager and new server wanted to "do us right" and told us to choose a quick cooking item (basically non-paella item) and they will make sure we enjoy our dinner. Both of my husband and I really wanted to bounce but decided to give them another chance since we had a new server who seemed eager to make us happy. We decided to stay and ordered the Cannelloni to share. The dish came out quick but it was was just overwhelmingly bland and nothing to write home about.

After everything, we received the bill and saw that they didn't comp us the cannelloni that they tried to "make up" for our bad experience and even tried to charge us extra for the bread that we didn't even touch!! I was beyond furious. It was such a horrible experience from start to beginning. What was meant to be a nice last meal in Barcelona was just a horrible experience that left a bad taste in our mouths.

I would not recommend this place even to my...

Had an awful experience at 7 Portes. We ordered the traditional paella and the vegetable paella.

The atmosphere: Very loud and chaotic. The waiters were raising their voices a lot and the customers around us seemed unhappy. The decor was very nice though. I enjoyed looking at all the pictures.

Service: We were seated at the time of our dinner reservation and promptly brought olives, bread, olive oil, and water. One piece of bread was fresh and the other was stale - it was very noticable. I observed that the waiters were impatient and frazzled - yelling at each other across the restaurant and seeming annoyed with customers asking questions. I dont think they were trying to be rude, they really just seemed focused on getting the food and the orders done as quickly as possible. But it was not a pleasant experience for us. About 30 minutes after we ordered, we overheard them telling other tables the restaurant was unable to serve paella - it seemed there was a problem with the gas in the kitchen? We were concerned, as we had already ordered paella. It took over an hour for it to arrive at our table. It was a long wait but we weren't in a huge hurry, and we were aware paella takes a while to prepare. The whole time we waited for our food, the table next to us kept asking for bread because they hadnt gotten any. It was kind of funny to watch, I could tell they were getting angry. Finally a very friendly man brought us our paella and informed us it was the last paella they had in the restaurant. The neighboring table glared - I think they were mad they couldn't get paella.

Food: The person I was eating with said they enjoyed the lobster tail and tasting the different meats in the paella, but ultimately it just wasn't their thing. I cannot eat meat, and I know vegetarian options are more limited in Spain so I was excited that such a historic restaurant was offering a paella I could actually try. In texture, it was nothing like the first paella. The vegetable one was very watery and bland. The person I was eating with tried a bite, and said it was not good. I wished I had some salt or something to put on it, I was very hungry at this point so I managed to eat most of it, but it was a struggle. It was really disgusting and slimy. I wonder if the gas going out (if I understood correctly) caused them to not finish cooking it all the way?

Leaving: This part was actually the most excruciating of the whole evening. At this point we had been in the restaurant for over two hours. I flagged down a waiter and asked to pay. 15 minutes passed. I flagged down another, who told me to wait. Another 20 minutes passed. We were tired and I was still hungry. I just wanted to get out of that place and go find something to eat that would cleanse my mouth of the vegetable paella. I had never felt so tempted to just up and leave a restaurant before. But unfortunately I am no thief, so after a while more of waiting we finally got the bill. We were charged 3 euros each for the bread and olives even though we didnt order it. I asked about it and we were informed this is standard in Barcelona - which is fine if thats the norm, but after such a horrible experience it was just the cherry on top of it all. Also, the table next to us was still asking for bread and one of the men sitting with the group looked like he was about to explode.

I would never come to this restaurant again, but it was so comically bad that Im happy I went because now I have a funny...

If you’re in Barcelona and searching for a restaurant that embodies history, charm, and impeccable Catalan cuisine, look no further than 7 Portes. This legendary establishment isn’t just a meal – it’s an experience steeped in tradition, where every dish tells a story, and every corner whispers of its rich, storied past.

Walking through its doors feels like stepping into a time capsule. The elegant yet inviting ambiance is steeped in old-world charm, with its tiled floors, crisp white tablecloths, and walls that seem to hum with decades of laughter, conversations, and unforgettable meals. It’s a place where both locals and travelers gather, drawn by the reputation of a restaurant that’s been a cornerstone of Barcelona dining for nearly two centuries.

Now let’s talk about the food, which more than lives up to the restaurant’s iconic status. Known for their paella and traditional Catalan dishes, 7 Portes delivers flavors that are authentic, balanced, and deeply satisfying. The seafood paella is nothing short of extraordinary – perfectly cooked rice, brimming with the essence of the sea and topped with the freshest catch. Every bite reveals layers of flavor that speak to the restaurant’s meticulous attention to detail.

But the menu offers far more than just paella. The canalons, a Catalan twist on cannelloni, are rich and decadent, while the grilled meats and seasonal vegetables showcase the finest local ingredients. Even the simplest dishes, like their hearty soups or crusty bread served with fresh tomato and olive oil, are executed with a precision and care that elevates them to something unforgettable.

The service is exceptional – attentive, professional, and genuinely welcoming. The staff at 7 Portes know how to balance warmth with efficiency, ensuring every guest feels like part of the restaurant’s long-standing tradition. They’re happy to guide you through the menu or share a bit of history about the place, adding a personal touch that makes the experience even more memorable.

Situated in the heart of Barcelona, near the port, the location couldn’t be more perfect. Whether you’re coming in after a day of sightseeing or looking for the perfect spot to begin your evening, 7 Portes offers a timeless, elegant atmosphere that perfectly complements the bustling energy of the city outside.

In short, 7 Portes isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a destination. A meal here is a journey through Barcelona’s culinary heritage, elevated by impeccable service and a setting that feels like something out of a dream. Whether you’re a food lover, a history enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys an unforgettable dining experience, this is a place you can’t...