Aleia Restaurant at Casa Fuster Hotel — Restaurant in Barcelona

Over the past ten years, I’ve frequented many Michelin-starred establishments. During my latest visit to Barcelona, my dining experiences included QUIRAT, Atempo & Aleia.

Food The cuisine at Aleia is a showcase of classic fine dining:

“Scallop with Cava Sauce” was a delicate and flavorful combination of sweet scallop, tangy Cava sauce, and rich Soubise. “Iberian Flan, Chanterelle Mushroom, Smoked Eel, and Melon” was a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. “Langoustine, Amontillado Beurre Blanc, and Heads Air”: The succulent langoustine was paired with a rich and creamy Amontillado Beurre Blanc, creating a luxurious and indulgent dish. “Snapper, Salmon Roe, Razor Clam, and Mussel's Gazpachuelo”, a vibrant dish was a celebration of seafood flavors, with the snapper that was executed perfectly.

Disappointment: The Red Tuna, Radish, and Dressing Tomato dish was dominated by the radish and sauce, overshadowing the delicate flavor of the tuna.

"The Beef Sirloin, Potatoes, Peppers, and Lettuce course was a significant disappointment. The beef was tough and flavorless, and the accompanying vegetables did not elevate the dish. It seemed as though the chef had struggled to find a suitable meat option and had settled for a less-than-ideal choice.

Service The service at Aleia was generally good, but there were a few instances where the staff could have been more attentive. For example, after the meat course was cleared, the staff removed the bread loaves, Acebuche and Pallaresa, Iberian ham, and matured butters from the table when I was not present. This was particularly disappointing as we had barely touched these items and had intended to enjoy them with the remaining courses. The staff's assumption that we were finished with the bread items based on their placement on the table was incorrect. It is essential for staff to always ask before removing items from the table, especially when there are still other courses to be served. This simple act of courtesy would have demonstrated a higher level of customer care and prevented any misunderstandings.

Additionally, there seemed to be a lack of synergy between the different servers. For example, my main server was not aware that I had not touched the meat course because another server had cleared it away. This indicates a lack of communication and coordination among the staff, which can lead to a less seamless dining experience.

Wine Service The wine service at Aleia was competent but could be improved. The sommelier was knowledgeable and made appropriate recommendations, but they could have been more confident and engaging. One area where the wine service fell short is avoid surprising the guest with a bottle that was significantly higher than their budget. This approach can make guests feel uncomfortable and uncertain about their choices.

Additionally, Aleia is one of the few fine dining restaurants in Barcelona that does not offer a digital copy of the wine list for guests to review before their arrival. This can be inconvenient for guests who want to research the wine selection in advance.

Ambiance The ambiance at Aleia is cozy and inviting. The restaurant's décor is elegant and understated, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. However, the seating arrangement can be somewhat limiting, as some tables are positioned with the back facing the main dining area. This can make diners feel uncomfortable and exposed.

Value Aleia's pricing is positioned between one- and two-Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona. The overall experience may not justify the premium price tag.

Verdict Considering the numerous dining options available in Barcelona, Aleia's value proposition may not be as compelling as other establishments. Given these factors, I would hesitate to recommend Aleia to experienced fine dining patrons or those seeking a truly exceptional culinary experience. While it is a decent option, it may not be the best choice for those looking for a standout dining experience...

We recently dined at your restaurant, and unfortunately, the overall experience was deeply disappointing. I am writing to provide honest feedback in the hope that it will be taken seriously.

One of the dishes contained Spanish red prawns, which had a clearly noticeable off-putting odor—strongly suggesting spoilage or poor-quality seafood. Several people at our table detected the same unpleasant smell. We raised our concern with the service staff, but instead of any apology or effort to check with the kitchen, we were met with a dismissive and defensive response: “The prawns were delivered fresh today; there’s no problem with them.” Such an answer, especially without even checking the dish, shows a lack of professionalism and respect for the customer’s experience.

In another dish containing mushrooms, we could distinctly feel small hard particles—like unwashed grit or small stones—grinding in our mouths. The unpleasant texture persisted throughout the dish, making it nearly impossible to eat. Again, when we reported this issue, the staff simply replied that “no other guests had mentioned it,” without showing any concern or offering an apology. There were only two tables occupied that evening, including ours. I fail to understand why my feedback needed to be validated by someone else’s experience. That response felt dismissive and, frankly, unprofessional.

After two separate incidents regarding food quality, we were left deeply disappointed. The way our concerns were handled was not only rude but also entirely lacking in professionalism. We chose to leave before completing the meal. Although we paid in full, we left early—valuing both our time and dignity. No one asked why we were leaving early. No one followed up. It felt as though our presence—or our feedback—simply didn’t matter.

At a restaurant of this supposed caliber, we expected to feel welcomed and respected. Instead, we experienced a lack of care at every level. There were no local diners in the restaurant that night. If this inattentive service was a reflection of how non-local guests are treated, it’s even more disappointing.

The price we paid was not insignificant. In return, we received poor-quality food, unprofessional service, and outright dismissiveness. Even in a casual roadside restaurant, I have never experienced such a lack of hospitality. This was, by far, the worst dining experience I have ever had at a Michelin-starred restaurant. We will not be returning—and I cannot recommend this...

Everything about our dinner at Aleia exceeded our expectations — the taste and quality of the food, the visual presentation, the atmosphere, and the service were all simply exceptional.

I’ve dined at many Michelin-starred restaurants in the other countries, and while many of them focus on experimental techniques and stunning visuals, they sometimes fall short when it comes to taste or overall enjoyment. Aleia was different.

What truly stood out was how they honored the original essence of each dish, while adding thoughtful and creative twists. The flavors were balanced, memorable, and genuinely delicious — not just impressive to look at. The plating was elegant and delicate, without being over-the-top.

This is the first and only Michelin-starred restaurant my husband and I have experienced where we both immediately said, “We need to bring our entire family here next time.” Especially for older guests like our parents, we think they'd absolutely love it!

Special thanks to our server, who took care of us with gentle attention and professionalism. She was incredibly kind, always making sure we were comfortable and enjoying our meal. Her warm presence made the evening even more special.

Of all our experiences in Barcelona, this dinner at Aleia was the absolute highlight. I’m so glad we chose it — and I honestly believe they deserve two Michelin stars in the near future 🤗

And thank you for the thoughtful anniversary cake at the end — such a sweet and...