Antigua — Restaurant in Barcelona

“Good food cannot compensate for bad service; however uninspired food just maybe saved by good service” Gladly I can say that this was not the case in my experience with Antigua restaurant in Barcelona, as both food and service were absolutely up to standards. Yes, the menu is a little hard to read, and the less culinary-experienced amongst us might have had a little hard time in studying the menu. However, when you have made up your mind be ready to be amazed by the food and ambience this great place has to offer. We (group of 14) had a variety of starters; varying from Foie mit-cuit to on-the-tongue-melting creamy octopus (highly recommend), ceviche, fresh sliced zucchini salad with gorgonzola, or a local “morcilla con cebolla”. All delicious, creative and unique dishes. Presentation, variety, balance and composition of the dishes were excellent and one of the best I have had for this price range in Barcelona. Moving on to the main dishes: the standards were kept at the same level. Delicious and outstanding expertise in the kitchen was shown. The oxtail and lamb were especially very good and well presented as well as the cod and tuna tataki. In my opinion, the cod missed a little bit more of “flair”, in terms of presentation, which was shown in the rest of the menu items, although the idea of the service staff opening the steam bag “sorpresa” does add up to the experience. However, the dish itself missed a little touch of elegance in terms of the presentation. Besides that, the taste was very good. We noticed that there were many more first dishes in comparison to mains, so as future customer be aware of this, as the first dishes, in my opinion, might even be more creative and interesting to look at instead of maybe having a first course and main dish followed by a desert. Quantity wise it surely was enough and if you really have more appetite then good luck with the chocolate coulant, because this will definitely leave you with a full stomach!! With regards to the wine, the choice was excellent and the wines we had were very good. However, the prices might be a little on the high side, as well as the pricing for waters and breads. Especially for the breads and water it is a pity as this has almost no production cost and a fairly high price for this is asked at the customer, which in the end, effects the amount of tip given by the customer as you feel that you have already given enough in that perspective. Service staff was very attentive and friendly. Always smiling and professional which was very much appreciated. The service staff master the basics of service and they really showed that this restaurant is running for a while and that they are doing this in a successful way. Speed of service was good as well, although with regards to the removing of the plates and time space between first and main dishes they could have improved a little. It was nice that the first dishes were there fast after ordering, although some of us still had to wait a minute or two so that everyone had a plate in front of them. Solution: serve when all the dishes are ready and ask your service colleagues to help serving everyone at the same time. Also, the main course came fast after the first course, which for us was ok, but a little space in between, wouldn’t have been a bad idea either. In addition, the temperature of the dishes could have been a little higher by e.g heating up the plates. Especially for the warm dishes as the lamb or the fish this is necessary. Otherwise, creative flavour again and really exceeding expectations. Well done Chef Ali! In conclusion, we had a lovely birthday lunch for my 18th birthday and do and will return definitely to experience Ali’s cuisine and Antigua’s service again. Not to be forgotten, the lovely Punjabi dance that was held after dinner...

I booked this restaurant couple weeks upfront for my actual birthday celebration based on reviews and good pictures. I guess I wasn’t that lucky with experience there that I expected to have . First of all when we showed up immediately we been told that we only can have the table only for 2 hours and a half. Of course it would not be the problem for Us , but you don’t meet guests like that telling them right the way that they will need to leave not even putting them at the table and welcoming them first. Am I wrong? Definitely it was unprofessional and bad move ton . Then the table they give us was close to the door and they said that’s no more options even I made a request and reservations upfront mentioned that is my birthday. Another thing always trouble with communication, because the stuff not really speaking English, which I guess kind normal for many places. After we finally sit down, ordered few appetizers and first of them came on table I realized that one dish has a lil fish eggs or some sort of caviar which I absolutely can’t have because of allergies. When I asked the stuff why they didn’t ask me if I do have any food allergies like in every normal high end places , they said I should have tell them myself before I order. Interesting approach to the business). When we order the main courses I already wasn’t surprised they would screw that up as well . It came earlier not in time , we still were working on appetizers. And I assumed they brought it back to kitchen wormed it up and delivered it to us later on, which is absolutely unacceptable in high end places if they consider as they are . I could tell by the condition and taste of dish that it was definitely over-dried and less tasty . Some dishes that we ordered for appetizers actually were not bad however nothing crazy. And overall the atmosphere in this place kind of cold in spite on the beautiful warm tones bricked walls decorated which actually attracted me on pictures when I was booking this place for my birthday. Well, It is what it is . We tried but not the best experience , not even close, so many things they need to improve and organize stuff for sure because some moments I felt like they were not knowing what they were doing. I would give this place 4 stars...

DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE UNLESS YOU WANT TO RUIN YOUR NIGHT AND BE TREATED LIKE TRASH.

I made a reservation 1 month in advance for my best friend’s birthday dinner and even noted clearly on my booking and CALLED 1 WEEK BEFORE that it was for a special celebration with a small birthday cake at the end. We flew all the way from Asia for this.

We arrived 15–20 minutes late — yes, our fault for not being perfectly on time — but instead of showing any understanding, the staff immediately told us “your table is cancelled”. Then they “kindly” offered us another table… RIGHT NEXT TO THE TOILET.

No one EVER informed us that there was a “strict 2-HOUR LIMIT” for the table. But at the end of our last course — we were STILL EATING — a waitress came over and said, “We need your table.” I told her we still had dessert coming (the birthday surprise), and she went to speak to the manager.

Then the manager, with the MOST RUDE and CONDESCENDING attitude I have seen in my life, came over and said “I NEED THAT TABLE BY 22:00 NO MATTER WHAT” because we were late, and “everyone only gets two hours.” It was 21:52 at that point — meaning we still had 8 minutes — but HE DIDNT CARE.

I pointed out there were MANY EMPTY TABLES around us, but he still insisted the restaurant was “fully booked” and we MUST LEAVE.

WE WERE FORCED TO LEAVE MID-MEAL, NO DESSERT, NO CELEBRATION, JUST HUMILIATION.

The entire time, the manager kept making a big deal and drama about our lateness, as if arriving 15–20 minutes late was some CRIMINAL OFFENSE. The tone, the expressions, the way we were treated — it felt like we were being targeted. I am convinced this was PURE DISCRIMINATION.

TO MAKE THINGS WORSE, THEY CHARGED US A SERVICE FEE FOR THIS ABSOLUTELY SHAMEFUL EXPERIENCE.

This place is a COMPLETE JOKE: RUDE, DISRESPECTFUL, UNPROFESSIONAL, AND UNFORGETTABLY DISGUSTING.

SAVE YOUR MONEY AND YOUR DIGNITY — AVOID THIS HELLHOLE...