Arume Restaurant — Restaurant in Barcelona

THIS IS A WONDERFUL RESTAURANT IN A VERY DANGEROUS AREA - PLEASE READ MY FULL REVIEW: The Restaurant: On our trip to Barcelona last week we made a reservation at Arume based upon good reviews. The restaurant is located in the neighborhood of El Raval about 10 blocks west of the crowded tourist street La Rambla. It was an easy walk from our hotel in the Gothic Quarter down a predominantly pedestrian street. We were greeted warmly and seated right away but at a temporary table as they told us the table in the window was about to pay their check. Please note, there’s only one table in a small nook that has a window and a glass door. There’s no view as you look into very small alley that fronts the restaurant and a spraypainted metal security door across the alley. We waited about 10 minutes and were then moved to the table in the window. The Food: We really did have a fantastic meal with starters including their sausage croquettes, the scallops w/ creamed corn and the seared tuna with peanut cilantro hummus. Our mains were also delicious including the duck rice with mushrooms and peppers (described to us as their “duck paella”). The bottle of wine we ordered was no longer available but the server recommendation a Reserve Rioja for the same price and it was fabulous. Even the bread and olive oil (served in a tube) were really good. The Neighborhood: We were told by locals that El Raval was a bit of a rough neighborhood but it was literally 6-7 minutes west of La Rambla, plus we also live in a major metropolitan city, had an 8pm reservation (20:00) and saw lots of people on the street, so we assumed we’d be safe… We were very wrong! We left Arume and roughly 2-3 blocks from the restaurant, we were physically mugged. I was attacked from behind, violently pulled onto my back in the middle of the street, my fiancée holding my arm was flipped over me as I fought with the attacker (from my back) while he worked to rip my watch off my wrist. The whole thing last 5-6 seconds in the middle of the street with people walking on the sidewalk… and no one even asked if we were ok when it was over! I was not wearing a very expensive or flashy watch, more interesting is that fact that my coat covered my entire arm walking to and from the restaurant, so the only way anyone ever saw my watch was in the restaurant or in the window while we were eating. While Arume is a very good restaurant, diners must take note that the El Raval neighborhood where it's located is now considered "one of Barcelona's most dangerous neighborhoods"...

Unfortunately, it was quite a shock when we arrived, as the restaurant is located in a run-down and remote area. Although the atmosphere inside the restaurant improved the initial impression, the uneasy feeling never really went away. Because of this, we just wanted to eat quickly and leave – which, of course, isn’t the restaurant’s fault.

The food is good, but in my opinion the portions are too small. I had the tuna as a starter and the Iberico pork as a main course, but I still left hungry. I understand that these are premium products, but if you’re not satisfied after both a starter and a main course, it’s a bit disappointing. In my opinion, the tuna dish would benefit from a small side – perhaps a seasonal salad (like the one served with the marinated rib), which would round out the dish nicely. That said, the tuna itself was perfectly cooked, with beautiful roasted flavors and excellent fish quality.

The piece of Iberico pork was unfortunately very small, around 160–170 grams by my estimation. While I understand it’s an expensive product, I think it would be better to increase the price and serve a larger portion. The flavor was fantastic, even though it arrived slightly overcooked compared to the medium I ordered. The side dish was delicious, but the portion was also quite minimal.

My companion had the marinated rib, which was very tender and flavorful. The portion size was noticeably larger, and the seasonal salad served alongside was perfectly seasoned.

The service was quite hectic and lacked finesse. Plates and utensils were served and cleared from a distance, often over the railing, which felt a bit clumsy. I also missed having salt and pepper available on the tables. That said, the staff was very friendly, which is the most important thing for me.

You can definitely enjoy a good meal here, and everyone should visit to form their own...

Arume is nestled in a discreet back alley, this restaurant is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Easily missed if you're not paying attention, the unassuming entrance conceals a culinary gem that defies expectations. Once found, its charm lies in the thrill of stumbling upon a place that feels like a well-kept secret. Prepare for a delightful surprise as you step into this hidden culinary haven.

The culinary experience at Arume is nothing short of extraordinary. The Duck Paella transported me to a realm of flavors that will linger in my memory for a long time – an absolute masterpiece that left me utterly captivated.

Equally impressive was the Seafood Paella, a symphony of flavors where the perfectly cooked seafood harmonized seamlessly with the rich, aromatic rice. Each bite was a celebration of the ocean's bounty, making it a dish that truly stands out.

The Scallops on a Shell stole the spotlight with its perfection. Impeccably cooked and bursting with amazing flavors, the first bite left us so enchanted that ordering another round was an inevitable decision. It's a culinary performance that deserves a standing ovation.

Not to be outdone, the Steak Fillet showcased culinary expertise with its perfectly rendered texture and tantalizing flavors. Every bite was a delight, leaving a lingering desire for more.

The overall dining experience, marked by these exceptional dishes, has etched a promise in our minds – we will eagerly return for another chapter of delectable moments. If you're seeking a place where each dish is a culinary revelation, this is the destination that promises not just a meal but an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Be sure to make a reservation online if you can, if not, you will be waiting outside...