Bodega Vasconia — Restaurant in Barcelona

WILL NOT RETURN!!! CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP= COMPLETE CHANGE OF MENU AND MUCH LOWER QUALITY THAN BEFORE!!

I had been going here for years because it undoubtedly used to be one of the best, most authentic, most iconic, family-run restaurants in the old city center. There was a recent change in ownership, however, and the new owners have arrogantly replaced the cook (apparently) and eliminated all of the best dishes (stuffed calamar, galta (slow cooked pork cheek), and paella, among others). The tortilla used to be one of the best in the city and now from the looks and taste of it, it is similar to an average, store bought tortilla. The ox tail dish, which used to be the specialty of the house, has less meat, is much more expensive and does not taste like the delicious, slow-cooked version of old. The prices have all gone up and in many cases the portions are smaller. Everything before seemed to be hand picked from very high quality vendors or made completely by scratch; the new owners have turned the Vasconia of new is now just an average, corner-cutting restaurant in an increasingly touristy area…..most likely solely for the sake of profit. They obviously have no respect for tradition and quality. Such a shame and a great loss for the neighborhood. Best to try other...

Came here for the paella as we'd heard it was very good. We were not disappointed. After a short waiting time we were shown to our table (high table in the corner which was great as we had a view of the restaurant but also privacy) and we ordered drinks and patatas bravas to start. The patatas were exquisit, and the drinks nice too. The paella takes a little while to make (this is the case everywhere) but was worth the wait. The seafood was fresh and the rice flavourful. The portion size we received was perfect for 2 people and we were full, but not overfed. The lady who served us was quick, attentive and friendly and the gentleman (I think the owner?) also came to check on us a few times to see if we were happy. We were! I would highly recommend avoiding the tourist traps of La Rambla and coming here instead for an authentic Spanish experience, in a cosy and...

A proper vintage (1900's) cosy nonfancy Spanish hidden gem 'bodega' with literally only 5 dinning tables available .

We came for their popular seafood paella n we weren't disappointed. The mushrooms and the 'patatas bravas' were excellent as well.

The service as well was lovely and promp, (Luis did a great job with my 6 yrs old daughter incarrying her to do a draw for him).

The flamenco music was perfect for the ambience and dinning, not too loud.

PAELLA PRO TIP : 😎👌🏼🇪🇸

Don't eat the paella as soon as it arrives, otherwise you will find it burning hot to eat n the rice grains quite hard. Always wait at least another 10 min. And remember that it takes at least 20 min to cook it so, be patient, but don't eat too many starters otherwise you will be full by the time the paella arrives 😅.

If the place it's full stay outdoors having a beers or a wine. The wait...