I have been to this restaurant probably around 15-20 times. It's my favourite restaurant in the world - here's what you should order and why I love it so much:
What to order: I've asked lots of different waiters and staff what they recommend. Here's what I order every time: tortita de camarón (like a prawn cracker but a million times better) croqueta de jamón (imo, jamón is the best croqueta flavour. They also have the lobster one and it's great, but nothing beats a jamón croqueta and few places do it as well as cañete! squid sandwich (iconic!) fillet with foie (perhaps my favourite of all) For dessert torrija (sort of like a French toast...but way better. The texture is unbelievable)
Here's what I occasionally order and love: the rice ( it's not a traditional valencian paella, it's more brothy but it's very good. Quite heavy though!) pan con tomate and jamon ( the pan con tomate is some of the best I've had - seems simple but so delicious!) oysters are great and very fresh I really like the green salad too
Why I love this place: jose (patillas) - this waiter loves his job and always greets us with such a huge welcome. He gives us the best recommendations and it's so fun to come thanks to him! the atmosphere- it's like travelling back to old elegant Spain, with all the fun and energy of the country the theatre of it - honestly, I could sit and watch the chefs and waiters all day. They love what they do the food - I've never had a bad dish here
What I recommend if you come here: if you don't have a booking, try coming in around 6ish and you should be able to get seated if it's just two of you. Note that Jose starts at 7 and his area is usually towards the far end of the bar :) try to come as a pair if possible (it's fine for larger groups but best for small parties) and sit at the bar, that's the most fun place :)
I've recommended this place to all my friends ans whenever someone goes they rave about how amazing it is. I'll keep...
Read moreProbably the best dining experience during the whole of our trip. Firstly, be sure to make a reservation since crowded is business as usual. For what I learned, it looks like tables are so precious staff will confirm you’ll be there twice or even thrice; don’t be upset about it and be sure to confirm each time.
The place is tight and packed, but, not without fuss, a manual wheelchair will manage to make it through; still, let staff know you need a wheelchair friendly table beforehand.
Now, regarding food, the menu is mouthwatering, you’ll feel sorry you just can’t try everything. For a better and broader experience, go with the small plates and dare to share. If you still feel like having some room, go ahead and order a main course, and still, don’t be afraid to share. The point at places like Cañete is to try as many dishes as possible while keeping formalities aside. I really can’t recall all the small plates we had, but because how outstanding they were, I do remember the buñuelos de bacalao, the croquetas de jamon iberico, and the navajas; and although we didn’t have them because Cañete ran out of them, but heard are spectacular, the tortitas de camaron. As main course we had the rabo de toro and the arroz Cañete, for which I have no words to describe how good they were.
There’s no doubt Cañete is the place you want to try when you desire to truly live the local cuisine and culture. I’m not quite sure but Cañete feels full of local patrons and regulars, like that local watering hole everyone would love to have next to their apartment’s door. The place, although somehow off the beaten path, feels cozy, warm, far from the touristy crowds, and intimate (I mean, you get to eat right next to the kitchen, and for reaching some tables, you do go through the kitchen!!!). Cañete is a must go when in...
Read moreAn Unforgettable Dinner Experience at Bar Cañete, Barcelona
Bar Cañete is tucked away in the heart of Barcelona’s Raval district, just steps from La Rambla—yet it feels like a well-kept secret for those who truly appreciate traditional Spanish cuisine elevated to a fine dining level.
I first visited Bar Cañete a few years ago, and the memory of that incredible lunch never left me. This time, I was determined to return—and although booking a table was not easy due to its well-deserved popularity, it was absolutely worth the effort.
The moment you walk in, the restaurant’s charm is undeniable. The interior design, ambiance, and the professional appearance of the staff all reflect the decades of dedication that have built Bar Cañete’s stellar reputation.
From the moment we arrived until the end of our meal, the service was impeccable—attentive, kind, and highly professional. We started the evening with a glass of cava and selected a few appetizers: aged ham, roasted peppers, and beautifully marinated anchovies that were delicate and full of flavor.
For the mains, we shared a whole roasted monkfish and a slow-cooked lamb dish. The monkfish was cooked to absolute perfection—juicy, flavorful, and served with a garlic and chili oil that lifted the dish even further. The lamb was tender and rich, with a wonderfully crisp exterior.
Upon my request, our server recommended a truly unique red wine made from the garnacha grape—it was full-bodied and complex, with a color that reminded me more of cognac than a typical red wine.
To finish, we had the torrija—a traditional Spanish dessert that was flawlessly executed—paired with a sweet dessert wine. A perfect ending to a perfect meal.
Bar Cañete is a true gem. I wholeheartedly recommend it, and without a doubt, I’ll be...
Read more