Cal Pep — Restaurant in Barcelona

If this isn't on your list of must-trys in Barcelona, it should be. They won't take reservations except for groups of 6+ and even then I'm not sure how flexible they are.

Walked in with my wife at about 8:45, the bar counter was full but we were happy to wait (with nobody in front of us) and the line quickly grew behind us. We were offered a table in the small dining room. Quintessential back room dining room, wine bottles all over the walls, a narrow staircase to the lofted wine storage. Crisp white linens on the table.

Our server Danny, confirmed we've never been, verified that we had No allergies or any aversions to food or even disliking of specific sea foods. He let us know there isn't a menu-card but he'd be sending out 4-tapas plates along with some of the classic pan con tomate. He let us know it'd be primarily seafood with some chorizo in their version of the classic tortilla. Literally, wifey and I's favorite way to eat. Small plates, sent out per the chef's timing and very few decisions on our end.

We chose a nicer bottle of local wine, Jose Pariente, verdejo barrica. It was delicious. As Danny told me it was a little more full but still had the familiar notes and salinity to other wines we'd enjoyed. Of course, it paired lovely with our meal.

Pan con tomate Tortilla con chorizo Tuna tartare with olive oil & sesame Clams with jamon iberico Squid with spinach and potatoes.

Because we were still hungry, we asked if we could get one more plate, dealers choice. We received:

thick leg of octopus served over sliced potatoes drizzled with a light chili oil.

Everything was delicious, the squid and octopus was so tender. The light broth with the clams was drinkable and the tuna tartare was outstanding.

Dessert was good, the classic Catalonian Cream which came out as a creme brulee with banana. We also had some grappa with dessert.

10/10 would go back in a heart beat. If you're walking around the gothic district and see this unassuming counter, take a look inside, ask about the wait. You won't regret eating here, unless you have allergies, are averse to seafood (I heard a guest tell the waiter they wouldn't be eating seafood, and I honestly thought they must be joking because this place has fish and seafood down to an absolute science. Don't go here if you don't like the concept of food being sent out, don't go here if you are in a rush. Don't go here and expect a quiet dinner.

But seriously consider trying Cal Pep, we hope to...

First of all - Cal Pep is an amazing place. It is a story and a concept. The concept goes like this: no reservations (though I learned that this had changed!). You show up, you wait for a free spot on the bar or in the tables, you get a drink on the house while you wait for seating. You observe and enjoy the dynamic atmosphere and the friendly staff. You get seated and asked just one question: "Do you have any allergies?", and then the food starts coming. You only have to order drinks and tell the staff once you've had enough. That's the concept. And it won me over a few years ago when I came here for the first time with my wife. This time, however, I came with my kids. And the concept just didn't work as well. If you are a larger party (4 of us) - you can't really be seated at the bar. So you wait for the tables in the back. And that can take a while. The staff is very busy and they can overlook you. We weren't offered a drink while waiting, we had to ask for it. And we were the only people in the line who weren't offered the drink. True to the concept, once we got our drinks, they were on the house. Once we got seated, our waiter brought the wine list and then completely forgot about us, instead he prioritized folding towels and plating a different, empty table. 20 minutes later, a different waiter realized we've been there for a while with clean glasses and empty plates and he took over. After that, everything was absolutely perfect - the service was perfect, the food was amazing as always, and our new waiter was attentive. To conclude: at Cal Pep you will find amazing food, an interesting concept of dining that works perfectly... if you are two people or a small party of friends, and you are all patient people. Cal Pep was at one time named as one of the 50 best restaurants in the world. I am certain that it still is, but I don't think that it is as accessible to everyone. So bear that in mind before you visit. I would still recommend it.

Pros: cool dining concept, great food, excellent wine list, the staff is friendly and will go out of their way to find you a seat

Cons: not very child friendly, not a lot of space, generally crowded, the staff can sometimes overlook you if you've been waiting for a while, somewhat on...

A long-standing institution in the restaurant industry in Barcelona, continues to captivate diners with its exceptional culinary offerings. On my recent visit, I was delighted to see the restaurant bustling with activity, evident from the long queue of eager diners eagerly awaiting to be seated. This only reinforced the fact that Cal Pep remains a beloved and sought-after dining destination.

Having frequented Cal Pep on numerous occasions in the past, I entered the restaurant with high expectations. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the exceptional quality and consistency of their dishes had not wavered over time. The experience was as delightful as ever.

Among the many specialities we ordered, two dishes stood out prominently: the octopus and the tortilla. The octopus, prepared with meticulous precision, was tender, succulent, and bursting with a delicate blend of flavors.

The tortilla, a classic Spanish dish, was elevated to new heights. The perfectly cooked eggs encased a rich, velvety texture with layers of thinly sliced potatoes. It was a harmonious combination of simplicity and depth of flavor, creating a truly memorable gastronomic experience.

What sets Cal Pep apart from many other establishments is its unwavering commitment to quality. Regardless of the dish you choose, you can be assured of a guaranteed outcome - a dish prepared with the utmost care and using the finest ingredients.

The ambience is lively and energetic, with the open kitchen concept allowing guests on the counter to witness the culinary magic unfold before their eyes. The staff members are knowledgeable, attentive, and passionate about the cuisine they serve, adding to the overall dining experience.

While the long queue to be seated may deter some, it is a testament to the enduring popularity.

In conclusion, Cal Pep remains an iconic culinary destination in Barcelona, and my recent visit reaffirmed its well-deserved reputation. An...