Candela Gastro-Bar Peruano — Restaurant in Barcelona

I just realized that since moving to Barcelona a little over a year ago, this has become my most visited restaurant, and honestly, my favorite so far. I often write quick reviews, but for this one I wanted to take my time.

First, about the comments I’ve seen regarding the ceviche portions, this is, without a doubt, the best ceviche I’ve had in Barcelona. In terms of price, quantity balance, I think it’s completely fair. My partner lived in Peru for several years, and has tried ceviche in at least 10 to 15 different spots around the city, and this is her favorite by far. But yes we haven’t tried all yet, but we did try the one nearby with a name that does make it promising. But yet this ceviche was very disappointing when we went.

Anyway, it’s like ordering a Ferrari and then complaining that it’s expensive and there isn’t enough space for your bike. Then buy a cheap SUV instead. I mean, if what you want is half a kilo of fish for little money, go order it at one of the tapas places down the street. But well that’s is just my opinion, this dish is excellent here and absolutely worth it.

Beyond the ceviche, the rest of the food is also fantastic. If you’re curious to try more Peruvian dishes, go for the tasting menu, you can even upgrade it with a wine pairing.

If you’re nearby during the week, try the menú del día for just €15,90, which includes a starter (including the option of a smaller portion of ceviche), a main dish, dessert, and a drink. Small warning, it will ruin your perspective on price/ quality regarding food in some moments. Now every time we are in a place and let’s say they sell a big sandwich with a smoothie for 14 euros, there is this voice in our heads saying “but for only 1,90 more we have a very good menú del día at Candela…”.

Lastly, for anyone still reading this long monologue, the owner of restaurant has two other places located right next to it: La Cevichería Nikkei and Los Bachiche. I’ve only been to Los Bachiche so far, which is a Peruvian - Italian fusion, and also amazing.

Hope this review helps, and enjoy the food...

Went with my partner to celebrate a special occasion and I had really high expectations for the place. Notwithstanding and unfortunately, we ended up leaving Candela immensely disappointed.

The food is generally good and well presented (the rice with the magret was perhaps too salty) but overall the food quality is quite acceptable. A bit overpriced in my opinion but good.

The main problem we faced was the poor service we had, namely the main waiter that served us. Maybe he was being a bit too overworked with many tables (I only counted 4) but he completely butchered the service in our table. He completely forgot one of the dishes we ordered, brought us one main with one of the starters 30 min after the first starter and then brought us the other main another 15 min later. All of this without recognizing any problem or acknowledging his bad service, replying loftily that the orders were on their way when we inquired what seemed to be the problem. Obviously, this completely tainted all the experience and our evening.

For the price range they put themselves in, they must do much better.

There are several other options in the area for much better service, good food and which are friendlier to...

Close to our hotel and set within a pretty bustling courtyard with great acoustics and local activity, we grabbed some adult beverages and something to eat at this little tapas bar with big flavor. We went a little crazy and ordered a LOT of food...but loved everything we ordered (with the exception of the fried calamari--came out cold :( ) and ate everything! The house red wine I ordered went well with all the dishes we ordered.

Our server was attentive and informative. We met the very hospitable owner and experienced the cuisine of a very creative and talented chef.

It was a stumble-upon, let's-give-it-a-shot restaurant that I would recommend to anyone staying near the Arco de Triunfo de Barcelona.

Though we had one dish that was not perfect, the chef and the owner made up for it with a very delectable croquetas de pollo(?).

For that 5 STARS, BABY! FOOD HOSPITALITY AMBIENCE VALUE

Visited Time of Year: APRIL 2023 | 12.30 to 14.00 | 55°F/12°C Little chilly. Bring layers. The courtyard has some sun, but it was fully shaded by...