Colom Restaurant — Restaurant in Barcelona

Where should I even begin… Let’s start with the fact that since the restaurant doesn’t take reservations, all tourists are made to line up like cattle in a way that’s downright degrading to human dignity. You’re required to stand in line under strict directives from the staff of another restaurant across the street — another social-media-hyped spot — while enduring the shouting and screaming of the drug addicts living in the apartment above the very restaurant you’re waiting for, their primitive voices and singing echoing through the whole street. On top of that, you need to be careful not to get hit by the trash, or worse, the water or urine (hopefully not) that they throw down from their balcony.

After this long and humiliating wait, you’re finally let inside with the warm smiles and friendly behavior of the staff — the exact moment you realize that this is actually less of a Spanish restaurant and more of a Middle Eastern–Arab eatery. The staff are genuinely warm, greeting and joking with you in your language and trying their best to be helpful. Still, this can’t stop you from questioning why you just waited in line for so long for such ordinary, mediocre food you could find pretty much anywhere.

Let me give you one crucial piece of advice: if you want to eat a real paella instead of some random rice dish with whatever tossed in, the only city to do that is Valencia. Everywhere else just serves fake, made-up versions, and this place is no exception. To make matters worse, the menu didn’t clearly list the ingredients of the paella we ordered, and my girlfriend couldn’t eat it because it contained something she’s allergic to. As for the rest of the seafood dishes, believe me, none of them are worth the line and the hassle — you could easily find octopus with potatoes, a mixed seafood platter, or garlic shrimp at any roadside bar. Don’t even mention on the patatas bravas; they’re basically as common and unremarkable as drinking water, low-quality tapas you can find on every corner.

When people walking by asked me while I was still in line if it was worth it, I said, “I don’t know, we’ll see.” Now, if anyone were to ask me again, I could...

Overall, please do not come to this tourist trap. At least until they fix their staff and their cooking.

I heard so much hype of this restaurant. So I decided to have early dinner there (Since I thought that it could be so busy during dinner time). But I was wrong. It was already busy then and we are already stuck in waiting list. That was not bad since we waited around 10-20min.

Once we got to the table, the waiter was not friendly and quickly put us to seat. The restaurant was full and there were only 3-4 waiters to attend with so many tables. It was crazy for them to put so little staff when the restaurant is full.

We order seafood paella and request it to be served in its original form. The waiter was talking down to us saying “are you sure? With the clam and all? Don’t want us to peel it”. I have eater Spanish food multiple times but I have never had anyone talking to me in the misdemeanour way.

The food took a long time and when I asked one of the waiter, he brush it off by saying “just wait” while he walk away from us.

I was already done and wanting to leave and when I asked the third waiter, he was the only one who seems not too burned out with the job, he said kindly that it is coming and apologies with the current situation. I said “you need more staff, guys” and he said “I know. I think we will have more people in 2 days”.

Food came and it looks delicious. But when I had a bite, I can feel the sand in the food. One thing for sure, they did not clean the clam properly. Secondly the shrimp was also not clean properly and it leaves this fishy smells (I don’t know how to describe it, but I hope you understand).

It was so bad and we felt that we fall for the tourist trap. Paella was not good, the patat bravas was a disappointment as well. We quickly finish and leave because we cannot stand with the vibe of the place that really showed an overwork staff. They also don’t have baby chair, so not family friendly.

So yeah, even in not so busy hour, the service was bad. I cannot even imagine how it is in...

If you’re in Barcelona and searching for a dining experience that transcends the ordinary, look no further than Colom Restaurant. This place isn't just a meal—it's a journey to culinary heaven.

From the moment you step in, you're enveloped by an atmosphere that’s both cozy and elegant, perfectly setting the stage for the feast that awaits. The menu, a celebration of Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine, offers something for every palate, with each dish crafted to perfection.

The tapas are a revelation—each bite a burst of flavor, meticulously prepared and beautifully presented. The patatas bravas, crispy on the outside and soft within, come with a sauce that’s just the right balance of spicy and tangy. The shrimps, tender and cooked to perfection, melts in your mouth, leaving behind a perfect taste.

But it’s the paella that truly steals the show. Hands down the best I’ve ever had, this dish is a symphony of flavors. Rich, savory, and brimming with fresh seafood, it's cooked to perfection with that coveted crispy layer of socarrat at the bottom. It's a dish you’ll find yourself dreaming about long after the meal is over.

The dessert menu, too, is a treasure trove of indulgence. The crema catalana is a must-try—smooth, creamy, and with a perfectly caramelized top that cracks under the spoon, revealing the luscious custard beneath.

What made our experience even more memorable was the fantastic service. Our server, Mame, was such a delight—attentive, warm, and full of genuine enthusiasm. He added a personal touch to the meal that made us feel truly welcomed and well cared for. Plus points for his singing and humming voice too!

In short, Colom Restaurant is not just a place to eat; it’s a destination for those who appreciate the finer things in life. If you’re looking for a meal that will leave you floating on cloud nine, this is the place to be. Every dish here is a testament to the art of cooking—truly, food that tastes...