Els Maians — Restaurant in Barcelona

A group of us from London recently had the pleasure of dining at a wonderful restaurant in Barcelona not just once, but twice during my visit. The experience was so exceptional that I felt compelled to return. The food, ambiance, and especially the service were truly outstanding.

From the moment we walked in, we were greeted warmly by Mani, our waiter for both visits. Mani's service was impeccable. He was attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and had excellent recommendations for both food and wine. His friendly demeanor and genuine passion for hospitality made our dining experience even more memorable.

The menu offered a fantastic array of dishes, each bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. On our first visit, we tried the paella, which was perfectly cooked with fresh seafood and a delightful mix of spices. The second time, we indulged in tapas, each dish showcasing the vibrant culinary tradition of Barcelona. The patatas bravas were crispy and flavorful, and the jamón ibérico was melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

The ambiance of the restaurant added to the overall experience. It was cozy yet elegant, with a warm atmosphere that made us feel right at home. The decor was tastefully done, reflecting the rich culture of Barcelona.

In both visits, Mani ensured that every detail was perfect, from the timing of the courses to the pairing of the wines. His exceptional service and the consistently high quality of the food made this restaurant stand out as a highlight of our trip.

If you're in Barcelona and looking for a dining experience that combines great food, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere, this restaurant is a must-visit. And if you're lucky enough to have Mani as your waiter, you're in for an...

Honestly if I were to rate based on the food alone the place would deserve 2.5 stars but the service was horrible so I give this place 1 star. We ordered the mixed paella, which was salty and the rice, extremely bloated. The pieces of beef that were in the paella were really tough. We also had a mixed fried platter, but the only thing we really liked on the platter was the baby squid so if you want to order fried tapas we would recommend the baby squid. The 23€ seafood platter with fish was ok, as the seasoning was pretty good (and minimal) but unfortunately the seafood didn't taste all that fresh. That's all I have to say about the food. Now about the service, we waited for over 40 minutes for our food and when we looked at one of the waiters all he did was raise his eyebrows and shrug. After our meal, our main server told us that service was not included in our bill, and that we had to tip 10% which enraged us because they blatantly were asking for tip when they deserved none. We ended up tipping them 2€, and begrudgingly at that but even then the waiter threw the receipt back at us and then threw our credit card on the table. Rude as hell. DON'T COME HERE. Bad food and even worse service. There are plenty of restaurants on the same block that serve the same menu so eat someplace...

Els Maians is a delightful Catalan restaurant situated in an enviable location by the Marina harbor, directly across from the prestigious One Ocean Club in Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella. The restaurant offers a cozy, laid-back setting that complements the stunning views of luxury yachts and the lively harbor area, making it an ideal spot for both locals and tourists. Specializing in seafood, their standout dishes include rich paella and flavorful fideuà, alongside classic tapas like patatas bravas and calamari. The cozy, nautical-themed ambiance is perfect for a relaxed meal, with outdoor seating offering great views of the Marina. Service is friendly and laid-back, enhancing the leisurely Mediterranean dining experience. Prices are reasonable for the prime location, making it a fantastic spot to enjoy local flavors without the touristy vibe.

Els Maians also boasts a well-curated selection of Catalan and Spanish wines that perfectly complement the seafood-heavy menu. Whether for a casual lunch or a scenic dinner, it offers an authentic taste of Barcelona's vibrant culinary scene with stunning...