Federal Cafè Sant Antoni — Restaurant in Barcelona

WATCH OUT IF YOU NEED TO EAT GLUTEN-FREE OR HAVE SERIOUS ALLERGENS!! WAITRESSES ARE NOT AWARE ABOUT WHAT FOOD THEY SERVE.

I used to come here for a nice gluten free breakfast or brunch as they have a broad list of allargens in their menu and they adapt meals to different diets. Also because there is a relaxed atmosphere. But I will think it twice next time.

I need to eat gluten free and I must keep a strict diet as I am coeliac. I know that when eating in bars and restaurants I am exposed to crossed contamination, but I think that we also have the rights to eat here and there in order to socialise and enjoy life. What happened is quite astonishing:

When I arrived to Federal, all stuff where new. When it was our time to order, I made clear to the waitress about my eating condition. She also had to check out the ingredients with the chef, so it became even clearer.

When my breakfast arrived, I said to her that the bread I was served was rye bread instead of gluten free bread. She affirmed in a very strong way: "No. This is gluten free" and didn't make any gesture to check it out with the chef.

After a short hesitation and a closer examination it was very very clear that my food was wrong. I stand up and went to the counter. The person in charge met me, realised about the mistake. I told her that the ingredients on the tip of the sandwich had to be renewed as they were already contaminated. She new that and replaced my sandwich for the correct one.

When the time to pay arrived, I kindly complained about what happened and clearly explained that the stuff should be trained in terms of gluten free and allergies concerns. The person in charge apologised rapidly, and reaffirmed my argument about the importance of training the stuff. She charged the whole sum, including the extra amount of 1.50€ for the gluten free bread. I found that gesture quite nasty.

I think that as they mark 13 different allergens in their menu she should had apologised better, applied a discount on the sum, explained the reason of the mistake and state that she would make sure that this situation would never happen again...

Ideal for mouldy bread.

We were three for breakfast. I asked the waitress if there were more tables upstairs and she nodded without looking at me. We went upstairs and sat there for about 10 minutes and no one came to our table. I asked the waiter if they had a menu and he pointed me to a QR code. When we were ready, I let the waiter know. He said we had to order and pay through the app. I paid online about 50 € for three breakfasts that were ok. My coffee was cold.

When I was finishing my eggs I noticed the bread was very green, and when I checked closely, it turned out to be MOLD. I told the waitress, who took my plate to the kitchen. She came back with the bag of bread showing the expiry date (December 2024, and we're in March 2024. Strange bread) and said it was maybe because of the spinach... She apologised and offered a new one, a juice or a brownie. I thanked her and refused. She gave me back the 12,50 € I paid for the eggs (and nothing more). Effects of eating mouldy bread include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, but it's ok because I got my 12,50 € back!

Update: I experienced two of the three symptoms in the...

Absolutely loved this place in our stay in Barcelona. We visited at least twice a week for the entire month we were in the city.

The first few times we just grabbed coffee, which we could do takeaway. Coffee was great and they have a variety of alternative milks, as well as decaf for the jittery amongst us.

We then began visiting for longer stays and lunch. Including working from the coworking free wifi table downstairs. We ate all sorts from the menu but really loved the chicken sandwich, broccoli sandwich (crazy I know- but delicious), monkey magic smoothie/shake, green goddess salad (add a very generous serving of haloumi) and the rosemary quinoa salad too. It was all reasonably priced (potentially edging toward the expensive side) and excellent fresh quality.

Every staff member was delightful no matter how busy and spoke English. The menu was also available in English.

We learned this was owned originally by some Australians- which usually spells awesome coffee to us- and we’re picky! We also loved hearing it had grown into a chain and now visit the Valencia branch every few days. Love it here...