Casa Rafols — Restaurant in Barcelona

The Gift That Keeps on Giving: Casa Ràfols

Ever had one of those magical discoveries where you can’t help but kick yourself for not finding it sooner? That’s Casa Ràfols for you. Tucked away by the delightful Balcastro group (a family business I wish I’d discovered earlier!), it’s a spot that makes you want to return to Barcelona, just to try their other culinary offerings. But hey, I guess that’s what the next trip is for!

Now let’s talk about the Balcastro group. It’s a fantastic family story involving Bruno, a native of Barcelona, and Sophie, from Argentina. Their joint venture started 21 years ago in Andorra. With Bruno’s extensive experience in hospitality and Sophie’s knack for creating wonderful restaurants, they’ve developed a remarkable group of six restaurants, each upholding the rich culture and gastronomy of their splendid city.

As for Casa Ràfols, it made for an unforgettable Sunday lunch. Their smoked salmon, complete with arugula, avocado, and a mouthwatering smoked mató mousse, was a showstopper. This dish was like the opening act of an exceptional concert – setting the tone for what was to come.

Next up was the sea bass ceviche. Served with a roasted spring onion leche de tigre and squid chicharrones, it made our taste buds dance the flamenco.

The fish of the day, a generous piece of turbot, might have been slightly overcooked, but its flavor didn’t miss a beat. Accompanied by a potato gratin seasoned with olive oil, peppers, and garlic, it left us singing its praises.

To wash down this symphony of flavors, we ordered a bottle of Lolea number 3, a sublime Sangria that comes with a warning label of ‘dangerously good.’ It was a joyous addition to our meal.

In conclusion, Casa Ràfols was like finding a rare treasure on a sprawling beach. So here’s to Bruno, Sophie, and the Balcastro group – keep doing what you’re doing, because we can’t wait to...

This is my daughter's highly recommended restaurant a and she keeps coming back. So she is back but this time with me and other friends from Germany and the Philippines ( flrst time visitors to Barceolona.

Way too early for Spaniards to dine ( 7:30 pm😱😂), I had the chance to take photos leisurely and soak in the ambience of this well-appointed restaurant. It sets the mood for a,hopefully, highly satisfying dining experience.

Well it was! The staff was very gracious, efficient and attentive, asking us several times if we wanted water or something else to drink while waiting.

Thankfully, one of the people in our party was a Catalan, so we left her to order for the group.

Octopus bits ( so tender and tasty ) on a bed of mashed potatoes . According to her, the method of cooking is dipping it quickly in hot water so that it doesn't become chewy. Definitely a 5/5.

Oxtail in red wine sauce ; very tasty and very tender BUT a lot of big pieces of bones 4/5

Two types of salads : one had squash, traditional Catalan cheese, tomatoes, pomegranate, arugula ; the other mixed greens with goat cheese. Both 4/5

Croquetas with mushrooms 4/5

"False" risotto with cream sauce and truffle 4/5

Sardines in oil 3/5

Padrones peppers 3/5

Patatas Bravas in Aioli ang Spicy Romesco Sauce ( the potatoes were a bit undercooked and were not crispy on the outside 2/5

For dessert, the Chocolate Coulant with Rosemary ( just a hint of it though) is a MUST. A bit "crusty " on the outside but then warm dark chocolate oozes out of it. divine. 5/5

By the time we left, the restaurant was packed. By the way, this is a historical restaurant because it was once a very old hardware store; hence a sign outside that says "Ferreteria Rafols ."

f there were half points, my friends and I would rate Casa...

Today was the last time! I have visited Casa Rafols for the second time after having been to their mother brand Casa Lolea many times in the past years. We ordered the risotto (which is still great), some bread with tomato and roasted sweet potato. The last dish got mixed up somehow and after they tried to imply I messed up but didn’t succeed they agreed to bring the ordered dish. No problem with the mix up - it happens - but everything afterwards was a clear display of distaste and anger towards us. First, they took away the unfinished dishes on the table. The risotto was unfinished. Second, when receiving the missing dish, they no longer said anything and just placed it on the table. They also shattered a glass next to us which was probably just bad luck.

When paying tho, they tried to keep the wrong item on the bill. After pointing it out, he went back and came back with a new receipt that STILL had it on. I pointed it out again. Then he typed in the WRONG AMOUNT of the old bill into the machine which I also had to point out. On their fourth try they finally fixed it clearly unhappy about it. This was not one but 3 attempts to make us pay more.

Next time I am around, I’ll try out one of the many other...