Hisop | Barcelona — Restaurant in Barcelona

I literally dined at Hisop tonight, a restaurant that markets itself as a Michelin-starred establishment. Unfortunately, the experience fell significantly short of the expectations set by such a prestigious claim.

Service: The service was far from the standard one would expect at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Having dined at numerous fine dining establishments globally, I found the staff to be inadequately trained. A particularly odd incident occurred when a waitress told me in a rude way “remove the water from the table,". It was a half-drunk bottle that I carried around as a traveller and I had no bag to store it. The request was delivered in an abrupt and dismissive manner, with both verbal and non-verbal cues contributing to the discomfort. Such behavior is not in keeping with the level of respect and attentiveness typically associated with a Michelin-starred venue. Additionally, music was not played until an hour and a half into the meal, which showed inconsistent service.

Cuisine: The food was another area of disappointment. The presentation of the dishes was average, and the flavors did not meet the high standards one expects from a Michelin-recognized restaurant. According to the Michelin website, Hisop's cuisine aims to offer "truly unique dishes that are both playful and full of surprising detail." Unfortunately, the reality did not live up to this description. The wine pairing was unremarkable, and the dishes lacked the depth, creativity, and finesse that should define a Michelin-starred dining experience. To add to the disappointment, some dishes were served on chipped plates, and despite a €90 (€120 with wine) tasting menu, we left the restaurant still hungry. Also, comparing one of the dishes (veal tongue with truffle) I had with those shared by other people’s review on online, it was clear that the quality and presentation were inconsistent.

Value: The overall experience did not justify the cost. The quality of both the food and the service failed to align with the restaurant's claim to Michelin status.

Conclusion: This restaurant might still draw visitors based on one of YouTuber (video uploaded 2 years ago), but in its current state, it is not...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Hisop, a Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of Barcelona, and I must say, the experience was exceptional in every way.

Service From the moment I walked in, the service was impeccable. The staff greeted me with a warm smile and guided me to my table, explaining the tasting menu in detail. The attention was constant but not intrusive, allowing me to enjoy each dish at my own pace. The professionalism and knowledge of the team about each ingredient and technique used in the dishes were impressive.

Quality of the Food The quality of the food at Hisop is simply sublime. Each dish on the tasting menu was a work of art, both in presentation and flavor. I started with an appetizer that offered surprising textures and flavors, followed by a dish of red mullet that stood out for its freshness and perfect cooking. The combination of local and seasonal ingredients, along with the creativity of Chef Oriol Ivern, resulted in an unforgettable culinary experience. Every bite was an explosion of perfectly balanced flavors.

Ambiance The ambiance at Hisop is cozy and elegant. The modern and minimalist decor creates a tranquil and relaxing space, ideal for enjoying an intimate meal. The soft lighting and table arrangement allow for a comfortable and private experience. Despite the sophistication of the place, I felt at home, thanks to the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Positive Aspects Value for Money: Despite being a Michelin-starred restaurant, Hisop offers excellent value for money. The tasting menu is accessible and allows you to enjoy haute cuisine without spending a fortune. Innovation: The constant renewal of the menu ensures that there is always something new and exciting to try. The chef’s creativity is reflected in every dish, making each visit a new culinary adventure. Attention to Detail: From the presentation of the dishes to the customer service, every detail is carefully thought out to offer a...

According to the authoritative and well respected Spanish ‘ Soles Repsol ‘ restaurant guide ( Spanish equivalent to Michelin and also based on a 3 stars/suns rating system ). HISOP is way under-rated and should deserve closer to a 2* ( or 2 Soles ) than just the current one. Going through their website, the unbelievable sight of their only 90 Euro (CAD 135) all inclusive, 9 course tasting menu was way too attractive an offer for us to give it a pass. Making this place as one of our trip’s Michelin star destinations was a no-brainer! The resulting memorable and highly enjoyable meal at this quaint and cozy gastronomic retreat was way more than what we expected. Creations using some interesting local ingredients were educational to us uninitiated outsiders. The dishes, refined and lovingly executed and artfully plated. However, the one thing that stood out the most, was how flexible and accommodating the chef was towards our requests! Replacing our cheese course with ....of all things, a mind-blowingly delicious ‘ Grilled Pigeon ‘ dish…..ah! that sauce!! And for my daughter, the gamey Lamb dish with a Galician beef Picanha and Chanterelle mushrooms alternative. Besides the meal at Tokyo’s Michelin 1* Sputnik, this HISOP dinner must ranked as the most enjoyable and BEST VALUE 1* dining experience I have come across to date!.....and to think of our current Toronto 1* recipients like Enigma charging $360 or ALO charging $285 for a similar number of courses……excluding tax and tips!! These make our Spanish experience an even better and...