La Alcoba Azul — Restaurant in Barcelona

I don’t have a habit of writing bad review, I just try to forget a bad experience instead. But this time, after sleeping on it, I have decided to write a few words about the service at La Alcoba Azul, they left me no choice. This was not only the worst service in Barcelona, it was the worst service I’ve ever experienced anywhere, and I am not young.

You might wonder what we did to provoke this, so let me explain: • When I asked for a table inside, I was told there was a 40-minute wait. I could understand if others were in line, but we were the only ones waiting. • Since we were hungry, we accepted a table outside, even though the atmosphere was nothing like what we were looking for. We did not complain. • I kindly asked if one menu could stay at our table so we could order more tapas later. The waitress very rudely told me they only had six printed menus and she needed it, though she eventually said she could bring it back if we wanted. • Mid-dinner, we ordered another drink. When it didn’t arrive after 15 minutes, I politely asked another waitress if she could bring it. Instead of helping, she gave me an attitude — as if I had done something wrong by asking for a drink that had simply been forgotten.

On top of that: • When giving change to us, they returned over €20 entirely in €1 coins — which felt deliberately disrespectful. • During our entire dinner, they brought garbage bags out and left them right in front of the terrace, forcing us to sit with a terrible smell throughout our meal.

And the saddest part: seeing young ladies, with their whole lives and careers ahead of them, already working with such poor mannerisms and attitude. It’s truly a shame.

Barcelona has so many warm, welcoming restaurants. This was the opposite. Avoiding this one...

During our recent trip to Barcelona, we were fortunate enough to stumble upon this gem of a tapas restaurant, and it turned out to be a highlight of our entire visit. Everything about the experience was perfection—from the cozy, intimate atmosphere steeped in historic charm to the impeccable service and the unforgettable food and drinks.

The location itself feels like stepping back in time, nestled in a historic part of the city. The warm, inviting ambiance made it feel both special and unpretentious, perfect for a romantic evening or a relaxed gathering with friends.

The service was exceptional from start to finish. The staff were attentive without being intrusive, offering knowledgeable recommendations and genuinely making us feel welcome. They seemed to anticipate our needs before we even asked, which elevated the experience to something truly memorable.

And then came the food—oh, the food! Each dish was a masterpiece, a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that showcased the best of traditional and modern Spanish cuisine. The creativity and care put into each plate were evident, and it was clear this wasn’t just a meal—it was an art form.

The drinks were equally impressive. Their sangria was perfectly balanced, not too sweet and bursting with fresh fruit flavors, while the wine selection featured excellent local options that paired beautifully with the food.

This tapas meal was hands-down our favorite dining experience in Barcelona. It’s rare to find a place that gets everything so right, from the food and drinks to the service and atmosphere. If you’re visiting Barcelona, do yourself a favor and make this your top dining destination—you won’t regret it.

We can’t...

Our teen daughter picked this restaurant and we went early for dinner. We felt lucky to get a table for 5. The food and drinks were delicious. Our waitress did not speak English and our phones didn’t work to help with translation. We got pork instead of shrimp in one dish but it was delicious. We tried to order 3 more dishes that we had enjoyed and asked for the drink menu plus an English and Spanish tapas menu so that we could try to be more helpful with another order. Someone brought us menus then no one came to our table for over an hour. My husband took our other daughter home as she was falling asleep at the table but our waitress never came back. We straightened up the table, tried to wave her down but she never glanced our way. I finally flagged her down after over an hour to get the bill. It was a disappointing end to our evening. Delicious food but maybe not a place for...