La Cuina de Laietana — Restaurant in Barcelona

Disappointing Dining Experience

I recently dined at this restaurant during my visit to Barcelona, and I must say it was quite a letdown.

Our waiter, Melvin, provided subpar service. From the moment we walked in, he seemed uninterested and unresponsive to our needs. Ordering felt like a burden to him, and he displayed a complete lack of friendliness.

To make matters worse, when he served water, he did it in such a disrespectful manner, slamming the water bottle loudly on our table. Throughout our meal, Melvin and a coworker were loudly washing and wiping utensils right next to us, which made it impossible to enjoy our meal in peace. It is indeed quite ironic that the restaurant was able to dampen the noise of the construction outside yet it has employees like Melvin creating noise anyway.

Melvin's constant use of his phone prevented him from noticing when we needed assistance. And the worst part was when he abruptly cleared our plates, even though there was food remaining. It resulted in a piece of shrimp falling onto my aunt's bag, leaving a stain, and Melvin didn't even offer an apology.

This restaurant has the potential to be wonderful, but it's being let down by its service, particularly Melvin. I hope they reconsider his employment and focus on providing a better experience for their customers. Big props though to Oscar and Gabriella for atleast trying to be accommodating to us.

Giving it a one-star rating shows that, despite having great food, service and atmosphere are factors that are always equally important when it comes to forming a judgment about a quality...

Authentic Spanish Flavors at La Cuina De Laietana – A Culinary Gem in Barcelona

Barcelona is packed with incredible food spots, but La Cuina De Laietana stands out for its blend of traditional Catalan flavors and modern presentation. Located in the heart of the city, this restaurant offers a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels both authentic and upscale.

Ambiance & Service – 4.5/5

Stepping inside, the rustic yet contemporary decor immediately sets the tone. Wooden tables, dim lighting, and the buzz of happy diners create a lively but cozy vibe. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, happy to recommend dishes and pairings. Service was efficient, even on a busy evening.

Food & Presentation – 5/5

We started with the Pan con Tomate, a simple yet perfect introduction to Catalan cuisine—crusty bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes, olive oil, and a touch of sea salt. For mains, chicken and vegetables Paella stole the show, I initially thought I won’t finish it but I did and I enjoyed everything.

Value for Money – 5/5

Given the quality of ingredients and generous portions, the pricing felt fair. Expect to spend around €25 per person, depending on drinks and extras.

If you’re looking for an authentic yet elevated Spanish dining experience in Barcelona, Cuina De Laietana is a must-visit. Whether you’re a seafood lover or a fan of hearty Catalan dishes, there’s something here for everyone.

Would I return? In a heartbeat—especially for...

Lovely place to sit in relative peace in the midst of a medium busy area on a Sunday night. The first plates were delicious: goats cheese salad, fried squid rings, Spanish omelette. I chose traditional seafood paella- fantastic! My husband chose the beef, he wasn't as impressed, as his potatoes were simply baked, with not much love. We had the jug of sangria with cava--delicious, fruity and light! Our waitress was very positive and extremely attentive! The other male staff were grumpy but we hadn't made a reservation, so maybe that's the reason. We stopped in for an early dinner (6.30pm), and we wanted a large dinner because we hadn't eaten anything since 8.00am. We could've stopped at the first plates because they were plentiful. We couldn't help ourselves and ordered dessert as well! Catalan panna cotta and creme caramel. Both were nice but the panna cotta won. All in all, it was a special dinner for us on our 2 day trip...