La Gavina — Restaurant in Barcelona

We visited La Gavina Restaurant about two evenings ago, and unfortunately, it was one of the most disappointing dining experiences I’ve had.

From the moment we arrived, we didn’t feel welcome. The staff seemed uninterested, and when one waiter brought us bread, we later found out we were charged for it without being informed. We politely asked for olive oil and balsamic vinegar, but instead of assisting us, the waiter rolled his eyes and started speaking to his colleague in Spanish—very unprofessional.

The starters arrived quickly, and I must admit, they were the only highlight of the evening. Delicious, well-prepared, and honestly raised our expectations for the main course.

After about 30 minutes, the waiter brought out a large paella dish, showed it to us, and then served it onto three plates. We had ordered the Lobster Paella (€49.90 per person), which sounded like a real treat. Unfortunately, it was anything but. The lobster tasted off, the paella itself was unpleasant, and overall it was not at all what one would expect from such a dish. I’ve had paella many times before, so I know how it should taste—this was far from it.

To make matters worse, the staff showed no care or attention. They didn’t ask why we barely touched the paella, nor did they seem concerned. They simply cleared our plates and moved on, which came across as extremely arrogant and dismissive.

For a restaurant with such a reputation and premium pricing, the food quality and service were shockingly poor. The starters were good, but everything else—especially the service—left us completely...

Good location, questionable food quality, poor value for money, and horrible service...My wife and I came here for dinner during our honeymoon and unfortunately it was overall the worst dining experience we had during our time in Barcelona. The appetizers while overpriced were acceptable at best, but the main course is where it got much worse. They flashed a pan of paella in front of us before taking it out of our site for 3-4 minutes and returning with what was supposedly the same paella, cold on 2 separate plates, based on the taste and how overcooked the meat in both dishes was I am led to believe they have a large batch of paella at the back which they reheat to serve and flash the same pans to each guest to make them think they are getting a fresh batch. The was service was extremely poor as the waitress did not refill our wine after ordering 2 separate times and we had to ask 5 times before she brought us our bill. While the service we received in Barcelona was never "amazing" this was next level, reckless, horrible, abismal. For the love of all that is holy, save your money, go somewhere (almost anywhere else) and you will have a far better meal and experience. The view of the marina isn't worth it, this is the definition of a "tourist trap" and you will get a better experience buying fake Nikes from the blanket salesman on the sidewalk than you will get dining at this restaurant, that I can guarantee. If you're looking for alternative restaurants try Bicnic or Sensi (same price range, much better food and experience) or Torre d'Alta Mar (more expensive...

The place is really great, the rooms are beautiful, the bed is comfortable, the breakfast is exceptional, the staff is very nice and makes sure you have a great time at La Gavina, nothing on this side. However, the game they play with billing is simply unacceptable: I booked in February 2023, for 3 nights in July 2023 directly from the La Gavina website and they were offering 3 nights for the price of 2 (I wasn't looking no discount or to make a good deal: I just wanted to stay at this hotel which is magnificent, but a reduction is always good to take), I paid an advance deposit etc. When I checked out, I paid the bill that was presented to me, with a little doubt, but being a polite person, I preferred to check before complaining. Once back home I checked the mail to dispel my doubt and they actually charged me for 3 nights. An error may occur and I have kindly emailed the hotel with the original booking confirmation and document supporting my claim. In return, rather than apologizing and giving a credit without discussion (my request was documented), they played the "3 cup challenge" explaining that they had calculated the average price of 2 nights and had divided it into 3, etc I checked the high season prices for this room standard and this just confirmed that they screwed up. . . I can't believe it, it's not a question of money, but a question of ethics and principle: it's just pitiful and unworthy of a hotel of this standing, even if yes, the...