Le Bistro Sensi — Restaurant in Barcelona

We had very much been looking forward to dining at Le Bistro Sensi on Friday night after a recommendation from a friend. Upon arrival we were seen to our table, with not an overly warm greeting. First impressions were good, nice decor despite so many tables being crammed into a very small space. There were 2 servers actively taking drinks orders, food orders and resetting tables, for about 48 clients. We waited 20 minutes before we even were served for drinks, despite trying to catch the waiter’s attention. He acknowledged us but continued to set a table for a new group yet to arrive, before even taking our drinks order. We understood it was busy and shrugged this off. We ordered 6 tapas dishes between 2 people. The first to arrive were wonderful. Patatas Bravas and oxtail croquettes. Delicious, well presented and hot. The next dish to arrive was awful. We had the prawns in a mild coriander sauce with cauliflower. The sauce and prawns were only slightly warm at best and the sauce was quite disgusting, with no hint of coriander flavour at all. An awful flavour combination made worse by cold food. The mussels were then served and they were also only mildly warm. The smoked paprika sauce was just okay. Again, cold, and not a great flavour combination to bring out the best in mussels. Disappointed was an understatement. It got worse. We were then served our final two dishes; baby chorizos in a Pedro Ximinez sauce, which can only be described as a Chinese BBQ flavour. It was revolting. And again.. you guess it, all cold. Final dish was truffle ravioli in a Parmesan cream.. also mildly warm. We didn’t even eat these last two dishes. The entire meal was ruined by the temperature of the food and the lack of attention by the waiters. Whilst friendly enough when taking your order, I struggled to order a drink and often sat with my glass empty whilst trying to catch someone’s attention. I only had 3 glasses of wine in the 2 hours we were there. Then at the end, my friend ordered a cocktail, which was delicious, so I then tried to order the same. 15 minutes later I was still waiting for it. The waiter had clearly forgotten, made his excuses when I asked for it again, had it made and finally brought over. Overall a complete disaster. We only had two nights in Barcelona and completely wasted an evening meal opportunity by dining here. We had far superior tapas during the day elsewhere at a fraction of the price. (We did not complain on the evening, paid our bill in...

Our dinner at La Bistro Sensi in Barcelona was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we stepped in, we were welcomed by the warm, inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the charm of the Gothic Quarter. The ambiance struck a beautiful balance between cozy and lively, with its rustic decor, soft lighting, and an energetic yet relaxed vibe.

We indulged in a variety of dishes, starting with the mussels in a creamy white wine sauce — an absolute delight! The mussels were fresh, tender, and packed with flavor, The shrimp dish was equally impressive, cooked to perfection with a delightful seasoning that elevated its natural sweetness.

The octopus was another highlight of the evening — tender and smoky, with a texture that melted in the mouth. Each dish we tried showcased the kitchen’s dedication to high-quality ingredients and creative, Mediterranean-inspired flavors. The portions were perfect for sharing, encouraging us to sample a wide range of offerings, and each plate left us more impressed than the last.

Beyond the exceptional food, the staff deserves special recognition. Everyone we interacted with was incredibly friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. They made us feel genuinely welcome and ensured we had everything we needed throughout the meal.

The service was efficient without feeling rushed, allowing us to savor each dish at a comfortable pace. The staff’s enthusiasm for the restaurant and its offerings was evident and added to the overall positive experience.

If you’re in Barcelona and looking for an unforgettable dining experience, La Bistro Sensi is an absolute must. The combination of outstanding food, warm hospitality, and charming ambiance creates a perfect setting for a memorable night out. We left with full stomachs, happy hearts, and a strong desire to...

We found this restaurant during our search of places to visit in Gothic Quarter. With the great reviews we decided to visit. Unfortunately the dishes we wanted to try were not available anymore (based on reviews uploaded by other guests). The selection of tapas were not the greatest. We felt it was lacking flavour although the presentation was excellent. The service was on the slower end after waiving the waiter three times. Seating is on the smaller end and prices were steep compared to the value and taste profile. Unfortunately we didn’t enjoy the meal as much. If the bar ambiance is your preference, and you don’t mind the loud music in the background drowning any opportunity for conversation, then I’d recommend it. One final note, we noticed a charge for bread that was given to us without choice at the beginning of the dinner deserve. For the restaurant: in North America (Canada and USA) it’s common for the restaurant to serve bread on a complementary basis without any charge or fees. At Le Bistro Sensi, bread was served but guests are expected to pay for it. This is very unusual to me and hence my issue with this practice. I am glad this was resolved but please let your guests know in advance you will charge them instead of a surprise at the end of the dinner service. It’s not really about the cost, it’s about deception and as a customer I did not appreciate being charged for something that I...