Llamber — Restaurant in Barcelona

“Welcome” to Llamber

If you're in the mood to be scolded like a schoolchild before canteen lunch, Llamber is just the place. The lighting is soft, the tapas are trendy, and the hostess is… terrifying.

Our group arrived, reservation in hand, hungry and cheerful. That lasted all of 10 seconds. When we innocently inquired if four of us could be seated at a separate table, we were greeted not with flexibility or a smile, but with the full wrath of Natalia, the hostess with the leastess. She made it clear we had committed an unspeakable crime against the sacred seating chart. Her reaction was less “of course, let me see what we can do,” and more “how dare you not have specified this weeks in advance?” The vibe was icy, the tone was curt and to say she was unfriendly would be an understatement. Frankly, Natalia may have missed her true calling—something like Gulag supervisor or stern passport control officer. Smiling clearly isn’t in her job description (or within her skill set). It’s a wonder the foundation didn’t crack under the pressure. Think of someone who’s been personally offended by your presence, and then add a dollop of bad makeup and a death stare. It was less "bon profit" and more "welcome to customer service hell."

We stayed. We ate. But the tone was set. If you like your dining with a side of scolding, and your Eastern European hostess to double as Cold War villain, Llamber might just be your vibe.

You might have good food but it’s hard to enjoy tapas with a side of...

I visited this restaurant on my final day in Barcelona and after having our meal I stupidly forgot my handbag by the table and left it unattended for 5 minutes without realising I had forgotten it and when I realised quickly ran back to the restaurant, the waiter that had served me said he found it outside with my purse hanging out and that also they had to open and check my bag for my name and information before giving my bag back to me, I’m not sure now they could of forgotten 4 girls they where serving in the space of 10 minutes, it felt like they were giving me unnecessary reasons for searching the contexts of my bag. Being very uncomfortable with the situation i was put in I asked him “did you take my money from my purse “the waiter became very defensive and started speaking to me very rudely. I believe the waiters took £300 pounds from my purse I wanted to call the police at the time but I was running late for my flight and was keeping my friends waiting too. The restaurant is at a less busy and quiet location in Born Barcelona with not many footfall and with very attentive waiter and waitress so I find it impossible for my bag to be snatched or taken away by anyone apart from the waiters. I was just really glad that my passport was still in my bag and that I could get home. I understand I should have been careful with my bag but I feel like I was robed twice that day once my the restaurant who are over priced for what they serve and secondly...

Can’t speak highly enough of this brilliant place. I returned 3 times during my time in Barcelona (this isn’t typical for me- I like to try new places).

These are the nicest patatas bravas I had in Spain (mainly because they’re a bit luxurious and not normal). Once I came just for those!

Another visit we arrived at prime time and they managed to find us a table for 5 people without a reservation. I was shocked but so thankful I could show my friends this spot.

We ate tuna tataki, beetroot carpaccio with king prawns, the truffle gnocchi (incredible and I don’t even like gnocchi), aged beef diced with cheese sauce, aged beef tataki. All were simply incredible. Delicate flavour where needed and everything cooked to perfection. Especially the aged beef. Wow.

We also ate 3 desserts but thanks to how much wine we ordered I can’t remember the exact ingredients. One was like French toast with a delicious ice cream, another was little dumpling pillows with a rosemary ice cream (acquires taste but I loved it) and then strawberries with a balsamic style drizzle and whipped cream.

The waiter was very knowledgeable about the great range of wines. Cocktails looked amazing too but we did not indulge.

The staff are knowledgeable, friendly and fast. Couldn’t fault them...