Mae — Restaurant in Barcelona

Mae Restaurant, a newcomer to Barcelona's culinary scene in 2023, has already earned its first Michelin star in 2024, and it's easy to see why. I often make spontaneous visits without reservations, Mae has graciously accommodated me, whether for their tasting menu or à la carte selections.

From the moment I was greeted by my server, Roberta, to the attentive service throughout the meal, I was thoroughly impressed. The service level is exceptionally high, reminiscent of a two- or three-star establishment. Every time I left my seat and returned, my chair was promptly adjusted. Staff members gracefully made way for me as they passed, and my water glass was consistently refilled. The service at Mae is truly exceptional, exceeding expectations and rivaling that of higher-rated restaurants.

As an avid international diner of Michelin-starred restaurants, I can confidently say that Mae's service is outstanding. The dishes were expertly presented in English (as I don't speak Spanish) by a knowledgeable sommelier, who also provided excellent recommendations and sourced wines by the bottle or glass that weren't even on the menu. My main course, a fish dish created specifically upon my request, was sensational. While the food itself is worthy of a one- or two-star rating, the service is undoubtedly at a two-star level. The cheese plate, prepared tableside by Roberta, was a delightful spectacle.

Although I didn't sample the entire menu, it's clear that Mae is on a trajectory towards a second Michelin star, a sentiment shared by culinary experts. Their ability to accommodate special requests, such as my custom fish dish, is a testament to their dedication. Furthermore, the staff's fluency in English, while not always common in Spain, is a welcome and expected touch at this level.

Mae's unique blend of South American and Catalan cuisine is poised for a meteoric rise. Every dish recommendation I received was spot-on, a testament to the staff's expertise. And to top it all off, I was surprised with a full array of petit fours, despite ordering "only" à la carte, beautifully presented on wooden towers.

Mae offers an unforgettable dining experience at a fair price. It's a hidden gem in Barcelona that will undoubtedly be fully booked every night soon. Don't miss the chance to experience this exceptional...

The quintessential tweezerfest. If ever there was a restaurant ‘playing’ at being a Michelin-rated spot, MAE is it. Theatrics and buffoonery abound - pet rocks, plate cosmetics that you can’t eat, weird impractical plateware, tiny portions, hovering overbearing waitstaff. Except the food wasn’t that interesting, and the combinations weren’t that magnificent or eye-opening. AND they missed all the details that mark a true Michelin spot. Not that I was hunting for Michelin - I think it’s entirely overrated. (The joke will be that Michelin will likely love this place… SMH.)

I was looking for a great ‘neighborhood’ gastronomic experience. But no. My worst dinner experience from my 2-week stay in Barcelona in December. I left hungry, and had to go to Barra Alta nearby for a few more dishes and real food, to finish the night.

I spend half my year in Miami - so perhaps these ‘Latin’ flavors aren’t new to me? The only interesting dish was the cebiche with the lulo, and moreso the lulo was the star, not the actual cooking. And each course was literally 2-3 bites of food. So disappointing because Barcelona, and even Michelin spots like ABaC and Lasarte aren’t like that.

Service was uneven. I went on a Friday night, and somehow I was 1 of only 2 tables dining. That should tell you something… 3-4 waitstaff hovering, sometimes uncomfortably overbearing, and yet also with long periods of neglect. And how does your maitre d’ not wash his hands and under his fingernails thoroughly?? A pretty unappetizing introduction to the restaurant as he serves plates of food… And his hands and nails are constantly in the line of sight of diners. Not to mention the overly grandiose storytelling of every course. Short & sweet, present, in the background and unseen - that’s how service should be. But not here.

And the dining room is so brightly lit, it was like eating in a spaceship. Lol…

When I went, MAE had only opened for a short while. Maybe they’ll get better? Not sure I’ll try again, too many better spots in this wonderful city to waste dollars and dinner slots on...

I am disappointed. No, the food isn’t bad, the service is great, the restaurant is nice. However, I am from Costa Rica and I also know Colombian food very well. This is my issue, the name of the restaurant “Mae” is the 2nd most iconic Costa Rican phrase, only after “Pura Vida”. The way places like Velada are advertising this restaurant, literally talks about a fusion of Costa Rican freshness with modern and creative flavors. The thing is besides one of the team members being Costa Rican, there is nothing else Costa Rican there… “guava” flavors was about the only arguably ”tico” in the menu. I have no problems with the quality or the flavors. I have big problems with the appropriation of a culture and culinary school that is being misrepresented and undermined because most people cannot tell the difference between Peruvian food or Mexican food to anything else. Please, if you are going to use Costa Rica as part of your advertisement, make the effort to bring something Costa Rican to the eating table. As you can see, I am doing my best to be objective on the evaluation of the food, the service, and the atmosphere. However, even when I am the least nationalist person in the world, do not mess with my food. That is a line none...