Margherita — Restaurant in Barcelona

A deeply upsetting and blatantly racist experience – avoid this place at all costs

Our visit to Margherita restaurant in Barcelona left my family and I, a South African family of five, shocked, disgusted, and deeply hurt by the blatant racism we were subjected to, especially towards our 8-year-old daughter who had to witness and process such appalling behaviour.

After visiting Parc Güell, my wife and I, along with our three children (ages 15, 13 and 8), arrived early for our tour of Casa Milà and decided to grab a bite nearby. We walked into Margherita and politely asked for a table for five. A female waitress told us to wait while she checked with a colleague. She returned and said a waiter would prepare a table for us and to wait about five minutes.

While my family waited at the bar, I went to use the toilet. When I returned, I noticed a new face behind the bar, an older white man, bald, with a moustache and glasses, who hadn’t been there earlier. My wife then informed me that the waitress had just told her that there was now no table available.

I asked the waitress for an explanation. She looked nervously toward the older man, who we believe is the manager, for support. He ignored me and mumbled something to her in Spanish. At that very moment, the same waiter who had been preparing our table came to the front and clearly announced the table for five was ready. But then, after the manager whispered something to him, he turned around and told me the table was no longer available.

I pressed for clarity, and was suddenly told there was now an hour-long waiting list, a complete contradiction from the "5 minutes" we had originally been told. It was a slap in the face, and an insult to my intelligence.

As South Africans, we are no strangers to the painful legacy of racism. But to experience it so brazenly, while travelling with our children, in a public setting, in 2025, was sickening. Our children, especially our youngest daughter, were confused and visibly upset. No family should ever be made to feel so unwelcome, so inferior, and so dismissed simply because of who they are.

Margherita may seem like a charming stop for tourists, but beneath the surface is an unacceptable culture of discrimination. Shame on the manager and staff for treating guests in this way.

We will never return, and we urge others to support establishments that treat all people with respect...

If you're in Barcelona and craving an authentic Italian experience, Margarita is an absolute must-visit. From the moment you step through the door, you're transported to a cozy corner of Italy, where every detail, from the rustic decor to the aromas wafting from the kitchen, speaks to a deep love of Italian cuisine.

But what truly sets Margarita apart is the incredible service, led by none other than Luca, the heart and soul of this establishment. Luca is the epitome of hospitality—his warmth, charm, and genuine enthusiasm make you feel like a cherished guest in his own home. From the moment we arrived, Luca greeted us with a beaming smile and an infectious energy that set the tone for an unforgettable dining experience.

Luca’s knowledge of the menu is unparalleled. He took the time to walk us through each dish, sharing stories and insights that brought the food to life in a way I've never experienced before. His recommendations were spot-on; we enjoyed the most exquisite pasta, perfectly al dente, and a pizza so delicious that it could have come straight from Naples. And let's not forget the tiramisu—Luca insisted we try it, and I'm so glad we did. It was the best I've ever had, a heavenly blend of creamy mascarpone and espresso-soaked ladyfingers.

What truly makes Luca exceptional is his ability to connect with his guests. He effortlessly balances professionalism with a personal touch, making everyone feel special. It's clear that he genuinely cares about his customers' experience, checking in just enough to ensure everything is perfect without being intrusive.

In short, dining at Margarita isn't just about the incredible food—it's about the entire experience, and Luca is the star of the show. His passion for his work, his love of Italian culture, and his commitment to making every guest feel like family make Margarita not just a restaurant, but a place where memories are made. I can't recommend it highly enough, and I can't wait to return. Luca, grazie mille for making our evening so...

WOW! The food here was amazing! The service was also stellar! I'm not the type to write reviews for places. So, I hope this review can carry a little weight in your decision making. First, I'll start with the food. This was a pretty fancy Italian restaurant, but reasonably priced. We were given bread and they gave us this delicious focaccia that was so good it should have its own theme song!

My girlfriend had the Gnocchi with pesto. She was blown away (me too because I obviously had some). The texture of the Gnocchi was light and soft. The pesto was very fresh and not overpowering. I had the penne dish with meatballs. I threw a little parmesan in the mix and it was a party happening on my taste buds.

Now, about the service: After spending two and a half weeks in Europe, my girlfriend and I found that the service in many of the restaurants we went to in every country (London, England; Paris, France; and 4 cities in Spain) was sub par. During most of our experiences, we found it difficult to even have a check brought to us. We understand that it may be the European culture to enjoy a meal and take your time, but we also appreciate a little attention when we're at the dinner table. We felt well attended to at Restaurant Margherita. Our server was named Marina. She was on top of all of our needs. She checked in frequently and responded to whatever we wanted positively and quickly. We were in love with her after it was all over. She made the evening even more enjoyable.

Overall, this restaurant is a great experience and worth a visit, if you're in Barcelona. We plan to visit Barcelona a lot. As a result, Restaurant Margherita has earned...