Monte Marinero — Restaurant in Barcelona

The truth is that it was unfortunately a disappointment… the staff were indeed super nice, but unfortunately all dishes are for two and it’s not even enough for one. You either pay for a huge shellfish plate or - if you want to have a paella with lobster - you’ll still be hungry… for 40 eur pp I believe it’s way too expensive. Plus it was extremely dry. If you’re a shellfish lover like me… I would advise you to go somewhere else…

Note: The restaurant later replied to our review saying we didn’t pay €38 — but that’s not the point.

We didn’t book through TheFork because of the discount — we simply used the app to reserve a table and secure our spot. Fortunately, the reservation included a discount, but unfortunately, the experience was disappointing.

We ordered the lobster paella, listed at €38 per person. What we received was surprisingly small, with a very tiny piece of lobster. It felt like — and their response only confirmed it — that we were being served a downgraded version of the dish simply because of the discount.

This review is based on the listed menu price, because that’s the reference point for anyone thinking of dining here. We won’t be returning, but others might — and many of them may not have any discount. According to TheFork’s conditions, dishes should be exactly the same regardless of whether there’s a discount or not. If the dish we received is indeed the standard version, then it’s simply not good value for the price.

In fact, our bill clearly showed €38 per person for the paella, and then the discount was applied afterward — meaning the dish itself should not have been altered in any way.

If a discount — even one we didn’t ask for — means receiving a smaller or lower-quality dish, this should be clearly communicated in advance, so customers can make an informed decision. Otherwise, it feels misleading and...

Amazing food and generally friendly staff, but one rude and snarky staff member unfortunately spoiled the overall dining experience.

After we had settled in and were served our drinks, we were politely asked by a staff member if we’d be willing to shift tables to accommodate larger groups. Although it was a bit inconvenient, we agreed — and appreciated the complimentary croquettes offered as a gesture of thanks.

At our new table, we requested an extra chair to place our food items, as there was no space and we didn’t want to leave them on the floor. The team kindly provided the chair, which we appreciated.

However, partway through our meal, another server (a tall slender man) abruptly interrupted to ask for the chair back. We explained that we were using it for food items and asked if there were any alternatives. Instead of helping us find a solution right away, the staff member responded in a snarky, almost mocking tone, with body language and facial expressions that felt dismissive and patronising — making unnecessary remarks like “the other guests have no chairs to sit,” implying we were being unreasonable.

Eventually, he returned with a small bar stool — but without asking, he placed some of our food items on the footrest area, which felt thoughtless and unhygienic.

It was a disappointing interaction that dampened what was otherwise a lovely meal. We hope the restaurant considers adding more seating options (like foldable chairs or side tables), especially if tables are being frequently reconfigured to accommodate large groups. And more importantly, we hope the service attitude remains consistently respectful — one rude interaction can really undo the good work of the rest...

The friendly service and the way they made us feel was next to none, we really appreciated it! We have always wanted to try a seafood boil however the quality of some of the seafood was not great and I feel it’s only fair to tell my honest experience.

Reply: I am sorry you feel that way however you asked us both as we left to leave a review and that is what we have done of our experience. We saw your passion and never meant to impose bad against a family run business. We are just giving honest feedback and from our hearts wish you all the best, always. … I want to clarify that my intention was never to bring your business down. In my review, I made a point of complimenting the staff and the way we felt welcomed, because that part of our experience truly was great.

However, the way my honest feedback about the food has been responded to here does make me wonder what might have happened if I had shared my thoughts in person at the time. Would my opinion have been received openly, and would we still have been asked to leave a review and if so, would it have been in the same calm and friendly manner we experienced during our visit?

My review was always intended to share both the positives and the parts that didn’t meet our expectations. I believe honest feedback, when given respectfully, should be met with the same respect in return.

For this reason and because of the way my feedback has been received and the accusations made, I changed my original rating from...