Paisano Bistró — Restaurant in Barcelona

Spain 🇪🇸 Barcelona - restaurants Paisano Bistró has undoubtedly earned its reputation as the best Italian restaurant in Barcelona, if not all of Spain.

Despite the wait for an outdoor table, the aromas that wafted through the air only heightened our anticipation for what was to come.

Once seated, we embarked on a culinary adventure that left our taste buds in a state of sheer bliss. I opted for the ravioli, filled with delectable truffle and Italian sausage, bathing in a heavenly white sauce. Each bite was a revelation, with the flavors meticulously balanced and the textures flawlessly executed. I knew I'd think back on this meal for weeks to come and think to myself with nostalgic feelings, "I should call him." An expression normally used for missing an ex somehow seems appropriate for this meal.

My friend had the lasagna, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. The pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese melded together to create a harmonious blend of flavors. It was a classic dish executed with finesse and an undeniable passion for authentic Italian cuisine.

While we had to settle for an outdoor table this time, we have already made a mental note to make reservations for our next visit so we can fully immerse ourselves in the charming and warm interior ambiance.

Paisano Bistró truly deserves every accolade it receives, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an unforgettable Italian dining experience in Barcelona. Prepare to surrender your senses to the culinary magic that unfolds within its walls. Whether it's a special occasion or simply a desire for exceptional Italian cuisine, this gem of a restaurant will leave you...

A Culinary Gem Near the Sagrada Familia

During a recent four-week stay in Barcelona, where I was teaching a study abroad course, my wife and I discovered an unexpected treasure: Paisano Bistro. Fresh off a month-long stay in Italy, I approached this Italian restaurant with some skepticism, unsure of how it would measure up to the authentic cuisine we had just enjoyed. To my delight, Paisano Bistro exceeded all expectations—it's quite possibly the best Italian food I’ve had anywhere in Europe!

From the moment we walked in, the food and service were nothing short of extraordinary. The experience was so exceptional that Paisano quickly became our go-to spot, and we found ourselves dining there two to three times a week. The restaurant is a true family affair, owned and operated by the Italian-born Di Rosario family. Christian and his fiancée manage the front of the house with grace, while his mother crafts culinary masterpieces in the kitchen, and his father seems to be the jack-of-all-trades, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Each dish we tried was outstanding, but the Rigatoni Amatriciana was the clear winner—it became my regular order. I even brought my 36 American students there for a farewell dinner, and they’re still raving about it.

On a personal note, Christian went above and beyond, offering me invaluable help in my quest to learn Italian—grazie mille, Christian!

A word of advice: as more people discover this gem, the restaurant is becoming increasingly popular, so reservations are highly recommended to avoid a wait.

Thank you, Christian, and the entire Di Rosario family, for making this summer truly...

Wow - just wow ...LOVED this restaurant. This is a beautiful little gem we happened upon by accident. The menu was amazing and Cristian explained the whole menu giving us a history of the dishes being served on the menu of the day. We had the best buffalo mozzarella we’ve ever had with homemade bread, tomatoes etc. I had pappardelle Genovese which was superb with deliciously slow cooked beef, caramelised onions in a rich sauce and my husband had ravioli filled with mushrooms and sausage in a creamy sauce with truffle oil. Our son had a margarita pizza to die for. We drank Montepulciano red wine and took in the warm friendly atmosphere. Salvatore and his family (two sons, wife and sons girlfriend) have created a cosy comfortable restaurant serving the most delicious authentic home cooked food. Our son is in a wheelchair and they could not have made more of a fuss of him which he loved - they couldn’t have been more helpful and kind ...giving him ice cream and pens and pencils to draw a picture for the gallery on the wall!! We will definitely be back. We wanted to go again for our second night in Barcelona but unfortunately they are closed but we will be back. Please note that the restaurant is also really reasonably priced and you have to go there if you are ever in the Sagrada Familia area. Thank you Salvatore, Cristian and family for being so welcoming ... Paisano Bistro is our favourite Italian...