Pampa Grill Asador Argentino — Restaurant in Barcelona

An Unsavory Experience at La Pampa, Barcelona

I approached La Pampa, an Argentine steakhouse in Barcelona, with high expectations fueled by its glowing reviews on El Tenedor. Sadly, my experience was a disheartening display of culinary ineptitude that no establishment purporting to specialize in grilled meats should exhibit.

Upon arrival, the staff was cordial, and our reservation was promptly honored—commendable points in an increasingly indifferent service landscape. However, the evening rapidly unraveled once our orders were placed: two distinct preparations of grilled meats, both specified to arrive à point—a degree of doneness that should be well within the capabilities of any self-respecting Argentine parillada.

The first serving was a travesty, with all but the chicken shamefully undercooked—a condition my dining companion could begrudgingly tolerate, but one that immediately derailed our intentions of sharing the selections. Seeking correction, we respectfully returned the offending plates, only to receive them in an appallingly identical state after an inexcusable delay.

At this juncture, the meats exhibited a blasphemous interior temperature—a mere 20 degrees—rendering them essentially raw, or as the French would disdainfully classify it, "bleu." The staff, to their credit, acknowledged the egregious error but failed to rectify it on the third attempt, ultimately prompting us to abandon our hopes of a satisfactory repast and seek sustenance elsewhere.

While the affable service staff did extend the gesture of eliminating the beer from our tally, this hollow concession could hardly assuage the disappointment of an evening marred by a kitchen patently unacquainted with the rudiments of grilling—a lapse as unforgivable as it is baffling for an establishment that audaciously presumes mastery over Argentine food's quintessential art.

It pains me to render so scathing an assessment, for La Pampa is a relatively new addition to Barcelona's culinary landscape. La Pampa's continuance along this path of ineptitude renders its premature demise an inevitability—a fate too punishing for the well-intentioned staff, but an entirely foreseeable consequence of failing to ensure competence in the kitchen's...

Like other reviewers mentioned, service is great and the waitresses are very kind and attentive. Food can be uneven. The empanadas were delicious (fried, juicy), the entraña was tasty and tender (although way too undercooked, it needed to go back to the grill for a while), the chorizo tasted more Spanish than Argentinean (and came burnt outside) and the ribeye steak could have been more tender, thicker, the Argentinean way to cut it. The parrilladas for two have too many cuts in them, so each cut is rather small to share. The grilled vegetables were avoidable, but the french fries were tasty. The desserts were both yummy (dulce de leche pancake and some sort of deconstructed chocotorta in a jar, the dulce de leche they use is locally made but delicious). The atmosphere is probably their lowest point, as the salon has a weird shape (the tables in the front are crushed against the bar with almost no space to enter or exit, while the ones in the back are right next to the toilets, pantry or kitchen). Also, there is absolutely no decor on the walls. Chairs on the other hand are very comfortable. It is really noisy as well, like other reviews mention, we could hardly hear each other. Prices are steep, just like in any other restaurant that accepts big discounts from The Fork. With it (we got 50%) it ended up being reasonable, so I suggest you use it. The wine list needs some work also. Since drinks are not included in the discount, wines are overpriced and the selection is reduced. Bad house wine is 28 euros a bottle, or 7 a glass. In that price range, there are plenty of much better choices in every restaurant in Barcelona -and there are certainly much better Argentinean moderately priced labels to use instead (Trapiche Malbec, Cafayate Malbec, Callia Malbec, to...

I had the pleasure of dining at this charming Argentinian restaurant last night, and I must say, it was a truly unforgettable experience. From the moment we stepped inside, we were enveloped by the warm and inviting atmosphere that immediately made us feel like we were in for a treat.

The decor is sleek and sophisticated, with dark wood accents, vibrant colors, and plush furnishings that create a cozy and intimate setting perfect for dates or special occasions. But what truly sets this restaurant apart is its exceptional food - specifically, the meats.

We started our meal with the famous Argentinean empanadas, which were crispy on the outside and packed with flavorful beef, onions, and spices. But it was the grilled meats that stole the show. We ordered a mix of choripán (grilled sausage) and asado (grilled short ribs). Each dish was cooked to perfection, with the flavors and textures so rich and satisfying that we couldn't get enough.

The choripán was served on a wooden skewer, sizzling hot from the grill, with a side of tangy chimichurri sauce that added an extra layer of depth to each bite. The asado short ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender, with a subtle sweetness that balanced out the bold flavors of the meat.

But what truly made this experience stand out was the attentive service from our server, who expertly guided us through the menu and offered pairing recommendations for each dish. The wine list is extensive and carefully curated, with a range of Argentinean varietals that paired beautifully with our meal.

If you're a meat lover like me, or just looking to experience the authentic flavors of Argentina in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, look no further than this restaurant. We will most certainly be back - and...