Pez Vela — Restaurant in Barcelona

A friend and I were on holiday and waited till the last minute to enjoy some Paella and be near the marina. Of course I read the tourist trap warning before hand, but typically I chalk those up to needy individuals who have the highest expectations. Let me tell you, they’re not completely wrong. We didn’t have a reservation but read online a few hours before that they were recommended, so before we arrived we had made one for 22:00. The hostess had no way of checking for it as she had a print out list of the reservations and we had just made it at 21:25 to secure a table. We got there at 21:30 to wait at the bar if need be. When we arrived, the hostess greeted us sincerely and in a broken conversation, sat us at a table near the service entrance and the kitchen. Being near an open concept kitchen is not a new concept to me, as I also work in an open concept restaurant. We waited for 10 minutes before one of the many waiters greeted us, and by jolly once we were greeted, it was something as casual “you know what you’d like?” No hello, no how are you, no casual introduction you’d expect from a restaurant claiming the caliber that this place claims. It was a simple ‘order now or move on,’ the kind you get when you arrive at a KFC or the cafe on the corner. He was cheery and smiling, so at least that’s a plus.

We ordered a white wine sangria, still water, spicy potatoes and one of the many seafood Paella’s. Our water was dropped off about 8 minutes later by someone who was intercepted in between tables and acted as though dropping off this water was the furthest thing from her mind. She didn’t address us or even say excuse me. It was ok. It’s water, not a huge surprise since we ordered it. WELL, the 1 liter sangria came and that was a something. The pitcher held about 600 ml, smaller than a wine decanter if you’re familiar, and they claimed it was a liter. That’s a whole different discussion. Moving on, the “spicy potatoes” tasted like sliced, deep fried au gratin with an onion reduction. Tasty, but only when you actually ate a hot one. Half the dish was room temp and the other half was piping hot, probably a station issue. We finished the app in about 10 minutes and waited another 15 before we realized that no one was going to clear our plates or utensils, not super surprising but we saw it being done to other tables so not necessarily guaranteed for us. The paella, WOW. It was definitely one of, if not the best, Paella’s I’ve ever had. We had the squid, prawn, and clam. While one could argue the “prawn” was the size of a sautéed Atlantic shrimp, the flavor was completely there. The bottom was crisp and browned, the way a true paella should be. The seafood didn’t take away from the flavor of the rice and vice versa.

A server assistant offered us a dessert menu as she cleared our plates and promptly came back for an order. She was probably the most competent and cheery of the wait staff, of the ones who didn’t seem as if we inconvenienced them for dining at this establishment.

The chocolate cake was fine, a bit dry and the layer of icing was dry as well. It was tasty enough.

We never saw our original server again but we did see him drop a shared plate utensils napkin on the floor and pick up so nonchalant. It was disgusting since the table next to us had no idea the napkin holding their dessert spoons was previously on a high volume floor. I would definitely be incensed if my napkin had been where that one had, just sayin’.

Take my review with a grain of salt, as every experience is different and every staff member has an off night. However, as a professional f/b, we will not be back nor will be sad about (except maybe missing the Paella)...

Pez Vela Chiringuito - Barcelona: A Coastal Gem

Pez Vela Chiringuito, located at the foot of the iconic W Hotel in Barcelona, offers a dining experience that is equal parts beachy charm and Mediterranean sophistication. With a prime beachfront location, this trendy eatery captures the essence of Barcelona’s vibrant seaside atmosphere, making it a go-to spot for both locals and tourists.

Ambiance The first thing you’ll notice is the stunning setting. The restaurant offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean, and whether you're seated on the outdoor terrace or inside, the ambiance is effortlessly chic. The relaxed, beach-club vibe perfectly complements the sound of the waves and the warm, sea breeze. It’s the kind of place where you can sit for hours, sipping on cocktails and soaking in the atmosphere.

Food & Drinks Pez Vela specializes in traditional Catalan and Mediterranean fare with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Their paella is undoubtedly the star of the menu, cooked to perfection with generous portions of seafood and a rich, flavorful broth. In addition to their signature rice dishes, the menu offers a selection of grilled fish, fresh salads, and tapas that pair wonderfully with their wine list. The seafood is impeccably fresh, and the flavors are vibrant without being overly complicated.

The drink menu is equally impressive, with a solid selection of local wines, refreshing sangria, and creative cocktails. Whether you’re there for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner, their extensive beverage options ensure you’ll have the perfect pairing for your meal.

Service While the food and setting are outstanding, the service can be hit or miss. On busy days, the wait staff can seem slightly overwhelmed, leading to slower service. However, they are generally attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu when things are running smoothly. It’s best to go with a relaxed attitude, as the pace can vary.

Overall Experience Pez Vela is more than just a place to eat – it’s an experience. With breathtaking views, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and a laid-back yet elegant atmosphere, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy Barcelona’s beachfront dining scene. While it can get busy and service may slow down during peak hours, the setting and food more than make up for it. Perfect for a sunset meal with friends or a romantic dinner by the sea, Pez Vela delivers an unforgettable coastal...

Do you miss summer 😎? I do. 😇 I miss everything about it: the heat, the sun, BBQ, paella on the beach... 🥹 Talking about paella, I just realized now that the only one 1️⃣ I had in Barcelona this summer was at Pez Vela . 😳 We were just coming back from a trip to Denmark 🇩🇰 with some friends and we were counting on this place to remind us how great 🇪🇸 Spanish / Catalan food is. 💪 The place is beautiful and, even though the weather was kinda hot, the light breeze that night made it perfect. 💯 We went for Spanish food, as I explained, plus a ceviche, cause there's always someone who wants something different. 😅 Everything to share, Spanish style. 😉 The food was good, especially paella (more than black rice): well cooked, firm but not dry. Great. 👏 The "pa amb tomàquet" (bread with tomato) on the contrary was not good. And for €2.5 per small slice, that is not ok. The ham also was so-so. Again, it was supposed to be Bellota ham, and it's not like you need to transform the product: it's either good or not (if you slice it properly). Again, for that price (€24), we could definitely expect way better. 👎 In general, that was an expensive meal, almost as expensive as the ones we shared in Denmark: €300 for 9 dishes, 4 desserts and 1 bottle of wine (all shared between 5 adults and 1 kid). 🥵 The service was chaotic: the servers often forgot us, they brought the dishes in the wrong order but... they managed to bring our rice dishes one after the other, as we requested. I usually ask for this favor, but servers usually refuse because of the logistics... but it's very important that you don't let rice sit out for too long to avoid spoiling the experience. So thanks for this effort! 🙏 If you're not on a budget, I think Pez Vela is a nice spot to chill and enjoy rather good food. 👍 . . . Quality & taste: 7/10 Quantities: 9/10 Atmosphere: 10/10 Originality: 7/10 Ratio price / quality: 5/10 Service: 7/10 How I felt...