Restaurant El Nou Cafetí — Restaurant in Barcelona

Summary:

I came here on a local recommendation and ended up eating three meals over three days. It became my favorite spot in Barcelona. The seafood paella was unforgettable, the croquettes and sangria were next-level, and even the espresso and dessert were top-notch. Warm, attentive service made me feel like a regular. A true gem and a peaceful escape from the tourist crowds. I’d come back to Barcelona just to eat here again.

Full Review and Everything I Ate:

I was in town for a few nights and asked the spot I’m staying at for some food recommendations. What I didn’t realize was that not only would I eat here once…it would become my favorite place. I returned for two more meals during my trip and wish I had more!

Here’s a rundown of everything I ate (some of it more than once). If you’re in Barcelona, you must come here!

Llenguado a la Planxa (Grilled Sole): 8/10 Perfectly cooked. Served on the bone, which lets you enjoy all the wonderful textures and flavors. I came back to try the paella, but this was the ideal lighter dish when I wasn’t as hungry.

Paella de Marisco (Seafood Paella): 10/10 Wow. Just wow. I ordered the “pre peeled” version because I’m lazy…no regrets. This paella blew me away. The shrimp, clams, and every bite were spot-on. The rice had this rich, almost cheesy flavor that I could eat for the rest of my life. You definitely need to try this.

Arròs Negre (Black Paella): 9.5/10 Only barely edged out by the seafood paella but this did not disappoint. Every bite had me smiling and the presentation was so beautiful. It felt like I was eating a piece of art.

Croquetas Artesanas: 10/10 This may have been my first croquette or at least my first in a long time. Consider the bar raised. I ordered these twice and they are so perfectly warm, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. Each serving is one croquette but I could have eaten 10.

Sangria: 10/10 Tried this on my last visit and wished I’d had it sooner. Went with the red wine version and I was ready to jump in a pool sipping these all day! The flavors are rich, deep, and developed.

Crema Catalana: 9/10 My first time trying this dessert (similar to crème brûlée but a bit lighter). Just the right amount of sweetness. I also ordered this twice as I couldn’t resist.

Little shots: 10/10 I don’t remember what these were called, but I was offered one at the end of each meal. You can choose how you want it prepared or let the staff pick (definitely go with the latter). It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure and every path leads to a party!

Espresso: 9/10 The shots were pulled perfectly and a great way to finish my meal.

Service: 10/10 Not only is the front of house service incredibly attentive and kind, they always provided wonderful recommendations and hospitality. Seriously would come back just for that level of care. The owner is also the chef and you can tell he takes a lot of pride in the food he cooks. I met him on my second stop and by my third visit he was asking about my travels and brought out this warm butter with a hint of lemon in it for my bread that was out of this world.

This place offered a much-needed respite amidst the touristy buzz. I felt like a regular from the moment I stepped in. I would come back to Barcelona just to eat here and be welcomed by such a wonderful...

This hidden gem offered one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. I've dined in cities across the world including NYC, Paris, Amsterdam, London, Milan and this was one of the best by far. We popped in on a random day presuming this was a regular tapas spot but were pleasantly surprised to find out otherwise. The highlight of our experience was our waiter Josh who provided OUTSTANDING service. Lots of attention to detail here and the appetizers were exceptional, featuring flavorful grilled vegetables, outstanding patatas bravas, heavenly bread, delicious olives, and a masterful cod salad. This was unlike all of the other tourist traps in the vicinity.

The sausage paella, was transcendent - a perfect harmony of flavors, and the base was absolutely flavorful. Desserts were equally impressive, with a delightful cookie cake and divine Catalan crème. The sangrias complemented the meal perfectly.

What truly sets this place apart is its authenticity and attention to detail, offering genuine Spanish cuisine in a city full of tourist traps. This restaurant has redefined my perception of food and is arguably one of the best. I have been in two minds about letting this secret out but I can't in good faith not recommend this place to others. If you have the chance to dine here, don't miss it. An...

This restaurant was THE best restaurant we have had in Barcelona. The prices were so good and the quality of food was fresh, delicious, and perfectly seasoned. And I have eaten at several other name brand restaurants in Barcelona and this was my favorite, honestly speaking! We got the razor clams, steamed mussels, fried squid tentacles, croquettes, and the Valenciana Paella 🥘 . All the tapas were delicious, and the paella was on another level! It was crispy on the edges and bottom, the toppings very well balanced, seasoning just right, and just a delight to eat! Paella and razor clams from other highly rated restaurants were much too salty, but El Nou Cafeti seasoned their food just right to bring out the natural flavors. Lastly, the service was so charming and personable. Thank you restaurant El Nou Cafeti!

Edit: we went the next day before traveling out of Barcelona and got the razor clams again, grilled prawns, escalivada, and padron peppers. Again delicious. The prawns came out scalding and delightfully seasoned with a touch of salt. They even treated us to a shot of herbal and milk coffee shots for the road. I wish to visit this restaurant if I am ever...