Restaurante Gòtico Barcelona – Authentic Catalan Spanish Tapas & Paella — Restaurant in Barcelona

We went here for dinner after a Flamenco show. Unfortunately, a few things made us feel very uncomfortable, even into the next day, so I decided to share. When we arrived, the inner half of the restaurant was completely empty (with several free 4-person tables). Still, we were guided to a small temporary table in a corner, right next to some exhaust pipes and an AC unit. We thought maybe they were saving the larger tables for bigger groups, but no other guests came during our entire dinner. It left us wondering if we were being treated differently because of who we are. We ordered several dishes, including mushrooms with garlic and parsley. After eating about two-thirds of it, we discovered a short hair (around 5cm). When we pointed this out, a waiter said: “Our chef is bald, like me. All our kitchen staff are bald. Sorry, we can offer you a dessert.” I felt awkward, as though I had to justify myself, and uncomfortable being put in that position. I also noticed that this waiter’s arm hair was quite long. Later, another waitress came over, apologized, and mentioned that the chef (or staff — I don’t recall clearly) was new. I explained her it might be arm hair.

We declined the dessert and left quickly.

To be fair, some of the other staff were polite and professional, but these two incidents really spoiled the...

Walking into this restaurant in the heart of the Gótico quarter feels like stepping into a secret oasis of flavor and warmth. The location is simply perfect—nestled among historic streets, yet lively and inviting.

The food? Absolutely amazing. Every dish is crafted with passion, bringing out the true essence of Mediterranean flavors. The freshness, the presentation, the balance of textures—everything is spot-on. Whether you’re indulging in a plate of perfectly seasoned seafood or savoring rich, slow-cooked meats, every bite makes you pause for a moment of pure appreciation.

But what truly sets this place apart is the staff. They are extraordinary—attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable yet down-to-earth, and genuinely welcoming. Their passion for hospitality shines through, making the experience feel personal and special.

It's more than just a meal; it's an experience that lingers in your memory long after you leave. If you find yourself in Barcelona, don’t hesitate—this spot is an...

AVOID! Normally I wouldn’t bother rating a simple tourist trap restaurant, but this place is highly deceptive. I went to check it out because of the fantastic reviews on Google, but found that the vibes were off immediately.

First, the menus were old and dirty. Second, it was a massive menu that offered everything from “paella” to jalapeño poppers. When I’m in Spain, these are not the chile rellenos I’m interested in. Major red flag.

After the first 60 seconds it was obvious something was up with this place. We felt uncomfortable and deceived with how the restaurant actually was in person. It was so bad we left without ordering anything and went to another tapas bar down the street. The change in ambiance was night and day.

Reviews for this place are either fake or they coerce tourists into giving them a good review...