Varmuteo - Vermut & Tapas — Restaurant in Barcelona

It was kind of obvious when I walked up to Varmuteo that it had the vibe and approach to food that I like. Plates were creative and the attention to detail in the menu was obvious.

We arrived on a busy evening and the staff were all effort, offering to accommodate us for a quick snack if possible, but I opted to make a reservation for the following evening so we could have a more leisurely meal, and I'm really glad I did, because it was excellent.

The vermouth offerings are comprehensive, allowing you to choose from a library of good vermouths, and the wine selection is well-considered; the Priorat available by the glass was excellent.

Each dish was delicious and obviously prepared with care for the food and the experience, and the service was also a delight. If I find myself back in Barcelona, I'm stopping at...

Super yummy tapas at a cool little place on a quiet street near Plaça d'Espanya and the Magic Fountain. Everything is fresh & locally sourced. Chef Simon is talented, charming and speaks fluent English, as well as Spanish. Bartender & servers were happy to offer suggestions from the large collection of vermuts to match the tapas. The sangria was also delicious, not too sweet, well blended with fruit.

Don't miss.. so many things, but the liquid olives, pickled mussels, anchovies, salmon AND the homemade potato chips were amazing. THEN, the little sandwiches were ALL delicious but my favs were the Soprasada, cheese & honey on brioche, the little meatballs on a homemade 'hot dog' bun and the Fricanda. Last but not least, the desserts, especially the flan, was the best we had...

Sorry to be the spoiler, but a huge disappointment. Terrible service for a literally three little tables they serve, overly priced sushi-like plates, basic wine... frankly just can't see where all the fuzz from this place is coming from. Perhaps a place to flag as having tasted once, but don't bother if you are in town for a couple of days. Ps. Oh, and the cherry in the cake, you'll be harrassed by the unfriendly staff to empty your little spot ten mins before the hour, even though it took then 15 mins to bring a first beer after ordering it on what, I insist, is a three little table, 5 by 5 spot. Bonne appetite,...