Vinitus Madrid-Barcelona — Restaurant in Barcelona

This Tapas restaurant was recommended to us from the hotel staff, and we are glad we followed through with their recommendation.

This restaurant has two locations in Eixample, a larger location just off of Rambla de Catalunya and a smaller location on C/ D'Arago. We visited the smaller location.

We arrived at around 6:30pm, well before their dinner rush. We were immediately seated at our table. The staff, without asking, brought a colouring sheet for my young child.

The restaurant evokes a seaside restaurant with an open bar showing the catch of the day. The main cooking takes place behind the open kitchen located central to the restaurant. To the back is a small coffee/desert kitchen. The main floor seats between 16-20 people, and we did not get a look at the second floor. The decor is cozy, and warm, with a traditional motif.

We had a large carbonated sangria (18.70), peach juice (2.65), Lobster rice (9.50), tempura of the day which was a pork chop (7.25), scallop au gratin (7.95), sirloin with foie (7.15), and ice cream (3.35), totalling 56.55 for the entire meal for 2 adults and a child.

The Sangria was more than enough for 2 adults and we almost struggled to finish it. the lobster rice was an explosion of ocean flavour. The tempura of the day was probably the most tender pork chop I've ever had, and somehow still had a crispy skin. The scallop au grain was also incredibly flavourful, and the ice cream at the end was the perfect finish. The portions were enough for us as we are light eaters, but if you are used to big portions or if you are looking for quantity over quantity, perhaps Barcelona is not for you.

The server was attentive and fast, clearing plates and bringing food with efficiency. They made an extra effort with my child, so that's full marks.

This restaurant does not take reservations (as most good Tapas restaurants in Barcelona do not), so either come before dinner rush, or be prepared to wait in line.

We're looking forward to our next visit to Barcelona so that we can try the rest...

Whenever I visit Barcelona, I always stop by Vinitus to enjoy my favorite dishes—al ajillo, steak, pan con tomate, and shrimp. I’ve visited this location before with friends, and afterward, I frequently went to the Vinitus locations near behind Casa Batlló or Ciutat Comtal. This time, I had some free time during the day and decided to visit this location as it was the closest.

I sat alone at the bar table and placed my order. The al ajillo was served first. As soon as I took a bite of one shrimp, I noticed a strong ammonia-like taste, which was extremely unpleasant. Thinking it might have been just one bad shrimp, I picked up another one—only to find a thin strand of hair stuck to it. The ammonia taste had already made me feel sick, and finding hair in my food only made things worse.

I called a staff member over to inform them about it. However, when I pointed out the hair, the staff member insisted they couldn’t see it. It took several minutes of me physically pointing at it before they finally acknowledged it. They took the dish away, saying they would replace it, but never brought it back. Meanwhile, the rest of my order arrived.

Later, I explained the situation to another staff member and told them that since I had already finished my other food, they no longer needed to bring the al ajillo. While processing my payment, the staff seemed unsure whether to charge me for the dish or not. I said, “It’s okay,” trying to ease the situation, but she thanked me and left without giving me my change.

I was already frustrated about having to pay for a dish I didn’t even eat, and on top of that, they kept my change. I left feeling completely disappointed. Even no one apologized.

I’ve been to every Vinitus location, including the one in Madrid, and have always had a great experience with friendly staff and delicious food. But this location? I’m never...

Vinitus. My daughter has been raving about this tapas bar/ restaurant, which she discovered through friends.

We arrived at around 7:15 pm before the rush hour ( too early for the Spaniards!) and , thankfully, we did so because by the time we left , there was a line.

We were greeted by the staff/food servers and, noticing a certain accent, inquired almost instinctively, " Pilipino ka?" ( Are you Filipino?)

With a wide smile , her eyes lit up and she cheerfully replied " Kababayan! Welcome!" ( Compatriot, welcome!)

So that was how the evening started . With good vibes😂. But Filipinos in the hospitality industry are genuinely valued for their level of service and amiability ( bias aside).

On one side of their menu are specials of the day - a LOT to choose from. On the right side are their staples , also a wide selection. So it's quite difficult to decide.

Looking around, we saw that our neighbors were having Lobster Rice - so got that too. However, it was served quite lukewarm, almost cold. The best for me ( which was highly recommended by the serveuse) was Gratin Scallop and Mushrooms : served piping hot, with generous cheese gratin, sinfully rich.

The Patatas Bravas were really good, with a mildly spicy tomato dipping sauce ; the Small Fried Fish with Padron Peppers were average ; the Assortment of Mushrooms with Egg Yolk good; then the Grilled Season Végétables with Romesco Sauce. This last one was a disappointment - why? It included potatoes and onions! I insisted on this to have greens with the rest of our selection. Also, the two slices of pumpkin were undercooked.

Ordering at a tapas bar is a hit or miss. There is such a wide selection that not every item could be...