Barcelona Wine Bar — Restaurant in Cambridge

I've been to Barcelona three times since it's opened and have tried a wide variety of their offerings. Overall I feel like the prices are pretty reasonable for what you get, and there are some very tasty dishes.

They do take reservations now but it seems like during peak hours (weekend evenings) the tables will often take a while to be ready. There was some miscommunication with my reservation this past weekend (I updated the reservation over the phone to add more people, but they didn't record it) so we ended up having to wait an hour to get seated after our reservation time, and we saw others that had to wait 30 minutes + for their reserved tables as well. During my other two visits, I went really early (~4-5pm) so didn't have to wait. But maybe budget some extra time to get seated even if you have a reservation, as it can be really hectic during peak hours.

After having been 3 times, here are the things I will always order Mushrooms a la plancha ($9.50): I only tried this on my most recent visit, and was pleasantly surprised! These are perfectly cooked and seasoned mushrooms, a mix of oyster and some sort of button mushroom. More than the sum of its parts. Pulpo ($15.50): perfectly cooked and perfectly reasonably priced for octopus in the area. The first time I got it, it came with salsa verde olive rice which was very tasty. The next time, it didn't. Paella mariscos ($28 for half, $56 for full): The rice could be crispier on the bottom, but it has great seafood flavor, and the seafood is perfectly cooked. I could do without the shrimp, but I love the mussels (watch out for the hairy parts) and clams and how tender they are. Pork belly ($10.50): I've had this 3 times and the texture varies from slightly tough to gooey tender, but overall this is very well cooked and tasty. I've never liked pork belly before this dish.

Here are things that I liked, but wouldn't necessarily get every time Scallop crudo ($14.50): I love the jalapeno on top for the slight kick and I like the flavor, but it is a bit pricey. Shishito peppers ($8.50): I think these are very well cooked, but the seasoning varies from not enough to just right. Gambas al ajillo ($9.50): It has good flavor, but it's not that much shrimp. Naan bread/lemon hummus: Very tasty, but you also get bread for free so might not need it. Patatas bravas ($8): This is very good and a friend who is a patatas bravas enthusiast says it's the best one she's ever had. It's just not my favorite dish. Marinated beets ($7): Very interesting flavor combination. Short rib ($18.5): Good flavor, could be more tender. Flan Catalan ($7): This is very rich, thick, and creamy, quite heavy. Definitely one of the better flans I've had. Crepas ($8): This had a good balance of flavors and was pretty light and refreshing, but wasn't anything special to me.

Here are things I was meh about: The seared scallops ($18.50) were a bit overcooked for my tastes and I didn't like the corn puree. Smoked bluefish pate ($11.50): Too much cream not enough fish. Burrata: Nothing wrong with it but not for me. Grilled asparagus ($9): Very mid, tasted kinda like boiled asparagus.

Overall I'm really glad this restaurant exists! I'll definitely be back to order my...

Barcelona Wine Bar in Cambridge, Massachusetts offers a delightful culinary experience that will transport you to the heart of Spain. Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood, this charming establishment boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere, complemented by an extensive selection of wines and delectable tapas.

Upon entering Barcelona Wine Bar, one is immediately captivated by the cozy ambiance, complete with rustic decor, dim lighting, and a bustling open kitchen. The staff greets you with a genuine smile and provides attentive service throughout your visit, adding to the overall welcoming feel of the place.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the food. The menu at Barcelona Wine Bar is a celebration of Spanish cuisine, showcasing an array of tapas, small plates, and larger dishes bursting with authentic flavors. Whether you're a meat lover or a vegetarian, there are plenty of options to please every palate. The patatas bravas, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, are a must-try, while the grilled octopus offers a delightful combination of tenderness and smoky char. For meat enthusiasts, the succulent Iberian pork cheeks are a true highlight.

Accompanying the food is an impressive selection of wines from Spain and beyond, carefully curated to complement the dishes. The knowledgeable staff is more than happy to guide you through the extensive wine list, helping you find the perfect pairing for your meal. If wine isn't your preferred choice, fear not, as they also offer a range of craft cocktails and other beverages to suit your taste.

What truly sets Barcelona Wine Bar apart is its dedication to creating a memorable dining experience. From the impeccable presentation of each dish to the exceptional quality of ingredients, it's evident that great care goes into every aspect of the meal. Whether you're catching up with friends, enjoying a romantic evening, or simply exploring the world of Spanish cuisine, this establishment guarantees a delightful time.

While Barcelona Wine Bar's popularity can sometimes lead to a bustling environment, reservations are recommended to secure a table. Additionally, be prepared for a lively atmosphere, as the restaurant can get quite busy during peak hours.

In conclusion, Barcelona Wine Bar in Cambridge, Massachusetts offers an enchanting escape to Spain through its delectable cuisine, extensive wine selection, and inviting ambiance. Immerse yourself in the flavors of Spanish tapas and let the friendly staff take you on a culinary journey you won't...

My friends and I had a reservation last night at 7:00 pm. We showed up on time and were told “the table before you is just finishing up dessert”. We then waited for one hour for our table that we had a reservation for. My group and I originally felt understanding because we know things happen, as we’ve all worked in the restaurant industry in the past. Then after we were seated we were served in a timely manner. When our server was taking our orders, he seemed to try really hard to get our orders taken correctly as it was loud in the restaurant which we appreciated and it ensured that we would get everything we asked for (not more not less). Our food came out one by one over 30 minutes, which was fine because it’s a small plate restaurant, however the food runners kept setting food down that wasn’t ours and we would tell them it wasn’t ours but then they would leave it on our table. When we told the server that we were receiving food we didn’t order he replied “are you sure you didn’t order it?” in a condescending tone. One time I asked for water very politely and he said okay and as he walked away he rolled his eyes as if I said something mean to him and I don’t feel as if we were asking him too many favors at all. Towards the end of the night, we each decided to order one more drink. Our checks were brought out just a few minutes after and then the manager decided to come up to us as we were still drinking cocktails and “apologize” about our wait for the reservation then leading into forcing us out the door by telling us reservations were waiting. We received no apology for our waiting one hour for our table until this point and I would love to note that we were at our table for about 2 hours, which I’d say is not an excessive amount of time for a group of 6 and as we left there was not a single person waiting at the door for a table. It was all in all a very displeasant evening. The only positive side of our experience was the food, which was good but definitely not worth going back for considering the hostile environment. I am not one to leave reviews, but this was too much to not say something and I would hate it for people in the future to be treated...