Barlata - Menu

3.5 stars I came during happy hour so the prices were better, especially for me who was trying multiple dishes. The croquettes and the lamb empanadas were reall... read more 3.5 stars I came during happy hour so the prices were better, especially for me who was trying multiple dishes. The croquettes and the lamb empanadas were really tasty and flavorful as well as the steak. I really did not like the paella, it was definitely undercooked. Some of the grains of rice was rock hard and there was zero crust that you would expect from a paella. Also the sangria was too sweet and after I let the ice melt, it became too watery. The server did ask me if I wanted to exchange it for something else which was nice but by the time she noticed I hadn?t drank it, I was already getting up to leave.

About a decade ago, my wife met the chef while he was teaching a cooking class at Central Market on LaMar Blvd in Austin, as he was preparing to open his Austin... read more About a decade ago, my wife met the chef while he was teaching a cooking class at Central Market on LaMar Blvd in Austin, as he was preparing to open his Austin location. Yesterday marked our first visit to the new restaurant in Austin. It's much newer and larger than B44, which is understandable given its compact location in a small alley packed with restaurants, but the food remains outstanding at both venues. I’m quite familiar with the paella, having sampled various kinds, including one made with squid ink, which I’m not particularly fond of. However, my wife loves it. This time, we opted for her favorite: grilled octopus, or as it’s known in Catalan, Pulpo a la plancha. It’s served with a mixed greens and pickled red onion salad dressed with Cava vinaigrette. She loved it so much that she ordered a second portion to take home. I can’t blame her; although I’m not a huge fan of octopus—often finding it chewy and flavorless—this was the best I’ve ever had. The chef truly showcases his passion for octopus, evident in the decor and the execution of the dish. It was perfectly cooked, moist, and bursting with flavor. I indulged in one of my favorite dishes: their grilled churrasco steak served with shishito peppers and French fries. They consistently cook the steak to perfection. I recall not being a big fan of their fries, so next time I’ll switch to their patatas bravas, which are some of the best potato sides I’ve ever tasted. We also shared a plate of grilled shrimp sautéed in a spicy adobo sauce with garlic. The generous garlic slices were charred to perfection, giving the shrimp a wonderful kick. Following that, we enjoyed a petite plate of Pincho Moruno—grilled Moroccan lamb skewers drizzled with a spicy sofrito pimentón sauce and accompanied by a cucumber salad. The cucumber salad was exceptionally fresh, and paired nicely with the spicy, tender chunks of lamb, making it a perfect dish for a hot summer day. As you can see, the chef is highly skilled in sauces and seasonings from the Catalan and Spanish regions, which makes the dishes particularly flavorful and unique. If you have the opportunity, don’t miss out on this gem, and return until you’ve tried everything on the menu. My wife and I have tackled more than half the menu and are eager to explore the rest. Many of the dishes feature flavors that are hard to find in other restaurants. And, of course, don’t forget to try the homemade sangria on a hot day in Austin, TX!