Bodega Balmes - Barcelona

Decor! and democratic price super good server and good advice! read more Decor! and democratic price super good server and good advice!

I loved it, it was the first time and so much the place, service and excellent quality, I recommend it to all my people read more I loved it, it was the first time and so much the place, service and excellent quality, I recommend it to all my people

The place is a lovely building and has a lot of potential. Sadly the staff were rude and unwelcoming from the beginning of our visit. We were told to sit where... read more The place is a lovely building and has a lot of potential. Sadly the staff were rude and unwelcoming from the beginning of our visit. We were told to sit where we liked so we sat through in the empty dining room. A minute later another staff member came and told us we´d have to move soon because of dinner reservations (this would be fine if the news was delivered with a smile, however we were told bluntly as if we´d done something wrong! We ordered a bottle of wine which was fine for the price but nothing special. We were asked to move about 30 40 mins after sitting down which was fine as we´d been pre warned. Once we moved, we asked the bar tender if one of the tapas dishes in the display cabinet was vegetarian he confirmed it was so we ordered it. It was some kind of coleslaw looking dish served with crackers and olives. I think it was called Russian Salad. My boyfriend tasted it and it had tuna in and the olives were stuffed with anchovies. We took the dish back and said sorry we can´t eat it as it´s not vegetarian. The fierce looking lady who had told about moving seats, then became very angry and asked us what she was supposed to do throw the dish away?! Later when we paid, we tried to apologise for the mix up and explain that we´d been told the dish was vegetarian. She remained rude and commented oh well, we´re even now because she´d moved us from the table and we sent back a dish as if it was some kind of revenge move on our part! Absolutely nuts. It´s a shame as this is a local bar to us and seemed like it could have become a regular haunt. I don´t even feel comfortable walking past now!

Looks authentic enough but the food is on the poor side. The salt cod was bottom of the rung quality. Chewy. The traditional coca de sardines used tinned sardin... read more Looks authentic enough but the food is on the poor side. The salt cod was bottom of the rung quality. Chewy. The traditional coca de sardines used tinned sardines. The fresh scallops were good, and the tomato bread was good, if overpriced. Price per person: €50–60 Food: 2 Service: 3 Atmosphere: 2

Came here with a friend and we split a few tapas and a bottle of wine. We paid 20e each and left still feeling a bit hungry. The portions were small, but tasted... read more Came here with a friend and we split a few tapas and a bottle of wine. We paid 20e each and left still feeling a bit hungry. The portions were small, but tasted great. Cool place for wine and vermut.