Table Reservation - Iris Gallery

If you stay with Estela Hotel (which I will cover in my separate full-of-excitement review) don't bother to look for a dinner place: the best restaurant in town... read more If you stay with Estela Hotel (which I will cover in my separate full-of-excitement review) don't bother to look for a dinner place: the best restaurant in town is literally under your feet. The menu may look modest enough with just a few seafood and as many meat dishes but... Their chef deserves all the thumbs up: the food is amazingly fine, delicate and balanced. The waiter was very nice and hospitable, the orders arrived with no annoying delays, the restaraunt is really permeated with a very cozy and friendly atmosphere. Can't wait for tomorrow night to try something else!

We had reserved ahead before leaving Italy and rushed from Girona Airport to arrive punctually at 2pm as I was worried I’d lose my table “with a view” but that... read more We had reserved ahead before leaving Italy and rushed from Girona Airport to arrive punctually at 2pm as I was worried I’d lose my table “with a view” but that was in Spain and for them about the right time for lunch. We couldn’t believe our eyes when we entered the Hotel Estela “Hotel del Arte”, which houses the restaurant. It’s like walking into a “small museum of Contemporary Art” filled with frescoes, paintings and sculptures. We were given an elegantly dressed table by the window as requested. I ordered the famous typical Catalan dish called ”Xató” and a beautiful plate of endive salad, with anchovies, tuna and bacallà (salted cod that is prepared to return to its original fresh cod taste), served with an incredibly rich sauce made with almonds, hazelnuts, breadcrumbs, grilled red pepper, garlic, vinegar and oil – it resembles a “Romesco sauce” but more complex. Followed an exquisite “tataki di atun” a barely grilled piece of tuna that melted like butter in the mouth. My husband chose the “Menu Exposition” and was presented with a huge soup terrine filled with chunks of fish, prawns, and mussels. Followed a generous serving of grilled squid – so tender! For dessert, a mascarpone ice cream with dates and dark chocolate truffles that were served chilled. Wines: Started with a “copa of Cava”, a Catalan sparkling white wine and continued with a full bodied biological red wine “Garnatxa” from Finca Viladellops. The service was attentive and very professional. Washrooms: Needless to say, they were decorated with works of art!