As part of our 44th Anniversary month celebrating during the pandemic, we had scoped out Barcelona Wine Bar a week prior to see whether it had outside patio and spacing of tables. It did and we made an early reservation with Curtis requesting an outside...table.(Tip even wen the online says not available call the restaurant directly). Because the outside area is small, when you arrive you will be told if a table is ready and if not, you can wait outside across the street where there is a large outdoor area.
We waited about 10 minutes and a small table for 2 opened up. It was nice to have actual menus (wiped down) rather than have to scan the menu, enlarge it and then read to order.
When we were sated, our hostess requested we place all finished plates at the end of the table to make it easier for pick-up and avoided staff having to reach across.
We were fortunate to have Trey H as our sever and he as excellent supported by his colleagues. Very attentive and gave good recommendations and checking in with us without being obtrusive. I noted this to the Manager on duty and I trust he mentioned our feedback.
Having scoped the menu before we arrived, what caught my eye was the WHOLE ROASTED BRANZINO, a fish with bones that my CEO, and Italian American had introduced me to a few years ago. Fortunately, the restaurant fillets the fish, removing the head, tail and most of the bones. The fish was excellent and my wife became a fan! We later learned it’s so popular that the restaurant orders extra for the weekend. This was Saturday at 7 and we had the last fish.
WE also saw the paella and knew well enough to order in advance as it takes 40 minutes. Trey let us substitute some items since we didn’t want others and when it arrived hot, it was delicious especially with the fish.
It was nice to be served bread with oil (ask for black pepper) w/o having to pay extra like so many restaurants now. The bread was delicious.
For appetizers we had the gambas (shrimp) which was tasty, truffle cheese with amazing bread (Tip ask for extra bread). The cucumber dish was a bit spicy. The hangar steak was cooked to perfection
For dessert we enjoyed the flan which was small but gave a nice after-dinner taste.
We really enjoyed out dinner, probably the best experience thus far during the pandemic. Great food, ambiance , service and well away from pedestrian traffic. A very strong recommend.More