Pla

Detrás de la Plaça de Sant Jaume, concretamente detrás de L’Ajuntament de Barcelona está El Pla. Allí, casi escondido, casi un secreto… pero debe ser un secreto a voces porque de lunes a viernes, desde las 19 horas hasta su hora de cierre, está lleno. Un ambiente cálido, romántico incluso, con luces indirectas y de sobre mesa junto a pequeños detalles crean una atmósfera relajada que parece impedir que se suba el tono de voz. Primer punto a su favor, debo reconocer que el ruido me molesta y mucho a la hora de cenar o comer. Para mi es un momento de disfrute y en el que debe ser imprescindible poder mantener una conversación sin tener que gritar.
El local se llena rápido y aún asi sigue entrando gente preguntando por mesa, si no para ese momento, para averiguar si es posible en un segundo turno, o eso intuyo. Las paredes exhiben fotografías y en una de ellas, algo más alta, se proyectan imágenes discretas, poco estridentes que no permiten que distraerte a no ser que tú así lo elijas. Damien, quien nos atiende es el jefe de sala y sumiller. Nos da alguna explicación de que podemos encontrar en la carta y, sobre todo, de las Sugerencias del Chef de esa noche, aquellos platos fuera de carta (de momento) con los que los chefs se lucen y testean sus «creaciones esporádicas» por llamarlas de alguna forma. Como es habitual, nos ponemos en sus manos tanto para la comida como para hacer el menú maridado.
El Pla, con su oferta gastronómica, me recordó a la cocina nórdica. El protagonismo de las raíces, de las verduras, de los salazones y encurtidos me llevan a climas fríos alejados del mediterráneo. No tengo duda de que el origen de su joven Chef, Adrew Smith llena de personalidad esta cocina: Irlanda. Una herencia que se aprecia en los ingredientes.
Su técnica, su ambiente y su trato está a la altura de cualquier restaurante premiado y muy por encima de muchos más escuchados. Al día siguiente aún reflexionaba sobre la experiencia de la noche anterior y las palabras que me vinieron a la cabeza mientras que la recordaba fueron «he salido de allí gratamente descolocada». Hay que visitar El Pla. Sin excusas. Estoy segura de que me lo agradecereis.

Possibly my favourite restaurant in the world. The food and wine are outstanding, lighting and ambience in the intimate two floor restaurant are perfect with interesting and discreet projections on the walls and the wait staff are attentive. The chef clearly puts a lot of thought and effort into creating an eclectic, seasonal and delicious menu. The wine list has a lot of choice-​all excellent and their great sommelier is happy to give recommendations based on the dishes ordered. This chef is really one to watch and his creations make Pla a special place to visit. I would fly to Barcelona for the foie gras alone! Top quality food in a relaxed environment.

Amazing food served with the ambience of old Spain– with a refreshingly modern and updated twist.
Service was slow but just so we could savor each and every morsel of each and every dish!
Seafood– meats– vegetables– all dishes were great.
We shared desserts because we couldn’t eat anymore

Below my expectations after reading other reviews on Unilocal.The food was good but not great. The dessert a «milhojas» cake was tasteless, hard to eat and a total disappointment.
Our main problem with the place (if the food was not enough) was the service. We realized that the glass of wine that we ordered had detergent residue or something like that and told the waitress so she would change it. She told us that it was the «stain of the glass» (whatever that may be) and that is was normal. Whaaat? After being dismissive finally said with annoyed voice «if you want I can change it but it is not necessary». After that she was rude and paid no attention to our table and took forever to pick up empty plates and to attend us.
Frankly I can take this in a cheap fast food restaurant, but Pla claims to be upscale and fine dining.
Perfect place to ruin the mood of the night.

Absolutely not worth the money. After reading the other reviews we decided to try Pla, since the comments were so good. The food was just ok, nothing exceptional, and on top of that the service was very rude. It wouldn’t be a problem if this was a cheaper place, but given their prices one would expect much more and better.

Used Unilocal to select this restaurant and wasn’t disappointed. Fantastic meal. Did the tasting menu with the accompanying wine flight. Exceptional! Amazing part of Barcelona as well. Fully recommend to anyone. I was even little scared as someone with a less adventurous palate, but every course was awesome and service was exceptional.

Where do I even describing our phenomenal dining experience at Pla? We had a little trouble finding this gem since it’s located on a small street as so many restaurants are in the Gothic quarter here. It was absolutely worth the effort when we entered the restaurant on our last night in Barcelona! We were fortunate enough to get a table without a reservation on a Monday night. We had no problem enjoying the view from the bar before sitting down at the table! My boyfriend definitely picked a winner for our last dinner!
AMBIENCE: charming, cozy, romantic, rustic and modern! All the elements for an excellent dinner with significant other or a group of friends! There is a second dining level that provides additional tables. We sat front and center on the main level with a view of the bar, the projection wall and the entrance of the restaurant. We were intrigued by all the amazing photos projected on the wall… it’s a dinner and a show! I loved the small table lamp that provided just the right amount of lighting.
FOOD: wow, our 6-​course meal was a culinary triumph! The menu was carefully curated to reflect the regional cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. Our waiter informed us that they’re in transitioning from the summer menu to the fall menu. The complimentary broccoli soup was very light and tasty — a perfect way to start off a meal. We ordered the 3D broccoli carpaccio, which was a work of art. I never knew you could shave the broccoli into slices that thin! We then proceeded to the main course — aubergine with tofu crumble and lightly seared Iberian pork tenderloin. My boyfriend said the pork tenderloin was the best he’s had and he raved about how tender it was since it was barely cooked. My aubergine entrée was good but I thought the tofu was the main star given how the waiter described it. But all the roasted veggies and droplets of sauces on the plate were superb! For dessert, we had the special with fresh figs, crème, chocolate cake. It was pure heaven! The complimentary desserts (mango drink and dark chocolate balls) were equally delicious!
Service: we waited for a while before our waiter finally came to our table but we didn’t mind it at all. The waiter was very patient and explained the menu in details. The staff actually sit down on a stool next to your table to explain the menu and answer all your questions before you order — what a refreshing change compared to the service in the US.
Overall, we ate like a king at Pla! There was no doubt that this was the best meal I’ve had hands down! I appreciated the fact that the portions are adequate and satisfying without leaving you stuffed! The chef has for sure mastered the art of fine dining!

Writing this review from the restaurant itself!
First thing off, the moment we entered the restaurant we were stunned — the interior is cozy, comfortable and welcoming; all great qualities. Just make sure to reserve a table here — place was full even though it was 10 pm.
Our waiter was very charming — he explained the dishes to us in great detail, we felt welcomed where somewhere else I personally would’ve felt slightly uncomfortable in this situation.
The food is really great, BUT two things:
1. It is definetly not cheap. I paid 24 euros for a very medium sized plate of steak and mashed potatoes, so this is not the place for you if you are on a budget.
2. As I mentioned briefly before, the portions are not all that big for their price tag. Sure, it’s good that they’re not oversized, but I felt just the slightest bit underwhelmed. But the quality definetly made up for it!
Overall this is a great place to go if you just want a calm evening with your loved ones. (Plus they give you a free treat at the end of your meal!)

This is probably one of the best restaurants i’ve eaten in EVER! The whole atmosphere from the lighting, to the friendly staff, to the quality of the food… is out-​standing. If you have to try anything, try the Octopus, it really is unreal anything i’ve ever tasted and I would fly back to Barcelona for this dish alone.

Great food, but a bit over priced for Spain. The broccoli salad and the tomato seaweed salads were both excellent. My 8 yo old boy enjoyed the steak, my husband liked his pork dish and I loved the daily special, fish ceviche. The portion is very generous!

Wow, Pla was fantastic. The ambience, the food, the service. All A+.
I was skeptical when our hotel recommended it because I was thinking it’d be super touristy but then we met a few locals who also highly recommended it. Luckily we called for a reservation — I don’t think you can get a seat just walking in. After 8 days in Spain, after experiencing delicious meats and spiced dishes, I was desperate for just a green salad as appetizer and boy did they deliver! I also ordered a chicken pot pie dish and it was so decadent and wonderful.
The waitstaff is similarly well rounded. They greet you and pull up a chair next to you while going over the choices and specials. It all felt very comfortable and extremely nice — yet still with casual undertones. I told the waiter I was pregnant and he immediately rattled off some non-​alcoholic drinks they could make for me. I was impressed!

Didn’t love it as much as we thought we would considering all the hype. Would recommend making a reservation if you do eat here.
Ordered the cheese carpaccio as a starter which we did enjoy, really interesting and delightful way to serve a cheese!
For entrees, I had the Fideua with porcini mushrooms… it was fine. But overpriced and didn’t feel like a complete entrée as that was all that was on the dish — nothing to cut the flavor with between bites once it got to be too much. My husband had the fish special of the day which was also so-​so. He didn’t feel it was as amazing as should have been for the price or considering that it was their special of the day. Probably wouldn’t return to eat here on another trip, we ate at many other stellar places!

Went here our second night. The restaurant was beautiful-​great location and very romantic. It was recommended by many of our US friends. It was literally behind our hotel. I had the seabass ceviche which was amazing. I then had the pork which was also delightful. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to experience a great meal in the Gothic neighborhood.

On my last trip to Barcelona we went here twice on the recommendation of a friend. The food and service are excellent. Both times was for a business dinner. The folks Pla accommodate a large party and all of our special requests. It’s a little hard to find but just follow your maps application. Once you get oriented, very easy to find. If you are planning on going by taxi, it will drop you off nearby and you will have a very short walk down an ally way. I had Tuna one night and then a baked chicken dish the second. I had them pick out an array of appetizers. All of it was very good. Will definitely go back.

On a short trip to Barcelona I really wanted to find a place to enjoy Catalan food and not waste my chance ;) well, if you have only one chance to dine — choose Pla! Intimate setting, pleasant waiters, perfect wine list (although a bit lacking on choices per glass), small but varied menu — everything was pleasant.

What a great little find! I love the relaxed vibe of Barcelona and this place truly captures it, along with professionalism and great service. It’s not «Americanized» but I will admit that it’s a good place to go for a combo of authenticity and comfort as an American (usually I like sticking to authenticity, but this place makes it work).
We had all things from the sea. Go. You will love it, I’m sure.

I can imagine that if I lived in Barcelona (a girl can hope!), Pla is the place I would visit when I fancy a romantic or any kind of special night out. The location itself is quite mysterious, hidden real well in a quiet, narrow street. If you’re lucky enough, ask to be seated upstairs where you can have your cozy table while overlooking the rest of the beautiful restaurant.
Focusing on creative Catalan cuisine, this would be a unique dining experience should you find yourself needing a break from food served with toothpicks (though I do love pintxos). I had a sardine salad, served really fresh (and by this, I mean you better love sardines) with some microgreens and just a sliver of avocado to add a creamy texture to the salad. My husband had some seaweed noodles which he claimed to be «too clean» because it was bland, boring, and tasteless.
For our main course, we chose a dry-​aged sirloin as well as corvina — these were excellent choices! Service was impeccable without being too overbearing or snooty and the complimentary truffles and marshmallows were the perfect way to end our meal.

My girlfriend took me here for my birthday and, wow, did she hit bullseye!
Such a cosy, well hidden, gastronomical pearl with a selection of dishes that are all worth the order. The presentation was outstanding, the quality of products use; above standards and the wines proposed; spot on!
The staff was grant; dedicated and attentive to their guests and where necessary changing from Catalan to Castellano to English and back.
We can highly recommend restaurant Pla to all those who know how to value good food!
Bravo!

In travelings to Barcelona, a place which is now the place of the «world’s best restaurant», one’s culinary expectations are definitely at a high pitch. And, largely, those expectations are met — from the casual elegance and quality of neighborhood tapas to more formal dining, Barcelona delivers.
Pla should be a shining star in that firmament — dining here is a delight, a pleasure, an astonishment. The chef is an alumni of Adrian Ferrer’s El Bulli kitchen — and that pedigree shows in the dishes delivered to the table. Sous-​vide, molecular gastronomy,
A charming interior, friendly and superb service—
This is an experience that remains a highlight of a week in Barcelona and a reason for a quick return. Do note, it’s in an area of the Area Gotic that cars are not allowed into — so you will be walking at least 2 blocks from the taxi stand in front of the «City Hall»…
Reservations are a must — and oddly, for such a high-​end restaurant, they were able to accomodate (or really, there was delicious food that the kids didn’t think of as being «adult») two well behaved children, ages 6 and 9…
Not excepting our dinner with kids, as a dinner for two, this would be a knockout.

Very tasty. Great service. English, Catalan and Spanish speaking. Located in the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona; this restaurant opened in 1998 (according to their website). This restaurant has a very warm, intimate atmosphere.
Honestly, it was difficult to find this place and I can’t think of any landmarks, BUT I have attached a copy of the map on the back of their business card, so see the pictures section. The food pictures speak for themselves. It’s a little pricey… the four of us pigged out and spent about 30 – 35 Euro a person with wine; we recommend the Cinclus 08 (white wine); especially if you’re planning on eating seafood.
Their menu has a nice variety of meats with some vegetables, charcuterie and desserts. Very fresh and flavorful. Not many pure vegetarian options, just so you know.
Tip: They get all their fresh fish from the Boquerria market, so if you are craving fish, do not go on a Monday because the market is closed and they will not have their Fish of the Day. Also, Pla is only open for dinner! Reservations recommended.

Five of us had dinner here when we were in Barcelona. We found it by noticing the logo and the really dark and mysterious inside — so we came back for dinner at about 9pm (too early for spain). Starting with cocktails, they poured the drinks tableside which was a nice touch. The service was pretty solid and the prices were fair.
The group agreed that the almond-​melon soup was the basically the best soup anyone had ever tasted. The ingredients were fresh, the menu innovative. I had the lamb, which was stellar and I tried the tenderloin which nailed it again. Everyone at the table was either silent or talking about how great their food was during dinner = success.

Local agradable y bien situado. la cocina es fusion creativa. me gusto

im Dschungel der vielen unzähligen restaurants in Barcelonas Altstadt, ist das ein sehr schönes Plätzchen. Leider ohne Reservierung kaum eine Chance dort einen Tisch zu bekommen, da nicht sehr groß. Essen modern und köstlich, Bewirtung zügig und freundlich, Preise in einem sehr guten Verhältnis.

Restaurante situado en Barcelona.
Lugar de cocina creativa con un gran ambiente, acogedor, íntimo y un trato excelente.
Una presentación muy cuidada en sus platos.
Principalmente sus productos son de primera calidad, todo fresco y de temporada. Gran carta mediterránea, donde puedes también tapear y tomar unos ricos postres.
Amplia bodega de vinos.
El precio era asequible, la gran calidad y cantidad hacia que el precio fuese fantástico.