Truly local and interesting but far from mind-blowing: Restaurant Los Caracoles (5. August 2022)
The Los Caracoles has been on my recommendation list for quite a while. So, it was about time that I gave it a try and went to eat there. It’s highly recommended that you book a table in advance since it’s relatively crowded – even if you enter only at 9.30pm. I went for the “jamón Ibérico de bellota” (EUR 24.00) which was very pricey compared to the rest of the dishes, but it was also quite delicious.
Then, I went for the “caracoles especiales” (EUR 13.50) which are basically snails served in some kind of sauce. But compared to the French version, the sauce is much thicker and much heavier – so, I wasn’t able to eat too many of these.
The “cuttlefish ‘from the beach straight on to the grill'” (EUR 16.00) was decent. I mean, the quality was good, it wasn’t chewy, but it was also super simple.
The “octopus with bacon and potato parmentier” (EUR 21.00) was definitely not what I expected. The octopus was good, since it was aromatic, and actually quite soft and smooth. However, I had expected that there would be cuts of octopus with bacon cubes or the like, and not just a piece of massive pancetta, some mashed potatoes and octopus. Frankly, what a weird combination! And, also, what a ‘not so tasty’ combination.
The place is simple, nice, crowded, has a lot of different small rooms, and you walk through the kitchen when you enter – all quite entertaining and lovely.
The whole thing is somehow interesting in terms of atmosphere and liveliness – and the service is super friendly and attentive, even jovial. So, nothing to complain right there. However, the food isn’t really something I would go for again. Sure, it’s not bad, but it’s far from exciting. There are definitely better restaurants when it comes to the quality of the dishes.
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Contact Details:
Restaurant Los Caracoles
Carrer dels Escudellers 14
08002 Barcelona (E)
Tel.: +34 933 01 20 41
Homepage: http://www.loscaracoles.es
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
