Outstanding service in a mind-blowing interior: Restaurant La Selva (15. October 2023)

I was recommended to visit the La Selva by a friend, and I must say, it’s a great recommendation. Once you’re seated, you’re served a few “smoked edamame” on the house, and they were actually much better than I had expected.

As starters, we went for the “corn toast with yellow fin tuna and guacamole” (EUR 9.90), which was simple, but absolutely enjoyable. Almost felt like a Mexican taco, but almost, and not really, but it was great.

Next in line was the “sea bass and shrimp ceviche” (EUR 16.50) where I was rather curious if this was going to be something good. Turns out, the answer is yes. It was actually quite a delicious ceviche worth trying.

Next in line, we went for “Calamares Andalus” (EUR 14.90), which were okay, but really just that. I mean, I’m not sure how amazing you can make your fried calamares, but compared to similar dishes I’ve had, this definitely wasn’t the best one I’ve tried in my life.

Then it was time for what the La Selva is famous for, the “hot stone with beef fat”. You basically get a sizzling hot “hot stone”, and then you put the beef fat on there yourself, so you get to grill your meat right in front of you.

I decided to go for the “Uruguayan Aberdeen flank steak (250gr)” (EUR 19.90) and I must say, it was not only tasty, but it was a bargain. I mean, sure, it is not the absolute prime cut of the meat, but it was delicious and super worth enjoying. As we seemed to be eating a bit slow, the stone was, at some point, not that hot any more. But they realised that themselves, came, and changed the hot stone. That is what I call attentive service.

Our waiter was a lovely older man (I would say late 50ies or early 60ies), who really went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and provide us with a great service experience. That is really how service should be done – that you feel welcome during the whole stay.

For dessert, it was time to try the “white chocolate egg filled with mango mousse” (EUR 6.90) and it did not only look nicely, it also tasted great.

My “vanilla ice cream and lemon sorbet” (EUR 5.50) on the other hand was rather standard. Not the optimal ending to an extensive lunch, but still great in terms of overall experience.

But the best thing is still to come – the place is not only equipped with good food and friendly staff. No, there is more to it, which is the absolutely amazing interior and atmosphere.

So, to me, the La Selva is really a precious find. Good food, very fair prices, excellent service, and superb atmosphere. I would highly recommend you to book in advance or come early (so, around noon), since, as soon as it is lunch time for the Spaniards, the place gets crammed.

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Contact Details:

Restaurant La Selva

C/ de Còrsega 235

08036 Barcelona (E)

Tel.: +34 935 39 93 61

E-Mail: hola@laselvabarcelona.es

Homepage: https://laselvabarcelona.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.