Everyone speaks about it – and it’s good, but not that great: Restaurant Bar Brutal (15. August 2025)
I have heard of the Bar Brutal so many times that I never thought I would actually end up going here. I think the first time I heard about it (according to my recommendation list) was back in 2016. Ever since I’ve been many times to Barcelona but never managed to go here. Finally, it was time.
Given we were a larger group, we ordered basically the whole menu once (with the exception of a few dishes) and they were brought to the table – at least in the beginning – super swiftly, so, it was almost a bit stressful. That being said, the “anchovies in olive oil with pepper” (EUR 8.00) were definitely enjoyable.
Secondly, the “Labneh, bottarga, oregano, mint” (EUR 12.00) wasn’t tasting very fishy, so it was kind of a perfect spread with the bread. And of course, with the bread, the slices of “jamón Iberíco” (EUR 14.00) were quite perfect too.
The small “queen scallops” (EUR 13.00) looked simple, but they had an absolutely great aroma profile that we re-ordered them later that night again.
The “cured tuna loin with almonds” (EUR 12.00) were equally delicious, and didn’t taste too fishy, as you would somehow expect.
The “Italian ‘Capitelli’ pancetta” (EUR 10.00) was rich and flavorful, and although not really Spanish, it was very enjoyable and went great with the bread.
You know, when you get “squid, black garlic mayo, red cabbage, sesame” (EUR 18.00), you would wonder if it’s good or if it’s too chewy (which it too often is), but this one actually turned out to be superbly delicious – it was tender and perfectly aromatic, and even the red cabbage was great in taste.
The “burrata, gremolata, zucchini, cucumber, pine nuts” (EUR 15.00) was equally nice but somehow nothing too special compared to the other dishes – but a safe and sound choice.
The “seabass, pak choi, horseradish, dill” (EUR 19.00) was perfectly refreshing, and although I found the fish a little bit too chewy, it was great.
The “burrata, with peach, capers, and radishes” was refreshing and, hence, a good pause in between all the different wines we have had.
Not something I had expected, but “cured duck, apricots, hazelnut emulsion, endives, mustard” (EUR 18.00) turned out to be a superbly flavorful and enjoyable combination of textures and flavors.
The “tomatoes, peaches, shallots” (EUR 14.00)was so nice as all the different tomatoes looked nice together, and much more importantly, would be incredibly flavorful.
What I also enjoyed quite a lot was the “sea bass, pak choi, horseradish, dill” (EUR 19.00) – while the fennel wasn’t anything special, the sea bass was great in terms of flavor. Definitely a bit, which made your mouth water.
The “Iberian pork, Swiss chard, cod liver” (EUR 20.00) was good – but I must admit, I almost preferred the Swiss chard over the meat. Yeah, weird saying so, but the Swiss chard was prepared in that sauce, which made it so rich, flavorful, and enjoyable.
The place is brutal in the sense that there is a steady stream of people coming in and leaving – and if you manage to get a table in the back close to the kitchen, then that’s definitely a plus. Other than that, they do a great job at attending you and circling between all the different people.
Flor, who was the main responsible for our table, was mega friendly and attentive – and even took a few minutes here and there to talk and laugh.
Carolina, who is the sommelier, did a great job at satisfying different wine requests and wine tastes throughout the evening along different 9 bottles – not an easy task.
So, frankly, the Bar Brutal is somewhat brutal and it’s worth visiting, but it’s not that amazing in terms of food as I had hoped for from all the hype around it.
In all fairness, though, what you absolutely need to do if you want to dine here, is to book your table in advance. Short notice is a gamble you’re most likely to lose.
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Contact Details:
Restaurant Bar Brutal
Carrer de la Princesa 14
Ciutat Vella
08003 Barcelona (E)
Tel.: +34 933 19 98 81
E-Mail: hola@barbrutal.com
Homepage: https://barbrutal.com
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. 
