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Name: Barcelona
Address: 263 E Whittier St, Columbus, OH, 43206
Telephone: (614) 443-3699
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.05

Barcelona

263 E Whittier St, Columbus, OH, 43206

(614) 443-3699
Store is closed

Barcelona Menu

Chorizos, Embutidos y Quesos

Cantimpalo

Pamplona

Iberico

Sarta

Salchichon de Vic

Sobrasada

Butifarra

Picante

Soria

Jam?n Serrano

Cana de Cabra

Mahon

Rosemary Manchego

Idiazabal

Valdeon

Cantimpalo

Pamplona

Iberico

Sarta

Salchichon de Vic

Sobrasada

Butifarra

Picante

Soria

Jam?n Serrano

Cana de Cabra

Mahon

Rosemary Manchego

Idiazabal

Valdeon
Sopas y Ensaladas

Sopa de Calabaza

Gazpacho

Sopa de Melocoton

Ensalada Picada

Ensalada de Rucula

Ensalada de Espinacas

Caesar

Sopa de Calabaza

Gazpacho

Sopa de Melocoton

Ensalada Picada

Ensalada de Rucula

Ensalada de Espinacas

Caesar
Tapas

Humus Verde

Aceitunas Mixtas

Almendras Marconas

Plato de Tapas

Croquetas

Calamares Fritos

Gambas al Ajillo

Humus Verde

Aceitunas Mixtas

Almendras Marconas

Plato de Tapas

Croquetas

Calamares Fritos

Gambas al Ajillo
Raciones

Paella de Mariscos

Paella con Pollo y Chorizo

Paella de Costillas

Vieiras

Pastel de Cangrejo

Hamburguesa

Torta de Pollo

Torta Cubano

Salmon

Paella de Mariscos

Paella con Pollo y Chorizo

Paella de Costillas

Vieiras

Pastel de Cangrejo

Hamburguesa

Torta de Pollo

Torta Cubano

Salmon
Starters

Sopa de Papa Puerro

Patatas Bravas

Bruselas

Sopa de Papa Puerro

Patatas Bravas

Bruselas
Entrees

Pollo

Fideos

Bikini

Pollo

Fideos

Bikini
Sides

Fresh Fruit

French Fries

Farro Salad

Fresh Fruit

French Fries

Farro Salad

Healthy Meal suggestions for Barcelona

Chorizos, Embutidos y Quesos

Cantimpalo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pamplona [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Iberico [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sarta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salchichon de Vic [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sobrasada [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Butifarra [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Picante [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Soria [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jam?n Serrano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cana de Cabra [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mahon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rosemary Manchego [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Idiazabal [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Valdeon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cantimpalo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pamplona [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Iberico [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sarta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salchichon de Vic [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sobrasada [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Butifarra [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Picante [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Soria [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jam?n Serrano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cana de Cabra [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mahon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rosemary Manchego [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Idiazabal [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Valdeon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sopas y Ensaladas

Sopa de Calabaza [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gazpacho [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sopa de Melocoton [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ensalada Picada [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ensalada de Rucula [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ensalada de Espinacas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caesar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sopa de Calabaza [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gazpacho [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sopa de Melocoton [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ensalada Picada [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ensalada de Rucula [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ensalada de Espinacas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caesar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Tapas

Humus Verde [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Aceitunas Mixtas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Almendras Marconas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Plato de Tapas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Croquetas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Calamares Fritos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gambas al Ajillo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Humus Verde [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Aceitunas Mixtas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Almendras Marconas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Plato de Tapas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Croquetas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Calamares Fritos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gambas al Ajillo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Raciones

Paella de Mariscos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Paella con Pollo y Chorizo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Paella de Costillas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vieiras [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pastel de Cangrejo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hamburguesa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Torta de Pollo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Torta Cubano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Paella de Mariscos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Paella con Pollo y Chorizo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Paella de Costillas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vieiras [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pastel de Cangrejo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hamburguesa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Torta de Pollo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Torta Cubano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Starters

Sopa de Papa Puerro [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Patatas Bravas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bruselas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sopa de Papa Puerro [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Patatas Bravas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bruselas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Entrees

Pollo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fideos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bikini [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fideos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bikini [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sides

Fresh Fruit [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

French Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Farro Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fresh Fruit [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

French Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Farro Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Columbus for healthy meals suggestion.

A&W Restaurant ( 3561 Cleveland Ave )

Wendy’s ( 450 W 10th Ave )

Wendy’s ( 666 E 5th Ave )

Visit below restaurant in Columbus for healthy meals suggestion.

A&W Restaurant ( 3561 Cleveland Ave )

Wendy’s ( 450 W 10th Ave )

Wendy’s ( 666 E 5th Ave )

Write An Anonymous Review

Stacey P.

Love the menu! I want everything !
(5)
Thao T.

I'm a huge fan of tapas, so of course, I was excited to try Barcelona. It had a great atmosphere, warm and fun--though a bit loud. Conversation was difficult, but we went during prime-time Saturday night dining, so it wasn't that big of a deal. Great location, of course, in scenic German Village. We just went with small plates, which were, for the most part, adequate, with a few stand-outs. The calamari was tender and well-cooked; and the stuffed avocado had such good flavor. Some of the plates came out colder than (I guessed) was intended, and lacking in seasoning. We got a bottle of celebratory cava for $20, which is a steal at a restaurant! I had fun there, but I'm not sure I would rate it above some of my other favorites in Columbus.
(3)
Erin I.

The atmosphere at Barcelona is fun, especially for a Columbus restaurant. You definitely want to try this place out, at least once. But, let me tell you - especially coming from someone who lived in Spain - this place is nothing special. You also must truly enjoy seafood to like Barcelona. If you can, go when they are running specials or try some of their appetizers during happy hour!
(3)
Emily H.

Very nice on a Tuesday evening - live music, very friendly staff, and good food. We started with delicious, not-too-strong cocktails which were on the pricey side but not outrageous. Caesar salads for appetizers were ok - they needed a bit more dressing, but other than that were fine. I ordered the mushroom risotto, which was good but hardly had any mushroom flavor. The butternut squash is definitely the dominant flavor. My boyfriend's steak came out undercooked and very pink, and our waitress and the manager were very apologetic and we got a free dessert out of it - which was very nice because we weren't even upset or demanding. There were a number of delicious sounding desserts but chose creme brulee - perfectly cooked and nicely presented. The atmosphere is nice - not too quiet but not too loud, nicely decorated, and live music during the week is definitely a plus. I would definitely come back - especially when the weather is nicer and we can eat on the pretty patio.
(3)
jane s.

Delicious food, good service. I've been here 4 times and all have been good experiences. I will say there is something magical about the patio in the summertime. It's not that the inside is boring, because it's actually quite lovely, but it's just not the same. The prices are on the cusp of what I'd deem 'too expensive' for a typical dinner out, but not too steep to turn me away for the occasional celebration or special date. Try the goat cheese filled avocado or the cheese platter for appetizers. My husband raves about the paella. Desserts and wine are always just right.
(4)
Kris H.

I've only been to Barcelona once. I spent all of my money and felt completely satisfied. Single malt scotch, killer presentation/ food/ service, everything I want in a restaurant. The atmosphere was low key, and we were able to dine with a well-behaved 4 year old with no trouble. A little trouble. Not their fault though. I've never bellied up to the bar, but it looks like a good spot to grab a drink. Maybe two. Anymore than that and you'll be the loud guy at the bar that the occasional decent respectable people have to walk by on their way out.
(4)
Sean S.

I recently took 2 out-of-town friends on 2 separate occasions to Barcelona... The first friend was from Manhattan. He asked me if there was a place in Columbus where he could just get a really good medium rare steak without going to a steak house. Not being overly familiar with Barcelona's menu since I hadn't been there in a couple years, I suggested going here. He noticed there wasn't anything on the menu that struck his fancy, so he asked the server if they could give him a medium rare steak with no frills. Without any hesitation the server assured him they could. After only about half a bottle of wine later, a perfect, no-frills medium rare steak (and side dish) were placed before him. Upon biting into the steak my friend was giddy with pleasure because, according to him, it was one of the best, purest-tasting steaks he's ever had. (Take into consideration he's dined at some of New York's best restaurants.) I must admit my scallops were easily the best I've had in Columbus. Friend #2, who hails from San Francisco, wanted the sweet and spicy compote of baby lima beans, bacon, cream, mushrooms, dates and chile flakes that originally comes with the scallops since I had told him about my experience with them, however, he has an allergy to scallops, so he asked if he could replace the scallops with another fish. The server was highly knowledgeable as far as what would compliment the spicy sweetness of the compote and made a match for my friend that he wound up loving. To be honest, I was a bit afraid to have him order a seafood dish since he's constantly saying how San Francisco has amazing seafood. Needless to say, we were both extremely happy with our dishes. The restaurant seems to be very accommodating whenever you ask for something they might not have on the menu. Not only has the chef been accommodating, but the servers have been as well. On my last two visits we received a complimentary amuse bouche, both of which surprisingly complimented our meals very nicely. Another thing I'm very pleased with is that while the restaurant could be considered slightly upscale, the patio and interior are very relaxing, and not pretentious in any way. (The down-to-earth servers help with that aspect.) As far as Columbus is concerned, this is definitely one of my top 5 favorites.
(5)
Lord F.

Oh man this is my spot in German Village. It makes for a great date night. The food and service are superb, great fish and even better Sangria. Good wine list, really cool vibe.
(5)
Amy S.

Another one of my favourite restaurants in Columbus. I loved the food whilst I was in Spain and I wasn't disappointed here. The interior is lovely and the waitstaff amazing. We had questions about the preparation and ingredients (my dining companion had also lived in Spain) and our waitress went back to the kitchen to get the chef to answer our questions. She also recommended a wonderful bottle of Rioja to enjoy with our meal. We shared the calamari and octopus which were both amazing with very flavourful sauces as well as the spinach salad and a pasta dish which neither of us had ever heard of. If I could offer a suggestion that I wish they offered more traditional Catalan cuisine with a name like Barcelona rather than standard Spanish fare (paella is not a Catalan dish) it would be nice!
(4)
Doug O.

One of my favorite places to go for a nice dinner with my wife. We celebrated our wedding day at Barcelona just over five years ago and have never been disappointed since. My hat goes off to the entire staff for making this one of my favorite places to go for a great meal and a great glass of wine!
(5)
Sabrina H.

I recently went to Barcelona for my third wedding anniversary and for the first time since I've been there I actually didn't care much for what I ordered. I believe I ordered the grouper and it was overcooked and lacked flavor. My husband's steak was very good though.
(4)
Antonio C.

Sensational food atmosphere is off the charts drinks woo-hoo I just love this place!!!!!!
(5)
Julia C.

As someone who's traveled extensively and eaten a lot of top-notch Spanish food, I was excited to try Barcelona. After my first, and only, experience there, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. We went to Barcelona for a birthday celebration and were sorely disappointed. The overpriced tasting menu consisted of 5 very mediocre, tiny dishes. The "cheese croquettes" were 3 one-bite cheese sticks that would have been more appropriate to serve at Applebees. The shrimp had a non-offensive flavor, but were completely overcooked. The manchego cheese was tasty, but came with "caramelized olives" that were sickeningly sweet. When we decided to leave after the appetizer, preferring not to waste more money on overpriced, under flavored food, the waitress made a snide remark. When we explained that we were unsatisfied with the food, she brought us a comment card. You would think a manager might have checked in with us, but no one did. At least I had good company to make a potentially sour experience fun.
(1)
Liz G.

Located in German Village near downtown Columbus, with a charming inside atmosphere and a lovely patio with outdoor seating, Barcelona remains one of my all-time favorite higher-end restaurants. I have been here numerous times just for fun, and also had a gathering of family here for my law school graduation party dinner. I would reccommend this restaurant to anyone interested in Spanish fusion food and tapas, and especially to anyone interested in a great variety of excellent wine. The meals are original and delicious and I have never had a bad service experience. I agree with the posts here that the patio is the best place to sit, but the inside is very cozy and ecclectic for winter or air conditioned meals, as well. All in all, no complaints, and highly reccommend for dinners, dates, gatherings, or even small parties for graduations or rehearsal dinners.
(5)
Raffi K.

The atmosphere and location of this restaurant are great. The decor is excellent and electric, and the service we had was also prompt and friendly. However, the food is just OK, and for the price they charge, I would certainly expect more from the food. I walked away from the restaurant with the impression that I was mainly paying for the atmosphere and location. I must say, however, that the free bread and pudding cake are excellent.
(3)
Steven H.

Barcelona is an excellent fine dining establishment and is consistently ranked as one of the best date restaurants in the city. Located in German Village, the upscale restaurant features a large, varied wine selection and an extensive menu including everything from braised lamb shank to grilled espresso-crusted ribeye. My personal favorite is the Barcelona Tapas Platter: marinated salads, jamon serrano, chickpea hummus, roasted roma tomatoes, spiced olives and fresh mozzarella. A+
(5)
AnnE B.

Returned to Barcelona after many years. Pleasantly surprised with the dynamic weekly menu. Although you can't beat the enthusiasm of a true foodie serving as your waiter. The more Chris described the menu the more challenging the entree choices were. I could not pass on the wildly compound flavors of the bacon scallop dish with lima beans. A meal not to be forgotten! You must celebrate a restaurant & highly skilled waiter to offer wine recommendations based on a price range rather than than pushing an absurd bar bill. I highly suggest Barcelona for delightful meal out while in Columbus.
(4)
Brian W.

A thoroughly bland experience for a premium price. I have been waiting for years to eat at Barcelona. I've had Spanish cuisine in other locales, so I had some idea what to expect. What we received with the Tapas Tasting Menu was a dreary exercise in blandness. 6 tiny dishes (yes, I know tapas are supposed to be small...but 6 cubes of cheese small?). The anchovy-on-toast had 0 fish flavor (how is that even possible with anchovies?), but was awash in a bland mayonaisse-y sauce. The aforementioned cheese dish was just a few cubes of manchego dusted in paprika, with a couple of olives - good cheese, but shouldn't there be something else going on in that dish? The mushroom and sausage dish had almost no mushroom flavor. The sausage pieces were tasty (all three 1/4" sized pieces) but were bizarrely bold compared to the insipid mushroom gravy in which they swam. The crowning glory of this fiasco was the cheese sticks, er, pardon "aged cheddar croquettes"...that tasted almost exactly like the cheese sticks from Roosters (i.e. creamy center, breaded exterior). The difference, of course, was that our $5 plate of cheese sticks contained 3 pieces, each half the size of my pinky finger. To top it off, the wine was thoroughly forgettable. At ten dollars a glass, I want something memorable. Instead we got a servicable white and a harsh Rioja utterly lacking in complexity. I love Spanish wine, and I know you can find some really delicious, lively wines. Barcelona gets two stars (instead of 1) because we didn't get food poisoning, and the service was efficient and friendly. Otherwise...avoid. Drastically over priced and arrogant. There is so little competition for upscale Spanish cuisine that Barcelona is just mailing it in at this point.
(2)
Ayesha K.

The location and the atmosphere make you feel as if you are really in Europe. This restaurant being in German village with its cobble stone streets and colonial brick buildings already gives a unique feel to the establishment. The outdoor garden patio is just ridiculously relaxing on a warm summer night. There are lights strung all around, a nice fountain, and shrubbery surrounding the patio, such a wonderfully romantic feel. The cheese board was delicious as was the fish we had. Service was very quick and friendly and I found myself not wanting to leave the restaurant. Great date night or special occasion restaurant!
(5)
Ciara W.

Cute place in a nice, historic neighborhood. Customer's attire was more casual than i expected. Very good food, although the tapas plates seemed a little over priced for what they were. The wait staff was very knowledgeable and attentive. They canoli with candied bacon was exquisite! GREAT DRINK MENU. Overall i would return again.
(4)
Wenfan C.

Absolutely one of the few finest Spanish restaurants in Columbus! We were so lucky to enjoy not only its remarkable food accomplishment but also its exclusive live music on Sunday evenings. Barcelona is a diamond in German Village; it sits and shines in the history and accumulation of this place. As usual, we had an extra portion of meal with extra joy at Barcelona. We had Sopa de Cangrejo (creamy crab soup; pepper relish; crime fraiche), Vieras (pan seared sea scallops; bacon, mushroom, baby Lima beans, dates, chile flakes, cream), Paella Barcelona, Paella de Mariscos con Curry. And for dessert, we had Specials of the day and Pastel de Chocolate (warm chocolate pudding cake; vanilla ice cream, fresh strawberry). Every single piece of seafood was perfectly and accurately cooked. And various flavors complimented the basis of main ingredients (e.g. beans and dates surprisingly add sweetness into scallops' tenderness making Vieras a complete combination of flavors). To me, natural sweetness is one of the good signs for fine seafood and Barcelona has it all! This place would be a must go if you want good seafood and Paellla in Columbus! Highly recommend Vieras and various Paellas!
(5)
Etienne A.

Amazingly consistent, reliable, delicious, lively. This was our favorite restaurant several years ago, but then we moved away. Just returned after almost 4 years, and it was if we were family members coming home from a long holiday. The subtle variations we had so enjoyed had worked their way through all the menu items. Perfect paella. Exquisite cheeses (be sure to "interview" your waiter if you're not sure). The service is attentive without hovering. Wonderful Spanish cab by the glass. You can get tapas here, but somehow I never want to share what I order! So I'll get one or two tapas as an appetizer, sometimes three or four as a whole meal. You can't go wrong.
(4)
Aaron A.

Barcelona does fine dining a little different than most places in Columbus. The size of the space is much larger than it looks from the outside. The dining room is bright and open and lively, great for people watching. Check out the menu of the day at lunch. Three courses for ten bucks if memory serves me correctly. I had a delicious fried green tomato BLT last time I visited, but I always try something different. I've never had something I didn't like. My one warning is do not order the chocolate bar. It's just a very expensive chocolate bar with so,e extremely pretentious and bossy packaging. Not worth the money. Barcelona is my favorite fine dining spot in Columbus. Four stars.
(4)
Spencer M.

Phenomenal ambiance and great food! You can sit at the bar or eat in the dining room; it's perfect for both. Everything is good, but everything gets better with the Sangria! Highly recommend for first dates or special occasions
(5)
Megan M.

5 stars: Barcelona's lunch. I ordered the scallops with bacon, peas?, and dates and it was killer. The calamari appetizer was pipping hot, and the sauces were tasty- one with some oil/vinegar flair maybe? Will be back any time I am in the area for lunch. So, why 4? I came here for drinks one time and ordered a cheese plate. Notably, if you order a cheese plate here, it's not a plate of cheese. It's a singular piece of cheese, about the size of a quarter. If you get the trio, you get three pieces that are quarter sized- for $15?!?! Crazy.
(4)
Conrad S.

Scallops were great! Wonderful sauce... great service. Look forward to going again.
(5)
Stacia W.

I have never had a bad meal at Barcelona. In fact, they are some of the best meals I have ever had. The patio is amazing. Wine bottles are at cost on Sundays. I always get at least a couple apps, dinner, and dessert. It's expensive, but worth it!
(5)
Monty B.

The scallops were good. Cream based sauce. The paella was better though. Flavorful and a bit spicy. Calamari and short ribs were pretty good. Overall the food was good but we left with a $100 bill for 2 people and we didn't even have alcohol. Too expensive for what it was.
(3)
MeyMey L.

Love Love Love this place !! The scallops were amazing. A little pricey but it was worth it. I would definitely be back.
(5)
Gina J.

I was visiting friends from out of town last weekend and we ventured into Barcelona for a bite to eat. The White Wine Sangria was tasty and the food was great. Our server, on the other hand, was slow and not very attentive. We had to ask several times for different items, refills, etc. In his defense, it was a Saturday night and the place was busy. Other than the slow waiter, I would definitely dine here again next time I am in town.
(4)
Laura H.

Barcelona rocks my world. Valet parked, checked in for our reservation and asked to kill some time at the bar as we were 30 min early. Snagged 2 seats at the bar and was promptly served by the bartendar with 2 glasses of white wine. We selected a white light almost Reisling though naturally it wasn't a German wine. :) Loved it so much we ordered a bottle at dinner. The place was packed on a Saturday night and loud. If you don't like jammed and spirited don't bother - I found it charming. The wait staff was awesome. Very helpful in letting us select options and as always, I prefer and appreciate a server who know exactly how to space out their check ins at our table. FABULOUS dinner, fabulous wine. We had a four cheese spread for our starter, salmon and a lobster ravioli dish then a chocolate bar for dessert. I can't imagine this place in the summer. It's fabulous in the winter! Definitely spring for the valet. Don't hurt yourself by running around for parking - give up your car as it's in good hands and enjoy your night. It's worth it!
(5)
Paul S.

I hate giving only 3 stars because the service was really great and the food was good, but I can't get over the extremely tacky dÃ©cor. This place needs a facelift.
(3)
Julia T.

I like the ambiance. But. I had the Macaronnes al Horno and it had zero flavor. Maybe something else would have been better but this was a huge waste if calories. My husband had the Bistec and it looked like a pretty fatty cut. I may go back and try something else, but for the price...it may be a long while.
(3)
Jane F.

We stepped into Barcelona from the bitter cold into a warm, elegant dining room with tones of gold. We felt assured, relaxed and somehow at home when welcomed by the staff who led us to our table telling us that Paul would be taking care of us. And take care of us he did. Barcelona wisely identifies its cuisine as "reflections of Spain" not as Spanish cuisine. As someone who lived a decade in Spain and frequently travels back there, I could take issue with croquetas that have cheese in them, or some of the treatments of paella, but I won't as it is the taste that matters. The croquetas had a creamy bechamel and were fried perfectly. They made me think of the croquetas my hija makes. We had the Winter Celebration menu and shared everything amongst the three of us giving us all the opportunity of tasting the variety Barcelona offered. The red wines from Spain may be the best selection in town. You can choose from high end to trusty mid-ran ge Rioja, to the proletarian Jumilla that has appeared in the last 5 years or so but is still unknown to most. The beef ribs, the salmon, the potatoes were all delicious. The chocolate mousse pie was outstanding. The one misstep was the arroz con leche. It just didn't work. The rice was undercooked and it needed more creaminess. But so what. The evening was lovely, the service superb, the artwork worth contemplating.
(4)
Sean G.

Only one word comes to mind... AMAZING. From the impeccable service to the joyous attack on the senses, Barcelona exceeds expectations. The staff is professional almost to a fault. The food, perfect. I had calamari, the flat iron steak and a delicious "Barcelona Manhattan." I would recommend this location to anyone. And for godsake, get the Manhattan.
(5)
Connie W.

Exceptional service and a menu that compares to none. We tried the full tapa special and the scallops from the main menu. Everything was great and the presentation great. I would highly recommend. We will be back!
(5)
tiffany w.

Decent food, a bit overpriced in my opinion - the price points made me think I would be eating some fantastic tapas and paella (and i could make love to amazing paella), and it just didn't really hit the mark for me. To be fair, based on what I've heard, and some previous tapas experiences, I went into Barcelona with pretty high expectations. Every aspect of each dish seemed to be missing something, and while the food was prepared well, there were decent wine options, and the service was very attentive... I just couldn't fall in love the way I wanted to. Everything was good, nothing was great, and I enjoyed the small plates more than the main dish. I feel like in mid-ohio there aren't a whole lot of tapas restaurants for Barcelona to compete with, and that higher demand, without an awesome tapas place to compare it to, is why it gets higher ratings and can price it's food a little higher. I agree with Christina C. that the patio is great, but I recommend just sticking to wine and maybe a few small plates. That way you can still enjoy a beautiful evening, but spend less money and experience less disappointment.
(4)
Anna H.

Barcelona is so pretty. I love having lunch here due to the $10 3-course lunch ("Menu del dia"); this is especially nice on the relaxing patio in nice weather. The food is always great. My only complaint is they overdo the gorgonzola in some dishes. It's also nice to dress up and come for dinner on special occasions.
(4)
Mandi D.

The boyfriend and I travelled on our first vacation together to several cities in Europe, and Barcelona was our first stop. When it came time to choose a Valentine's Day dinner locale, Barcelona seemed like the perfect choice--a place I'd been dying to try, as well as an opportunity to recreate a most romantic getaway. There were many elements of Barcelona that reminded us of the cuisine on our trip--the extensive, yet reasonable wine list. The extensive tapas options. And of course, the paella (which is the main reason I wanted to come). I can't speak to whether its truly authentic, as I've only visited the country once. However, the taste was incredible, and I think that ultimately outweighs any element of authenticity. Barcelona is hidden away in the German Village, a picturesque neighborhood of Columbus. We easily found street parking. I enjoyed the casual elegance of the restaurant. Parts of it almost have a tavern like feel, with a lot of wood paneling and a bar in front. The tables are a little crowded together, but I never felt like I was a part of the conversation of the table next to us. Our waiter Sean was courteous and attentive, and provided many suggestions and explanations for first time visitors. The meal started with crusty bread with a side of salsa in oil, very reminiscent of our meals in Spain. We opted for a combination of the tapas flight, 3 courses for $30, and the paella Barcelona, which was $28. The flight is designed to be a meal for one, but sharing of both dishes was the perfect way to experience the whole restaurant. Every dish was well thought out with bold flavors. and ample portions (even in the tapas). Another fine Columbus dining experience that can't be missed.
(5)
James I.

Overall experience was great. My partner and I had reservations at 1830 and was met by a very friendly hottest who got us to our seat. We noticed the dimmed lights, huge mirrors and modern decor. The serving staff was quick to bring us our water and greet us with their business card. The server was a very professional friendly woman who was able to talk about the food effortlessly. We ordered the Tapas Sampler and the Barcelona Paella. The Tapas Sampler was a good experience to try a bit of everything. It was nothing to get full on, but was a good experience to taste the different foods. Te only complaint we both had was before we finished with the first plate the second plate was already there and we had one more tapa on the plate and was asked if we were finished. We felt a bit rushed. The main entree the Barcelona Paella was delicious. There was plenty of shrimp, chicken, mussels and clams along with a variety of other seafood. It wasn't too spicy and would be acceptable for those who can't take too much hear. The atmosphere was lovely, staff very professional and efficient and the food was of great quality. Highly recommend to couples, meeting with friends or a nice family get together.
(5)
Benjamin P.

Met up with some old roommates for dinner here last week and had a great experience. Our server was busy, but continued to check in on us and never seemed too distant. I started off with the Barcelona Manhattan, with cinnamon infused bourbon and it was delicious. Just sweet enough to convince you that you aren't drinking straight liquor - because you are. My favorite part of the meal had to be the hummus. I mean, I know we've all had it, but everything about this hummus is right: Great consistency, bold flavors, and fresh veggies to dip. It's perfect! Can't wait to go back, even if it's just to get that!
(4)
Rachel C.

Necessary disclaimer: I went to Barcelona on a college student's budget, so my friend and I enjoyed a dinner consisting of exactly zero entrees. The following review is based entirely upon several cheeses, two tapas, and two desserts. THE PROS: this avocado and goat cheese tapa that was accompanied with beet and citrus vinaigrette. my friend didn't like it because she felt ripped off paying 8 dollars for half an avocado, and there is definitely some validity to that statement- it wasn't really prepared, it was kind of just assembled. however, the combination of the flavors was absolutely delicious. could i make it at home? probably. would i have thought to do so on my own? no way. we sat on the patio and it was absolute beautiful out. gorgeous restaurant in general. all the food was obviously very tasty. it's a good restaurant. our server was very nice. i always take note of this, because as 18-20 year olds eating out, it is often not the case. i was happy to find that it didn't feel awkward at all to skip the entree. THE CONS: the pricing can be argued on some of the dishes, as per the avocado and goat cheese discussion above. the flan was a little too cinnamon-y. I still ate it, but my dining partner was not a fan. this was particularly irksome because we asked the server what her favorite dessert was and she pointed us to the flan. afterward, she asked how we were enjoying our desserts and my friend commented that she was enjoying hers, but found my flan had a little too much cinnamon. the server then replied that she felt exactly the same way and found it overpowering. it kind of made me doubt my decision to order off her recommendation. she also forgot one of our cheeses, and we had to reorder from someone else, meaning it came at the same time as our tapas. considering that we were at a little two-seater on the patio, it was a bit tough to maneuver. I would definitely go back to Barcelona, but it would take a lot more to get me to veer off the tapas menu and pay for real entrees- the tapas were absolutely good enough to get again, but not great enough to convince me that i need to shell out an extra $30 for the full experience. all in all a lovely restaurant.
(4)
Mack H.

The space itself is very nice. The staff is friendly and helpful. Barcelona has possibly the best patio in the city on a nice evening. But, unfortunately, when it comes to the execution of the food, very little really stood out to me. The menu looks great, and the food on the plate looks great, but the flavor was lacking... For me the plates were under seasoned, and lacking in "punch" or depth. Last evening was my first visit in a fairly long time, and it's not as if I tried the whole menu, so take this review with a grain of salt. I'll visit again and try more items from the menu and if my experience is better next time will be happy to update my review and rating.
(3)
Edy D.

We had a wonderful dining experience last night! I worked w/ GM Tim Hawkins to have my social group come and enjoy this lovely place. We were thrilled with the level of warmth and professionalism that Brenda (Manager), and server staff, Eddie, James & Lauren provided. The menu items were delightfully fresh. The presentation and taste was wonderful. The owner, Scott Heimlich, visited with us and we had a great time. We are looking forward to our next visit already! :-)
(5)
Matt W.

I thought I had reviewed Barcelona after a previous dinner there, but I'll be switched if I can find it. Fortunately, I had an opportunity to dine there again (and to my mind, even if you're just dropping in for lunch, you are DINING, not simply eating), and I'm happy to report it's still a fantastic experience. For lunch service, a reservation is still just as helpful as it is for dinner. We walked in, gave our names, and were seated immediately, while a party of equal size who came in without reservations had to wait a few minutes while the staff prepared a table for them. We decided to take advantage of their Dine Originals menu, but also ordered the spicy chickpea hummus with flatbread and vegetables from the Tapas menu. I've been in restaurants that would take the tapas label as an excuse to give out a relatively small plate, yet still charge a hefty price. Not Barcelona - our appetizer was easily two, possibly three cups worth of tasty goodness, with a chunky texture that worked perfectly with the provided dipping vegetables and crispy flatbread. Complimentary bread with a mix of olive oil, dried tomatoes, and chiles made a nice counterpoint to the richness of the hummus, and it was with a mixture of regret and anticipation that we admitted we couldn't finish the hummus if we wanted to have room for lunch (though our server was kind enough to box it up, and I look forward to assaulting the leftovers tomorrow.) With the Dine Originals menu, you had a choice of several sandwiches and a side item - I had to go with the house Chorizo, with the link split and grilled to crispy, spicy goodness, topped with caramelized onions, sliced peppers, and a slice of melted manchego cheese, and a side of Patatas Bravas. The patatas were a taste of Spain in each bite of crispy potato wedges, with a gentle spiciness accented by Spanish paprika and a garlic & tomato aioli. The sandwich itself was satisfyingly spicy, with the thick crusty bread doing a good job of countering the soft melted cheese and the chorizo's residual grease, and despite looking a bit small when you first see it on the plate, it left me sated and happy without feeling overstuffed - the perfect sensation. The service was excellent, with our server taking care of us each step of the way, and the bar area where we were seated is a nice combination of old brick and dark wood against more modern artwork and beautiful glass. It's a bit familiar, a bit nostalgic, a lot classy. I freely admit that I generally feel like Barcelona is a bit outside my normal price range for dinner, but their lunch menu, even without the Dine Originals specials, seems a bit more in line with my budget and I look forward to returning again soon.
(4)
Phil B.

I was back at Barcelona with a friend for dinner; we had the opportunity to the patio (highly reccomend it). The food as always was outstanding; we had a paella and several tapas (short ribs, hummus and calamari). What I really want to call out was the exceptional service; our waiter Dylan was attentive without being intrusive and was exceptionally knowledgeable. The service from Dylan could not have been any better.
(5)
Jack B.

The food and atmosphere at Barcelona are first-rate. We started with salads (arugula salad was particularly yummy), then four tapas (the sauce on the clams was outstanding!), and finished off with raspberry flan. The only downside was wine. The selection is excellent, but the prices ... We settled on a bottle of Michael Pozzan Annabella 5 red blend, an eminently drinkable wine. I'm OK with a 100% markup, but this bottle that retails for $15 was $40 - our only negative in Barcelona experience.
(4)
Rachel W.

I've been to Barcelona twice. Once was about 2 years ago, and then again last week. This last time was much better than the first. The first time I went, I had chicken that wasn't cooked all the way, and our service was terribly slow. This time, the service was still slightly slow, but the food was much better. I had the tasting menu which was full of lots of different bites, some better than others. The crab salad and cantaloupe soup were great, as was the lamb casserole. The sausage croquette that I looked forward to so much was sub-par and the sweet potatoes were bland. The scallop was ok though they are not my favorite. What made the meal was the white sangria. I'm a big fan. Not many places do it well (Barrio and Bodega are both so-so) but this was delicious. Ambiance was good though flies were getting in from the constant opening of the patio doors. Still have to try the patio sometime.
(3)
Robert S.

As you walk into the restaurant, you see the nice decor in the lobby, walls and main dining area. I decided to go for the Tapas Tasting...7 tapas x $30. All the items were made perfectly and delicious: Tuna salad on endive, pinxto (similar to a bruschetta), goat cheese salad, spicy meatball, black bean soup, grilled octopus and grilled asparragus. I was really looking forward to tasting their octopus and that was the one item that disappointed me a bit...it was a bit chewy...not as tender as possible. But overall a winner in German Village.
(4)
Terry A.

What a great meal! Arrived right on time for our reservation and was seated immediately. So off to a good start! Looked over the wine menu and decided to try a couple of different glasses instead of a bottle. The selection of reds that you could get by the glass was very satisfying including a Tempernillo that was bottled for Barcelona. We tried a couple of tapas and really enjoyed the calamari and the avocados with feta. Then we shared the paella with scallops and short ribs which was outstanding! We have dined here before and will definitely come back again!!
(5)
Cat M.

Wonderful atmosphere and food. Dine out on the patio for an out-of-Columbus experience. Full of lush, tropical-feel plants and flowers, you'll feel as if you've been transported to the other side of the world! Ordered the delicious watermelon sangria which definitely packed an alcoholic punch (in a good way!). Also ordered some tapas, the croquetas were divine with ham and melty Swiss cheese perfectly breaded and lightly fried. The chorizo plate had three different chorizos with Melba rounds and handcrafted mustard. The only really disappointing platter was the seafood paella. With such great tapas, the paella was a let down. Somewhat bland and lifeless, we had to salt it to make it decent. The mango flan dessert was more on par with the tapas. Service was attentive and swift. Overall, a winner, would return to try the other dishes.
(4)
Liz M.

Barcelona is nice, but it has failed to really impress me. The last time I was there (NYE), I found myself only really enjoying my company and my Kettle one martini once I pulled the olives out of it that I asked not to be there in the first place. None of the food has ever really wowed me. Some of their menu items are strangely too simple (and too expensive). I ordered the verde huegos salad ($7) or some word like that. I had never, until that moment, had a salad I didn't like. Congratulations, Barcelona, you win that prize. By altering too many ingredients, the salad failed to create a flavor profile one would expect and in my case, like. My boyfriend ordered the lamb shank which was good, but not $26 good, as I liked the accompaniments better than the main dish. In the end, two cocktails, the salad, and the lamb shank, with tip came to $62. Huh? If you don't like seafood, your menu choices become very limited. If you are a vegetarian, you have 1 entree choice. The service has always been very good, and the owner is a great guy. However, the blah food and high cost steer me away from wanting to go back., even with the beautiful patio. I do think it is a good date spot and maybe on a Monday with half price tapas, it may be a good choice for someone who likes seafood.
(3)
Michael Paul M.

Enjoyed an incredible meal last night at the restaurant. Excellent wine and good decor. They were very busy and it was difficult to get out on the patio secondary to the good weather. They were open late and accommodating. Will definitely go back....
(5)
Beth P.

Honestly, a great meal, great server, great drinks, great experience. Our server encouraged me to try the swordfish which was out of this world. I rarely finish an entire meal, but I was using bread to sop up the juices on my plate at the end of the meal. It was amazing. Also, we were celebrating my birthday and the chocolate cake thing I ate was perfectly hot delicious and sweet and filled my chocolate craving. The ambiance was great, it seemed dressy and fun at the same time. We even took the time to tell a manager how great our server was. He seriously rocked. Give Barcelona a try, you will not regret it. They also offer valet :)
(5)
John W.

Tapas are good and reasonably priced. Nice atmosphere, average service but the food came out quick. Enjoyed it. Was here for a business meeting but would be a good place to take your significant other.
(4)
John M.

Barcelona is fantastic. The food is creative, ingredients fresh, atmosphere very elegant and relaxed and the staff is 1st class. I had the tapas tasting. For $30 you get your money's worth and a great variety of selections. Each plate was distinctive, flavorful and delicious. It was hard to choose which one I like the best. By the time you are finished, you will be very full. And the place is clean, clean, clean. I hate grimy restaurants. I will definitely go back.
(4)
David H.

I needed to make a trip to Columbus for business, and my wife was going along with me. She did some research and made reservations at Barcelona based on good online reviews. We were not disappointed. We arrived a bit early for our reservation time on Monday night, 8/19/2013. While tables were available indoors, my wife had requested a patio table, and we chose to wait. We took a seat at the beautiful bar and were treated like the most important people in the world by our bartender, who went through the ample list of house specialty drinks with us and made recommendations. He even modified the recipe for one of the drinks a bit to accommodate my wife's taste for something a bit less sweet. She had the modified Belvedere Sparkle, and I had the Ginger Walnut Manhattan, which was complex turn from the traditional Manhattan--not sweet, slightly bitter, and lots of flavors made it a perfect pre-dinner drink. We were still working on our cocktails when we were greeted by the hostess, who ushered us to our table at the back of the patio, near the fountain. The patio was full of patrons enjoying the beautiful Ohio evening. The patio is filled with plants and lit by gas lights, with the fountain and pool providing a nice level of white noise to cover the voices of the other diners. We stuck with small plates from the ample menu, although when we go back (and we will), we will have to try one of the entrees or paella. We opened with the Chorizo Picante, a plate of spicy sausage that perked up our palates, along with Queso Idiazabal, a delicious smoky sheep's milk cheese. Next, we had the Gazpacho, a cool blend of tomatoes and cucumber, and the Ensalada de Judias Verde, a wonderful green bean salad with feta and pistachios. I would recommend all of these choices. For the main course, we selected Costillas (short ribs in mushroom sauce), Mejiloones (mussels in an indescribably delicious spicy cream broth with chorizo), Ensalada de Coles de Bruselas (cold Brussels sprouts) and Aguacate Relleno con Queso (avocados with tomato vinaigrette). The short ribs were melt-in-your-mouth tender. The Brussels sprouts were a nice side dish. The avocado was "meh" (our only real disappointment). But the mussels. Oh, the mussels. I awoke later that night in my hotel dreaming of them. My wife asked for extra bread from our wonderful server just for the purpose of soaking up the spicy, creamy broth. I could have eaten myself into a stupor with them. We accompanied everything with a bottle of Zerran, a Spanish Garnacha blend red wine that was a great complement to the meal and a good value. For dessert, we shared lavender apple pie and coffee. I am usually not so effusive with praise for a restaurant, but both my wife and I love Barcelona, and we look forward to the opportunity to eat there again. The service was excellent and the meal was memorable.
(5)
Eriyah F.

When you want a place that will serve you a creative vegan desert instead of the usual fruit plate or sorbet, this place has Pineapple Catalana!!! Omg! Lite and sweet and like pineapple creme brulee with the caramelized coconut cream topping! YUMMY! On the menu, they do an excellent hummus, gazpacho, and additional vegan options upon request. I got the beans and greens with mushrooms and bow tie pasta with pesto and subbed the cheese for marcona almonds! Damn good, it always is.. Clean, great service, great wine selection, beautiful atmosphere (indoor and outdoor) and music, clean bathroom. Always a treat going here.
(5)
Catherine J.

Woah, another Barcelona review! I went here last night with my parents. I'm hosting a private party here in a few weeks, and we wanted to have dinner and test-drive some wines to possibly serve at the party. Several of the reviews on here mention that the service is snooty. We've had great service both times we've been here, but we also had Shawn both times. He is fantastic. We let him know that we wanted to try some different wines in order to make a selection for our party, and he put together a red and a white flight for us. Apparently this is something the waitstaff will do for anyone-- it's not highly advertised but always available. We knew we wanted a Malbec and also a dry, Spanish white (which we know nothing about), and he made custom flights for both criteria. My favorite thing about Barcelona (besides the patio) is the ever-changing menu. I love that the restaurant always has events, and a new menu. I guess for me it means that if I ever have a "bad" experience there (hasn't happened yet), I will probably continue to go if only because each visit is so unique. This time I got the Tapas Tasting menu... and I was so glad! It had a Peruvian theme-- cuisine from Peru is not something I eat regularly, so it was an adventure. The portions were perfect, and while I felt like I got to taste many items (7 dishes in all!) I didn't feel overly full.
(5)
Amy K.

Husband and I chose this place for our dressier dinner date on a weekend we were in Columbus for the OSU game. We were not disappointed. The atmosphere is nice, the service was friendly and attentive, and the food was very good. They had a one night only pork belly appetizer that was awesome. We also had salads, husband had a very good steak, and I had a pasta that was also good. The drinks were good and the strawberry kiwi infused vodka was so tasty. I recommend it to anyone for a nice date.
(4)
Tran N.

The service ruins my dinner. We ordered a bottle of wine, some tapas, and entrees. The only time a waiter or waitress came to our table other than to take order was to bring the drink and food out. No one asked how was the food, replenished our water or wine. I told the waiter of my displeasure, and his reply was that he was too busy. Go figure!
(2)
Christina C.

Dear yelpers: I fell in love tonight... with the patio at Barcelona. There never was a better restaurant courtyard to sip wine, share tapas and enjoy the warm summer air. I waited 45 minutes to meet him face-to-face, but our encounter was well worth the wait. Engulfed in greenery, dimly lighted by free-standing light poles and enclosed by a think, brick-colored wooden fence, you never would have known the hustle and bustle of German Village was on the other side. Before we met, I spent time mingling at the bar and perusing the impressive wine list. The beer selection also caught my eye. The dining room itself was trendy, yet classic, with unique artwork and a wall-length mirror, which I used to make sure I was looking my best prior to our introduction. Once acquainted, we enjoyed calamari and two unique paella dishes that were both delicious, but lacking that something extraordinary. The service was attentive and accommodating while still allowing more than enough time to lust after the physique of my new found infatuation. All I have left to say is that it was love at first sight.
(4)
Jessica F.

We have yet to be disappointed when visiting this restaurant! My favorite time of year to eat here is definitely in the summer/ fall on the patio. They have a great tapas menu, the staff is very well-versed about the menu/ preparations/ and wine pairings, and the ambiance of German Village is hard to beat :) To top it off, the bread is fresh and delicious, and you usually get a complimentary taste of an appetizer prior to your dinner.
(4)
Kimberley D.

Excellent food. Really enjoyed the tasting menu. Great vegetarian options! Terrific service, will definitely be back.
(5)
Brandon R.

The service was amazing, food was just alright. From so many other restaurants to choose from I probably would be hesitant to go back.
(3)
Jessica T.

Dear Barcelona, Don't you realize that lunchtime during Dine Originals week is the ultimate in restaurant blind dating? That you must be 100% on your A-game for this relationship to go any further? You're enticing me with your inexpensive menu and lunch-hour accessibility. I respond to your temptations by arriving with an empty stomach and a yearning to try something new. Your Dine Originals menu piqued my interest with its choice of appetizer or dessert, plus sandwich and side as well as a drink, for a mere $10. It's clear that you are no gold-digging charlatan, but that you would simply like to get to know me better. You made excellent first impressions with your service, which was courteous and quick. I never felt wanting for anything, except perhaps to continue to sit in your glorious company, you with your warm, inviting design and comfortable seating. Moreover, your appetizer offering was quite pleasing both to me and my palate. The goat cheese and mushroom croquetas were tasty and nicely fried. How did you know that goat cheese was the way to my one, true heart? I was starting to feel those familiar pangs. Not love, not yet. But interest, and dare I say desire, for what was to come next. Ah, but here was where the cracks in your beautiful veneer began to surface. What I suspect may have been your true colors started to peer though. Your bocadillo was disappointing, at best. Oh, the serrano and manchego were tasty, no doubt, but overpowered by the chewy and bland baguette. It's a rookie sandwich mistake, too much bread and not enough middle, but one that can ruin an otherwise promising relationship. And to think, the whole thing could have been saved by a nice flavorful spread or even a strategic toasting of the baguette. It's a pity, I truly thought we were getting somewhere. You could perhaps have recovered with a well-placed side dish, but not only did the giant cold chunks of redskin potato covered in flavorless mayonnaise not win back my heart, it may have ruined any chance we had at something special. You see, a potato salad should be flavorful and tasty, not bland and boring like my grandmother's. And really, there is no better way to derail a blossoming romance than memories of grandma. In all, dear Barcelona, I appreciated the effort. I may decide to give you another chance someday if I'm in the neighborhood and all my old standbys are busy. I hope you know that you have plenty to offer someone. You're great, you're just really not what I need right now. No hard feelings, please. It's not you, it's me. Well, it's probably you. And that potato salad, which I can't seem to erase from my memory. Best of Luck, Jessica
(2)
Ian R.

I went to Barcelona with my Aunt while visiting Columbus. It was a booming happy hour crowd, this place was almost full when we arrived, and had completely filled by the time we got our first drink. We were lucky to get 2 seats at the bar. I ordered the cheese sampler and each cheese came with a paired condiment. It was delicious! I wish we could have eaten an entree but my Aunt and I were bar hopping and we didn't want to waste any time haha. When I make it back up to Columbus I'm gonna have to try some dinner here!
(4)
Steve S.

Was back in Columbus visiting family and we always set aside a night to try a reputable restaurant. The previous visits included trips to M and Rosendales, both of which were incredible. Knowing that Barcelona has go very long standing reputation for good food, I was excited to experience it. It was good but I just wasn't "wowed". We started with the cheese board which was very good. However, the menu said it would be served with "olive crackers" yet none came with our order. We then moved on to the mussels and Spanish olives. While the mussels were decent, the olives were a HUGE misstep. They tasted like Kroger brand olives, straight from the jar. They would have been sub-par in a bad restaurant. But at Barcelona, they were horrible in comparison to everything else. Not sure why they keep these on the menu. For entrees, I ordered the halibut and my partner got the salmon. My halibut was done perfectly and had a great flavor. Once again, good, but no "wow" factor. My partner, on the other hand, loved his salmon. The combination of cream cheese, salmon, cherries and crabmeat made for a very unique and tasteful dish. I think he would give Barcelona four stars. Service was good. Our waiter, Paul, was very prompt and took care of us. We had a nice, leisurely meal over two hours and never felt rushed. We ended the meal with a very good flan and espresso. For the most part, we had a very good meal. Although the olives really threw us. Barcelona delivers good food and a great atmosphere. But I think other restaurants in Columbus "push the envelope" a bit more.
(3)
Ryan R.

Do yourself a favor and sit on the patio, we sat there for dinner one evening and it's great. We decided to go for the tapas tasting menu, and 3 other tapas dishes, and it was more than enough food for two. Highlights were the grilled baby octopus (pulpo) and the scallops wrapped in ham (vieras con jamÃ³n). And don't forget to order a carafe of sangria!
(4)
Laura C.

I've been here a couple of times but sadly not recently. The menu is imaginative with things I don't know how to pronounce. If you're adventurous with eating, you must try them for a special night out. The menu also changes seasonally, and maybe even within the seasons based on product availability so you'll likely never see the same menu twice (which could be bad if you have something you really really like!). I've only eaten entrees so I cannot comment on their tapas. Any gal will be more impressed you took her here than say oh a Cameron Mitchell joint.
(4)
Anne K.

Excellent paella, whisky, and wine lists. Lovely non-invasive service. It's 7/10 of a mile from the Comfort Inn in German Village-- an easy and pleasant walk. The patio is amazing, but so is the dining room. We really loved the patatas bravas and the goat-cheese stuffed avocado.
(4)
Megan T.

I had this idea of what Barcelona would be, before I even step foot through the door. From the outside it looks classy and inviting. As classy as a restaurant can be that overlooks a Giant Eagle. My husband and I came here for after dinner cocktails and were greeted at the bar. I ordered a small plate, some kind of potato dish and it was fabulous. The bartender also brought us some bread with an olive oil and tomato dipping sauce that was phenomenal as well. He came back AGAIN to offer us a crostini topped with some kind of mushroom and cream cheese spread that was divine. Seriously still thinking about it. I ordered the Paloma to drink, and it was just okay, nothing special. Two people next to me had some kind of pear martini w/ a sugar rimmed glass thing going on and I kicked myself for not ordering that; they couldn't stop raving about it. We will definitely be back for the full dinner experience. We live right around the corner, so it's kind of criminal that this was our very first time.
(4)
Pat M.

Best restaurant in the city as far as I'm concerned. Great food, and the staff is amazing as well.
(5)
Jeff K.

Had a great time at Barcelona. Our server was great. His recommendations were perfect. I highly recommend trying it out. You definitely pay some money to eat there, but as in all things you get what you pay for. It was fantastic.
(4)
Christopher M.

A really delightful meal. My beau and I were lucky enough to get a table on the patio on a gorgeous summer evening. The beautifully landscaped space and atmosphere appropriately set the tone for the meal to follow. We shared the tapas combo plate and he finished with paella while I had a couple of other tapas. All the items were very good. They have a very diverse wine list that appropriately emphasizes Spanish wines. Here's a tip - you can make your own wine flight from any of the many wines by the glass on the menu, which I did. It's a great way to try some different flavors. Service was very attentive and accommodating. We were visiting from out of town but will certainly plan another visit next time we are on Columbus. The inside also looks very nice, with plenty of room; very warm and inviting. I bet it is terrific in the winter. Valet parking was very convenient, at only $5 well worth not having to stress finding a space on the (very) crowded and small streets of Germantown.
(5)
James G.

Really like this place. Pricey, but worth it. A very enjoyable experience all the way around.
(5)
Mike C.

The servers word harder at this restaurant than at any other in Columbus, bending over backward to explain particular dishes to guests. The food is very good, the setting is unique for our city, and the atmosphere is almost always buzzing. The only downside is the in accessibility of parking, but it's not nearly downside enough to warrant going somewhere else if you're looking for a special meal.
(4)
Dawn K.

I visited Barcelona on a Friday night last June. The dinner and service were wonderful. I echo many of the glowing reviews here. However, my experience after dinner and the lack of concern by the Barcelona management is where their 2 stars come from. I was pretty upset and frustrated and haven't been back since. We had trouble finding a parking spot, so we decided to valet. We had a great dinner, great service and ran up quite a bill! Upon getting home, I realized that my house keys were not on my key chain. I called the restaurant. The person who answered the phone put me on hold, then came back and said a manager was checking with the valets. A different person answered the phone and asked what the keys looked like. They said they had my keys, so I said I would return to get them. I was annoyed that after paying to valet park, I had to drive all the way back to retrieve my keys. However, when I returned, I was not even offered a simple apology or a refund of my valet fee. In fact, I did not even see or speak to a manager. My keys were simply left on the hostess stand and handed to me as I asked for them. I was not even asked to identify the keys. My key chain was also badly bent, likely the reason that the keys fell off in the first place. I was frustrated and disappointed that my wonderful dinner turned into a bad experience. I felt that I should have at least been greeted by a manager, who should have held onto or secured my keys. And an apology for my inconvenience of having to return to retrieve my keys would have been nice. I do appreciate the service from the staff inside the restaurant. As I said, it was a great dinner. Our waiter did a great job, as did the other staff members. However, to have it end with the valet losing my keys and not even an apology was extremely disappointing.
(2)
Lauren L.

There are 3 words that come to mind when I think of Barcelona. 1. Love 2. Yummm 3. Romantic the Patio is the most romantic patio in town, in my opinion, and I LOVE patios.. so I have seen my fair share. the Scallops are amazing. my mouth is watering right now just thinking about them. the wine selection is abundant, and Sunday's are retail wine night... so you can get a fairly reasonable price on them.. sit on the patio, and have the most amazing scallops you have ever had in your life. (okay, maybe not in your life..but the best I have found in Columbus).
(4)
Camilla G.

This was one of the most amazing meals I've had in a long time !! Made a trip up to Columbus to Barcelona and I highly recommend anyone living in the CVG area to make the trip , I had the lamb chops which were seasoned ro perfection . I lived in Spain for 5 years and these chops were better than the chops in Madrid !!!! My husband had the tapas sampler : dinner which was distinctly tasty !!! All I gave to say is GO!!!!
(5)
Sammy T.

I've never had a bad experience here. I definitely keep Barcelona in my back pocket as the place you can take a guest and impress them without going bankrupt. The interior is gorgeous and the wait staff attentive. I look forward to trying more dishes in the future.
(5)
Tracy H.

The first time I went to Barcelona was back in 2008 when an ex of mine took me there for a date. We ordered the goat cheese stuffed yellow peppers, hummus, and split the salmon entree. I have been lusting after that salmon ever since. It was served with blue potatoes, and I feel like the salmon was either served with sweet cherry or cinnamon like sauce. Yes: I've been after a salmon I can't even remember. It was absolutely one of the best dishes I've ever had. He and I topped off dinner with french press coffee because at the time I wasn't of age. I love eating out when the weather is nice. I love fine conversations and loud laughs that almost disrupt the others around. My dear friend Nance wanted to take me out for my birthday last night, and she recommended Barcelona. Hi, yes. Thank you. That's just what I needed. All I could think about was that delicious salmon. I looked on their website. Bam. Salmon. She picked me up and we were actually able to sit outside! The day was beautiful and it was slowly turning to night. The patio was initially smaller than I expected, but the vibe was so sexy. Walking through the interior you could breathe in the romance that was palpating from all around. Our server was Michelle, a tall and very sweet blonde. I told her to order me any Sangria, and she chose the pear Sangria, said it was new. New and delicious. The drink was excellent, but I think I should have probably went with wine, I wasn't in such a sweet mood as I thought, but I drank it all. The first thing we ordered was cheese. We ordered the cabra al vino-translation: goat's milk cheese soaked in red wine with a hint of honey ... could that be more perfect? We ate. Note: Ask for extra crackers. Two crackers didn't hold up. The next thing we ordered was the tapas. She ordered the Almendras Marcona (spanish almonds) and I got the Gambas al Ajillo (shrimp cooked with olive oil, chilie flake and basque pepper). At this point I'm thoroughly impressed and borderline stuffed. Michelle brought out their house bread and come on, bread...it had a wonderful rustic look to it. Nance insisted that we order our entrees. Twist my arm. Nance got the Vieiras, bay scallops cooked with bacon, mushrooms, dates, lima beans, chile flake and cream. I managed to take a scallop, and that dish oozed sex. Simple presentation but every component listed came out in the flavor. She loved it and ended up eating almost the entire dish. Enter: Salmon. Salmon con Especias. It was a ton of food. The description said olive oil potatoes, and on my plate were mashed potatoes. Were they delicious? Every bit of them. Unexpected?: Slightly. The three cabbage slaw though was simply devine. Light and flavorful, and the color was perfect. My salmon was slightly undercooked to my liking. Don't get me wrong, I ate it. But I love that crust on a salmon, and a bit more spice rub would have been nice. The center of the fish didn't hold up too well, and almost seemed a bit mushy. The cheery gastrique really complimented the flavors nicely, but it was a little too sweet overall. The ratio from salmon to cherries, well. look. There was a lot of cherries! Overall, my opinion on the restaurant hasn't changed. Was that first salmon better? Hands down. Barcelona, bring back that exact dish from October 2008 and I'll sprint down there. The food was on point, I had plenty of leftovers that I ate after wine drinking in the short north later on in the evening. The patio was romantic and beautiful, Nance and I loved the pots on the building. Service was timely and pleasant I'll be back and hopefully get another spot on the patio. Next time I'll have reservations though.
(4)
Cheryl H.

I first discovered Barcelona 3 years ago when i would frequent the bar area for half-off martinis. 2 years ago, I discovered Barcelona had half-off tapas on Mondays, so I would meet friends here for a light dinner and cocktails. 1 year ago, I discovered the boy and I could afford to eat dinner here if we didn't drink and didn't get an appetizer. Last night, I discovered that we finally make enough money to have a full dinner at Barcelona! A toast to being grown-up. The boy chose Barcelona for V-Day (we both have something of a soft spot for the place - it's where he intended to propose to me until Time Warner took 12 hours to install our cable that fated day.) We had a great waitress - our tapas were great, our entrees were great, our cocktails were great. Great. A great thing about Barcelona is their menu is always changing, so there's no point describing in mouth-watering detail what we ate in a review. But I will say it was all very reasonably priced - 4 cocktails, 2 appetizers and 2 entrees = $100 Also, Barcelona has a great patio. And it's always easy to find street parking if you're like me and you'd rather spend that $5 on a drink than valet :)
(4)
Shawnie K.

I love G. Michael's. I love the Burgundy Room. But, I'm 0 for 3 at Barcelona. They will not be given a fourth opportunity to "get it right." I am considering removing them from the next edition of my travel guide altogether. I can't promote a place I do not believe in. I'd like to give Barcelona zero stars, but I'll settle for one based on the fact my food was good, as was everyone's. No complaints about the quality, portions or taste. I WANT to like Barcelona & have gone back repeatedly, hoping to have different (better) experiences, but there is always something weird about the service. Snotty, dismissive and down right bratty. I'll overlook average food if the service is exceptional. Frankly, I can get great food and great service at plenty of restaurants in Columbus. No need to settle for any less. The experience: I had a nice book signing at the Book Loft during the German Village lights festival. A group of us (9) decided to grab appetizers afterwards. It was a little after 9 & Barcelona was not too busy. People were finishing dinner and the place looked comfortably full, but by no means busy. They should have been prepared for an onslaught given it was a festival night... but the weather probably deterred a lot of people from coming out. Three of my group showed up early to catch the tail end of the music and made sure the hostess knew 6 more were coming. The hostess assured them we could all sit together at the tables & booth along the wall. When I arrived, I bypassed the hostess station and walked directly over to say 'hi' to and let them know we were here. We were totally chastised by more than one person for not following protocol of being seated properly and "taking" two tables we believed were being held for us. The hostess was not at her station AND apparently, did not communicate that she had already earmarked tables for us. What's the big deal? No one else came in after us anyway, so who cares where we sit? We were even scolded for sliding the tables together, then scolded for moving them apart. When the server finally arrived, she immediately made a snotty remark about us not being seated through the 'proper channels". Whatever. One might think she'd be happy to have a generous, easy-going, fun-loving group in her section. She continually made snyde remarks throughout our meal, which in turn made me incredibly uncomfortable; mostly because most of my family/ friends had never eaten there (and they will never go back either). The service STUNK! We were asked what we wanted to drink/ eat and didn't have menus. There was one menu floating around from the early arrivals, but I'm not about to share one menu among 6 people. The server made a point (again) of saying 'we seated ourselves', therefore she didn't know to bring us menus... give me a break. I understand that the table may not be set up, but we waited 20 minutes for menus and water. As a matter of fact, we didn't get to order our food until 20 minutes before the kitchen closed (10 PM)- which of course, she felt obliged to remind us of (and it was NOT a courtesy reminder). We still hadn't received our first round of drinks by the time our food was served. I even finished my meal before we got our drinks, which she delivered in time to clear the table of our food dishes. Thankfully, a friend took up our cause (nicely) with the manager, so I can't vouch for what was said. I will, however say the manager offered apologies - which sounded more like insincere lip service. While he stressed the lack of communication from the hostess about the seating- there was still an element of chastisement in his voice. We somehow skipped serious seating protocol... I don't get it. He acted apologetic and gave us lame "$10 off 2 entrees" coupons- which they gave to everyone! Don't want them-- I WON'T be back! Also, they managed to tack on an obligatory 20% "large group" gratuity. Thankfully, someone noticed the fine print and pointed it out, as not to leave any more undeserved tip. Our server, and I hope she reads this, did NOT deserve any tip (not even 2%, let alone 20). Barcelona would not remove the tip portion, because they KNEW we wouldn't leave one. I take issue with that. We are very good tippers given remotely decent service. Had I charged it on MY credit card (instead of my husband paying with HIS)- I'd call the credit card company right now to refuse that charge! Icing on the cake: The server stomped over saying: "I'm outta here. You know, I'm going to be reprimanded for this." I just replied: "You SHOULD be." Nasty, bratty attitude. Yuck. I'm unapologetic for this poor review. We should be able to go to a Michael Reams restaurant with high expectations- and I have- THREE times. All three times, Barcelona's sub-par service has put me off, but last night was the ultimate! Everything about this experience was unacceptable. I'm embarrassed I brought my family & friends here
(2)
Andrew C.

High price....yes. Worth it....yes. Very good, high quality, with a very authentic and different menu. Highly recommend for special occassions.
(5)
Ariel B.

Barcelona is a time tested establishment in German Village, and I love everything about it except the prices and the portions. I never like leaving anywhere without a full stomach or wallet, but this is the sacrifice you make for such a niched restaurant. Should the tapas scene begin to boom in Columbus, Barcelona may begin to struggle and have to lower their prices. I do have to say that their cuisine is never lacking in quality or excellence-- hence why I am inclined to continue to bend to their inflated prices. I enjoy their paella, and, though it is not the best I have ever had, it is one of the best in Columbus. I also LOVE their patio for a good stiff drink. While speaking of drinks, their bar has a lovely and creative drink menu... for a price as once again their drinks are costly.
(4)
Peter L.

I'm shocked there are so many mediocre reviews. Barcelona is a consistently quality place, albeit on the pricier side. The service and food have always been on the money. I'd particularly recommend coming on a Monday -- all tapas are half off. The menu changes regularly, but the most recent time we went the tuna-stuffed avocados and calamari were both solid. Happy hour isn't bad, but you're confined to the bar area. As for entrees, the paella and seafood stews are always amazing on a cold night. And while I'm not a huge fan of desserts, we never leave without a chocolate pudding cake. I'm a fan.
(4)
Big Baby Jesus C.

Restaurant week review! The building is lovely, inside and out. Walking in, they had a jazz singer and pianist, an unexpected but nice touch. Our server was Shawn, he was pretty good, 4/5. I didn't like any of their Spanish red wine offerings by the glass we tried. Had a Monastrell, and a Granache in case you're wondering. I gave up and switched to beer. For the first course we had Del Piquillos Relenos con Atun and Gambas. The first was essentially a salad, with small, mild peppers stuffed with tuna. It wasn't that great. The salad itself had no flavor, and the stuffed peppers tasted like good tuna, 2/5. The Gambas was chilled shrimp and guacamole. The shrimp were really good. Didn't looked spiced, but they were. If I had to guess, lime and oregano. The guacamole was good too, 4/5 for this one. For the main course, we had the Pollo and the Paella de Mariscos. I don't remember the chicken, it wasn't mine. Oh, but I remember the Paella. Seafood 101, you soak clams in cold salted water for an hour or so before using them, and then scrub the shells well, to get rid of any sand or other grit in them. No one bothered with this step. Each clam tasted like it was seasoned with an 1/8 t. beach sand, yum. The 2 mussels, and both shrimp were fine. The rice and rest of the dish was very bland, overall, a total meh, 2/5. For dessert, carrot cake and bread pudding. Didn't try the carrot cake, not my bag. The bread pudding was really good though, 4/5.
(3)
Travis Z.

I will have to say the experience of Barcelona is what gives this place its 3 stars. I heard so much about this place coming into eating here. So here is a quick rundown. The good: The ambiance is incredible. Both inside and out are great places to enjoy a romantic dinner or to hang out with friends. They also have great service and presentation. The sangria is great and authentic which is hard to find. What could have been better: the food. We had a few of the tapas plates and were not thrilled by any of them. We had the hummus (nothing special), the avocado with goat cheese (great), fois gois (not good) with fritas (good), and finally mussels (average). The problem was nothing blew us away as being fantastic. Maybe their entrees are a little better so I may go back there to try one.
(3)
Amar K.

Wow, I never realized that service was such a big part of the dining experience. Especially if it falls below expected standards. I'm all about weighting a review in favor of the food's presentation and quality but if I'm paying 50$ per person I expect a smile at the least. We went there for Valentine's day, and I got a Salmon stuffed with crab (excellent), my partner got a seafood Paella. Both were good, the lobster in the paella was however, tough (overcooked?). The parting shot was when the server forgot to hand us our take home containers, that might have been partially our fault. We were halfway home when we realized it.
(2)
Morgan D.

I received a $35 Barcelona gift card for Christmas 2007. I'm a recent college graduate, and money is tight. So, in the hopes that the gift card would cover a meal for two, I planned to go for lunch with my boyfriend instead of dinner. The problem: Barcelona only serves lunch on weekdays from 11:30a-2:30p, and our work schedules always prevented us from getting over to German Village in time. I didn't get around to using my gift card until September 2008. During my nine month wait, I heard a lot of chatter about the place. Everyone raved about how great it is and told me I just had to sit on the patio. The more people talked, the more excited I became. By the time my lunch date day rolled around, I had researched the layout of the restaurant via internet photos and basically memorized the food menu. I stood in awe at the hostess station, admiring the original art pieces in the corridor, including a bunch of blown glass that may have been a product of Chihuly. We requested a table for two on the patio and were led through the chic interior seating area to a beautiful garden with lush plants a soothing fountain. To my dismay, we were seated right by the patio door, so we endured a lot of scuttling around us as the wait staff catered to the diners. My chair was bumped several times. Our waitress must have been new, otherwise, she was just off her game. She rushed over to us as soon as we sat down and asked for our drink orders. I hadn't had time to review the specialty drinks (which I later found to be intriguing, i.e. basil mojito), so I stuck with my water. Greg ordered a queer tasting ginger ale. His glass ended up being dirty, so when the waitress came back to take our orders, she also took the drink away. Our food was served to us before the drink returned. To start, I ordered the chilled spiced peach soup, and Greg got his customary Caesar salad. The salad was excellent. The crunchy, salty homemade sourdough croutons really made it. My peach soup...not so much. While the texture wasn't bad, the supposed palette cleanser had a strange flavor that I can't quite identify. Something tells me it was laced with celery seed. With the help of my fresh bread with tomato and olive oil sauce (very good), I managed to choke down half of the soup. Greg's main dish was the day's special: a panko crusted cod sandwich with fries. It was a bit bland, which, in my experience, is typical with fish. I got the farfalle pasta with shrimp, spinach, tomatoes, basil cream, and shaved parmesan. It was good, not great. The portions were very generous. Greg couldn't finish his sandwich, and I ended up taking half of my pasta home. Overall, my Barcelona experience was underwhelming. My expectations might have been too high on this one. The patio was beautiful. The presentation of our dishes was clean. Most of the wait staff was courteous and professional. The manager was very visible in the courtyard and mingled with the guests. Valet parking was complimentary. The atmosphere was utterly great. And while we even covered most of our meal with our gift card, spending a total of $39.50 plus tip, I don't think the food was worth the price.
(3)
M C.

I've heard good things but the three times I've been were disappointing. Service felt fake and the food was very bad/overpriced. All the tapas were off except for the tomato salad. I would not feel confident bringing friends here.
(2)
Joseph A.

I get the feeling looking at the reviews that almost every higher-end restaurant in Columbus can be hit or miss based on the night you go and the waiter you get. I've been to Barcelona twice, and both times I was fully impressed. Once was to celebrate my engagement to my now wife, and once was taking my Japanese coworker to show him Columbus doesn't only have the chains and chicken wing places that he had been introduced to. I tend to order tasting menus if they have them- and my coworker and I shared a 5 course tasting, which ended up being about 1-2 bites per dish each. It was great- we got to try a lot of different tastes, and got to see some of the creativity of the chef. We also ordered some mussels, some calamari, maybe another tapas plate, split a $15 bottle of Spanish beer (from that famous Spanish gastro restaurant ElBulli), had a few mixed drinks. This is how people often eat in Izakayas in Japan, (And how tapas work of course) and we pulled it off to full effect here. It was good enough that he saw Columbus in a new light for just about $35/person. The presence of some attractive women in attractive dress probably helped convince him- No OSU sweatshirts! My wife and I got fully dressed up. We also split some tapas. Some Spanish cheeses. Mussels again? I find them hard to resist. A bottle of Cava (Spanish champagne for lack of a better description- recommended even not for special occasions). We were celebrating, and the waiter recognized it. We ended up splitting a lamb-shank entrÃ©e, and they gave us both full servings of the delectable accoutrements for just a slight upcharge. I wanted to take the clean shank bone home and make soup out of it- the flavors were so concentrated and warm. We were stuffed, and in love! Some notes: -I think this is a nice flexible restaurant in that you could go for Paella and some beers, or as a fancy celebration night out. I recommend no matter what at least getting snazzed up slightly, because the hostesses wear dresses, look nice, and you'll feel subconscious standing there if you're looking schlubby. -This is the best Calamari (outside of an Asian restaurant) I've had in Columbus. -As someone who likes adventurous kitchens and ingredients- I can see where some people accuse the waitstaff of being snobbish- If you know what they're talking about (or pretend to) it doesn't come off that way- it's a hard go for them to know what level to talk at. Based on the casualness of 95% of the waiters in Columbus, I don't mind a little snobbishness myself if it's pared to food that deserves it. -I quite like how it's just tucked in the neighborhood. While it may be harder to park- there's just something about it that adds to the ambience. There's just something wrong about a nice restaurant surrounded by a big parking lot to me. This works for Lindey's as well. It feels more like a date when you have to walk a block or two, hand-in-hand of course!
(5)
D T.

My fiancÃ© and I chose Barcelona on the recommendation of our concierge and we couldn't have been more pleased. The space is lovely, much larger than one might expect, with a great bar and huge dining room. But all of that would matter not a bit unless the food was exceptional - and it is. Great wine list and a delightful selection of specialty cocktails. There was a fantastic jazz duo there the night we dined. We'll be back as often as possible!
(5)
Valissa W.

Barcelona is beautiful. Barcelona is classy. Barcelona is accessible. And yet... something's always missing. I always take people to Barcelona on special occasions, and on not-so-special occasions when we just feel like hitting up a high brow. We ooh and ahh over the exposed brick, elegant lighting, and gorgeous local artwork. We indulge in some of the amazing wine selection. We end up generously tipping our server for being so knowledgeable and attentive. Buuuuut, the food always just leaves something to be desired. There, I said it! Whew, I've been suppressing that thought for years. As one of two quality Spanish restaurants in Columbus (Spain, on 161, being the other one yelp.com/biz/spain-restaâ€¦ ) it is hard for me to knock this place as I am such a huge fan of Castilian cuisine, but it really just isn't anything to write home about. I've been coming to Barcelona for YEARS, so by now I've pretty much tried everything on the menu, and I cannot think of a single stand-out item to recommend. Why do I keep going back? Because it's pretty, it makes me forget Cbus's "Cowtown" nickname, and no matter how much I gripe, paella is still paella, and you can't get that at Bob Evans!
(3)
Heather G.

If you're looking for a place to be wined and dined, look no further than Barcelona. To start, our group enjoyed the tapas platter. The potato salad and hummus were my favorites. For you winos, there is an extensive list. The tomato and mozzarella salad was wonderful. I choose a filet with goat cheese, delicious risotto and asparagus for my entree. I left in a blissful food coma wishing I had room for one of their desserts. Impressive features that stood out to me: -The menu changes every Thursday -Great for groups -Excellent atmosphere that feels classy and cozy -Friendly and knowledgeable staff
(4)
Vivian W.

Barcelona is located in the charming German Village in Columbus. Beautiful brick houses with pubs on almost every corner. When you walk in, you immediately notice the fantastic atmosphere. The restaurant is pretty big and they have a huge patio in the back. It was way too hot and humid, so we decided to eat inside. We arrived at 6:30 on a Wednesday night and the restaurant was about 1/3 full. I was eating with four men and I'm embarrassed to say that I ate the most. LOL I don't know the name of the dishes, but a few stand out dishes were the almonds, olives, cheese plates, steak with blue cheese, and my favorite...the scallops. The perfectly cooked scallops were in a creamy sauce consisting of bacon and some other stuff I can't remember. ;) The combination paella and shimp entree were just okay to me. I didn't care for the rice in the paella and the shrimps were drenched in a very peculiar sauce. Barcelona has some good dishes, good service, and great atmosphere. 3 1/2 stars.
(3)
Scott B.

Very good lunch. Had Bikini de Langosta. Sauce was a little tangy for my taste but enjoyed the sandwich.
(4)
Delores J.

I'm not trying to be difficult but the patio was (Cough) okay it wasn't all that. For privacy I would have preferred the inside. The waiter James was also good, but he came with a tag team... everybody kept asking me was I done with the dishes can they take them away... like maybe 10 people asked. We ordered Calamari, mussels, goat cheese and red pepper plate, and a split entree of swordfish with the red potatoes and asparagus. The Calamari and mussels were good and I wouldn't order it again there because it was standard fare. Nothing unusual about it... I wanted some Spanish flare... The Mussels had a lobster bisque flare though but I still say I was looking for Spanish flare. The swordfish was delicious... and unique. Yes I would go again; but this time I would take a different path and look for unique Spanish fusion foods and not just stuff anybody could cook. The only thing extremely unique we had was the goat cheese and red pepper plate we liked that a lot.
(4)
Yvonne R.

We went to Barcelona on a Saturday night with 2 other friends. We were greeted by a friendly staff at the front door and were promptly taken to our table. The only thing that kept me from giving this 5 stars was the server who brought our water. She wasn't our actual server and when I asked her for a wine list, she snapped at me and said "your server will be over and they will have it". Wow, ok. But when our waiter John arrived he was fun and very pleasant! Good wine (Tres Picos Garnacha) and the scallops were amazing! It is loud so if you are looking for a quiet, romantic spot, this probably isn't it. But for us, it was wonderful and we will go back!
(4)
Nk C.

I went here for a birthday and for restaurant week. Both times we had wonderful service. I had the Paella Barcelona and Fideos con Costillas y Vieiras. The paella was a little dry for me but the angle hair pasta was rich and savory. My friend got the special pork shank with risotto and it was delicious. The most memorable appetizer was raw tuna & aioli sauce. The mussels were not too shabby.
(4)
Chelsea T.

Yes Barcelona has an amazing patio. Short of that, well nothin short of that. Barcelona serves up sub par Spanish fare. The wait staff could take a lesson in up scale service and wine. This review is not a result of one bad experience. I've been to Barcelona several times, trying each time to give it another chance, but the same disappointment ensued. The fish is always under or overcooked. Being a lover of risotto I was underwhelmed by two different ones. The calamari is their menu redeemer a mint oil dipping sauce is pretty tasty, but I expect more than just a good calamari, typical bar food, at a place with a high priced menu. The paella was lukewarm, and flavorless. The neighborhood is very charming. German Village with its brick lined streets, and oil burning lamps add an extra hint of charm as you walk up to Barcelona's big beautiful wood doors. In Barcelona's defense they change their menu every week, so maybe try it out and you'll have a better experience than I did. I will say it is one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. My fiance and I had our first date there, and went there the night we got engaged to celebrate. So, I will probably visit again for purely nostalgic reasons. TIP: restaurant.com sells gift certificates to Barcelona for half priced they must be used on a weekday, and not on alcohol, no more than one for a group/table, and automatically add 18% gratuity, but overall a good deal if you're on a budget.
(2)
DJ M.

Barcelona is easily one of my all time favorite restaurants. Been there many times and never had a bad experience. Interior design is superb and the food is just as good. Service is always excellent. Prices seem to be on par with everything else. There is one waiter who works there I wish I could remember his name I think he is probably the best waiter I've ever encountered. He can speak about the ingredients how everything is prepared with such detailed knowledge...it's amazing. If anyone is rating this place below four stars they either don't know what they are talking about or they were there on a rare off night which I can't imagine happens often at Barcelona. Go for the scallops with bacon. To die for. Bon appetit !!
(5)
Josette B.

My husband and I visited Barcelona's during lunch and ate on the patio. It was not crowded, which was nice, and the hostesses were very professional. The waitress was a little chatty for my taste, but that's just me. They have a $10 lunch special where you pick a tapa, an entree and a side. There were only 3 entree choices, which was a real bummer, as they didn't fit my diet preferences. My husband visited the week before and said there were at least 10 entree choices, so they obviously cut back. The whole lunch menu selection was pretty limited and it was relatively expensive as well. On the up side, the food tasted very good. The bread and oil were amazing, the hummus was good and my chicken mozzarella sandwich was good too. I'd like to go back for dinner sometime and check out the menu.
(4)
Marit S.

I have been to Barcelona many times (half price small plates on Monday!), but had never sat on the patio until last night. Now, weather permitting, I will not sit anywhere else. One of the best quaint patios in Columbus... With Basi being a close second. Although the menu changes weekly, the mussels seem to remain a featured item. I like to ask for more bread and make a meal of them. You can't go wrong with the sangria, but my favorite cocktail is the Ginger Storm martini. Yum! Barcelona is a great place to go with a date or with girlfriends. Great food, great ambience and impecible service!
(5)
Michael C.

Beautiful.
(4)
Diana U.

They redid their menu and now have "Menu del Dia," a $10 lunch special that gets you a starter, a main course item and a side!! Amazing deal!
(4)
Anna S.

I'm not going to get really in depth with this review because I think everyone else has covered. The food is amazing. I had the scallops and the cream sauce that came with them was so luxurious. It ruined my diet but it was well worth it! Our server wasn't super attentive, but the food and the friendly nature of everyone else made up for it. I will definitely go back.
(5)
Matt S.

Too satisfied and full to type... Fantastic
(5)
Pete C.

I generally avoid any place that's known for tapas like the plague, but the reputation of Barcelona was far to enticing for me to stick my nose up at the chance to eat there with a group of friends before a night out in the German Village. After strolling through the main dining are on the way out to the patio, I was already impressed with how comfortable Barcelona felt on my first visit. For what is often regarded as one of the finer dining experiences in the German Village area, Barcelona is not the least bit stuffy or pretentious. On top of that, the enclosed patio here is one of the best in Columbus that I've ever been to. A seat out there may require an excessive wait if you don't make reservations in advance, but the scenery out there is truly something to behold. The dinner my friends and I decided on was kicked off with a plate of the chickpea hummus, a selection that wowed everyone within minutes. The texture of the hummus was creamy but highlighted with vegetable chunks here and there, and was served with warm flatbread chips that were better than anything I've ever had at Happy Greek. I chose the Noodle Paella for my entrÃ©e and can say with confidence that it was one of the finest dinner entrees I've ever encountered while living in Columbus. The blend of broccoli and seafood with a light glazing of garlic was evenly flavored and tasted like nothing I've ever had before. Needless to say, you have to try Barcelona to know what all the rave reviews are about. Spending upwards of $50 on a meal and drinks is likely, but if you're in the mood to give yourself a rare treat in a stunning setting, you owe it to yourself to do it here.
(4)
MITCH S.

This place was GREAT!
(5)
S E.

Anyone looking for a great place to go in Columbus must check out Barcelona. I live here and this is one of my absolute favorite places to dine. Wonderful atmosphere and ambiance-especially on the patio when it's warm! Food has always been superb, and the service outstanding. Nestled in German village it has an old world feel with romantic trimmings! Perfect for special occasions or just an evening out. Not a grab a bite kind of place. Take time to enjoy
(4)
Michael H.

Miguel - the bartender makes the best Sidecar in the city. I had the seafood Paella last time I was there and it was great. A good amount of muscles and fish and shrimp in the dish. My friend had a large tuna filet seared. High quality sushi grade filet about 1.5 inches thick.
(4)
John C.

We have been to Barcelona many times. This time, the excuse was the Dine Originals Restaurant Week specials. We started with crab bisque, which was yummy and full of crab meat. Chad had Paella and I had the steak. Chad liked his paella and my steak was done to perfection. My only complaint was that they could have been a little more generous with the sides. Our waitress was very helpful in helping Chad pick out a wine flight. By the way, this isn't on their menu, but you can get a flight of three wines (2 oz pours) for $1 above the highest of the three wines. It was a great deal.
(4)
Anthony C.

Potentially one of the most picturesque places to eat in Columbus, it is difficult to beat Barcelona for atmosphere. The flora on the patio quickly evokes the spirit of rural Spain the inspires the menu. The menu constantly evolves week to week, a testament to the chef's dedication to keeping the restaurant original. I have to admit though, while I am usually amazed by the quality of the food, there have been times when I am entirely unimpressed. These rare disappointments combined with the high price tag cost Barcelona my final star. As far as the bar goes, the place deserves all 5 stars. They mix a mean dirty martini, and the wine list is both exceptional and surprisingly affordable. You can get a number of excellent Spanish reds for under $30. The service breakdown matches the rest of the review: my experience with wait staff has been average, though I've never been denied an exceptional bartender. Ample portion sizes make it easy for a table of two to split a cheese plate, an appetizer and entree for a meal that you can finish in restaurant and keep somewhat affordable. I recommend ordering a bottle of the Riamat ViÃ±a 32 Cab (~$20) with a few cheeses to start off, and you can't go wrong with the scallops (potentially the best item on the menu).
(4)
Krystal L.

The tapas tasting menu was pretty delicious! I will definitely go back.
(4)
David L.

Patio...Patio...Patio...I can't stress enough how good it is. I thought the food was above average good and would order the same thing again. The Tapas menu has a large variety of flavor and am really looking forward to trying it out. Beer and wine selection is a 5 star in my book. Hope you all enjoy Barcelona as much as I did
(4)
Vincent O.

Stopped here on a my first trip to Columbus while visiting family. I see most of the bad reviews here are referring to the service... I could not have had a more opposite experience with the service. Our waiter Carl was attentive, super polite, articulate, personal (learned and called a group of 4 by their first names the entire meal), helpful in food selections, and willing to go the extra mile for our extensive food questions about content, flavorings, and origins of our meals. The decor and ambiance is a 5 out of 5. The patio is light, airy, and well landscaped with fun and exotic plants. The big hits among our group were the scallops, chilled peach soup, tuna, goat cheese aguacate, vanilla cheesecake. I had the Columbus Restaurant Week "Taste of Valencia" tapas menu, so I'm not sure if any of my items were regulars on the menu, but it included: Fire roasted Summer Vegetables Arugula Duck Salad Anchovie & Artichoke Heart salad Fire roasted baby Octopus Crimini, shiitake, and oyster mushroom Paella Grilled Calamari with Black rice Fritters Goat Cheese, almond and strawberry dessert Everything in this tasting was fantastic. We bought the cookbook to steal the peach soup recipe, and the Chef was nice enough to sign our copy. We spoke to the owner afterwards to compliment the excellent service. A solid 4.5 stars in my book.
(4)
Pat C.

I have been to Barcelona quite a few times (I live across the street). I consider it a treat to come here and bring myself, friends and customers. They have a great happy hour martini ($4) and small plates ($5) menu. The lunch menu is pretty good as well but I can't come very hungry considering the smaller portion size. The drinks are strong and the food is tasty. The Vieras is one of my favorites. I've also tried the Paella and liked the flavor but found it a little dry. The bartenders are very knowledgeable, if I order a dish I can ask for a drink pairing and they always nail it. Try it, you'll be impressed. To finish, if they have the grilled pineapple thingy you must order. My mom and I couldn't stop smiling it was so good. If it wasn't an upscale place I would have licked it clean.
(5)
Keith W.

Elegant environment. Courteous and helpful staff. Delicious food. Try the Tarima Hill "Old Vine" Monastrell.
(5)
Jennifer P.

I don't know who maintains all the flowers and fountains on Barcelona's patio, but can you bring your green thumb to my patio? You've certainly created patio paradise. Sitting under the blue umbrellas, sipping on sangria and noshing on spiced olives, it's easy to imagine I'm dining on the Mediterranean coast. And as a devout patio lover, thank you for your no patio reservations policy. As for the food, I admit my first few visits I was unimpressed. But over the past year, they've really kicked things up a notch from a well-thought out wine list, to some seriously addictive peach sangria to a molecular gastronomy Thanksgiving dinner that would please even Wylie Dufresne. The chef was clearly proud of that dinner, bringing it out himself and describing to me every detail, from the sous-vide turkey with turkey skins that had been dried for 24 hours to the perfect lavendar nitro ice cream complement. I haven't tried any of their paellas, but they always smell divine as the waiters pass by. And the chicken dish that I just had... butter in your mouth.
(4)
Lew D.

I want to love you Barcelona. You've got a cool atmosphere and you're down the street from me. However, I just can't get excited about your food. The seafood is neither fresh tasting or interestingly prepared. And the menu is mostly seafood. On the bright side, the deserts and sangria are pretty good. However, for the price, I'm not likely to come back a third time.
(2)
Kristy S.

I loved this place! We ate outside on the adorable patio and were completely comfortable (even with the crisp Autumn air) because once the temperatures dropped the servers turned on the outdoor space heaters. I had Barcelona's amazing Sangria and the seasonal Tapas Tasting which is essentially an awesome sampler. I got to try 3 appetizers, a small serving of soup and soup, and two sample sized entrees for $30. The service was great and I couldn't have asked for a better atmosphere. This is a great place for a date.
(4)
Jessica R.

I live around the corner from Barcelona and it is one of my favorite restaurants. Service is ALWAYS top notch. Food is ALWAYS great. You can't miss with the paella. Sunday night retail price wine night is a great deal. Patio in the summer is the best in town. Enjoy this german village neighborhood gem!
(5)
Melanie B.

Okay, so I just read the numerous and widely varied reviews of Barcelona, so before I begin mine, I'd just like to point out a few things in regard to where I'm coming from: I enjoy haute cuisine, but am by no means an elitist. I'm from Portland, Maine but lived in Chicago for over two years, so I have a good basis for comparison of high-end restaurants in very urban areas and small cities. I'm also a communist, so I was annoyed by the reviewers who felt privileged and personally snubbed by Barcelona's waitstaff (I doubt very much that they have any person investment in making you miserable, but that's just my opinion). Okay. I went to Barcelona last night, around 9pm, for dinner. The waitress was friendly and helpful, especially when we asked her if she thought ordering some tapas and sharing a meal would be enough food - she was also helpful in picking out a bottle of wine with us that would go with what we ordered. It was busy when we got there, but people trickled out as it got later. We were never in need of more service than we were given, and everything from the food to the service to the ambiance was really sweet. The interior reminds me of restaurants in both Portland and Chicago in that the exposed brick is very New England and/or urban. It almost seems like Barcelona is in a vortex, because I've never been anywhere else in Cbus that make me feel like I wasn't still in Cowtown... We had wanted to sit on the patio, which is just gorgeous, but when we arrived, there was an hour wait, so maybe next time - I'll definitely be taking other friends here - and by then it will be a bit warmer out, too. My first thought about the food was that I liked it better than Lindey's, which I recently tried (and which was excellent). We ordered the olives, the quail eggs with bread and onion hash, and shared the pork chop stuffed with chorizzo and covered with bacon and cranberries, which came with oven roasted potatoes. HELLO? Delicious, everything, esp. the pork chop. It was really nice to share everything, as well, as I wouldn't have chosen a quail egg by myself! I am certainly not saying that the complaining reviews were unfounded, but I didn't have any problems with service or food at all here. The only thing I didn't like was the annoying yuppie-types (including stripper-esque MILFS) who remind me of Lincoln Park trixies in Chicago; I could just personally do without that whole crowd - you know the ones, who probably used to hang out in the Arena District when they were a bit younger, or worse, who still do. Otherwise, I thought everything was excellent, and I'll definitely be coming back, and bringing friends.
(4)
H L.

humus - cold, grainy, bland. olive manchego cheese - cheese was good. this came with only two tiny pieces of bread. bacon wrapped dates - why are the pits still inside? wasn't served very warm. pieces of bacon were thin. pan fried tuna cake - tiny. about inch and a half in diameter. forgettable. clams and artichokes - 5 little clams. bland sauce. Tiny portions...yes...even for tapas. The portions would be hard to share with more than two people.
(2)
Chadran D.

Love this place! The atmosphere, the patio, the gazpacho! Try lunch- the Menu Del DIA is amazing!
(5)
Lee B.

I have had paella a total of three times. The first time was in Spain, and it was a delight. I had never seen such a lovely seafood dish and it was delicious. The third time I have had paella was at Barcelona in Columbus. It was a fantastic meal. The paella was very good, and I loved the atmosphere.
(5)
elisa c.

Excellent food... Oh my goodness, everything we sampled was great. Typically when I go all out on a night out it is on sushi or Italian, so this was a nice change to try something out of my comfort zone. My aunt and I both had the tapas sampling menu for the day , which gave us 7 small plates of a variety of foods. I'm having a tough time remembering everything there was... Chorizo sausages, beet salad with goat cheese, scallops in a sweet peppery sauce, lamb with a fresh salsa variation ... It's tough to pick a favorite - byut the steak my uncle had was truly amazing. Brown sugar and walnut glaze on a thick tenderloin - so sweet... Yum. My only concern with this place is that despite 5 hostesses waiting at the front, when we walked in with my aunt on crutches, they seated us at quite possibly the farthest table possible, ( the place was almost empty at this point- early in the evening and we had a reservation) and looked confused when we asked what we could do with her crutches when they seated us in the middle of the room ... For 5 hostesses at a nice place, they were unable to understand she may need a little extra accommodation with crutches, which was tough for me to understand. With the exception of the clueless front staff, everything else was perfect.
(4)
Chris O.

I love Spanish food, so I really wanted to like Barcelona. Their interior is tastefully decorated and their patio is amazing. Very lovely environment for an upscale dining experience, and the Spanish menu is also somewhat unique in the Columbus area. One minor gripe about the interior is that the smell of Murphy's Oil Soap was very strong on the night we were there. I know you have beautiful hardware floors, but I don't want to smell them! Our server was very nice and checked in with us frequently, and the general manager stopped by our table to address an issue we had with one of our dishes, but the good service just could not make up for the food. Unfortunately, the food and beverages here just do not live up to expectations, they are average at best. As a previous reviewer said, anyone that's a "foodie" will leave disappointed. The Sangria is frankly the worst I have ever tasted, no flavor at all beyond an overpowering grape juice sweetness. One of the Tapas dishes (the potatoes with spicy cream sauce) were made from frozen potatoes that looked like Bob Evans hash browns. Now, don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with that... at Bob Evans. At an upscale restaurant there's simply no excuse for frozen food. Lastly, in the Paella, the seafood tasted old and rubbery, the chicken was dry and tough, and the dish overall was bland. I absolutely love Paella, so this was the final straw, we will not be coming back. Overall, the setting was nice, the service was fine for us, but the food is just not up to par with the other choices you have for fine dining in German Village.
(2)
doreen w.

When I first moved to German Village all I heard was you will LOVE Barcelona..you will be there every night! I don't know what it is, maybe they don't like petite brunettes from Long Island. I 've tried this place 4 times and had service to the point of insulting 3 out of the 4. The free hummus was not worth the frustration, nor is the mediocre bland food. The sangria is the smoothest I've ever had, it's only memorable because i had to drink so much to bear up under the terrible service. I had to write this this review short after Valissa to pull the ratings down. Or maybe they have something against south shore girls that like to dress up mod style? Let's start a thread on this place. I'm confused.
(1)
Leslie A.

Decided to bring in the New Year here. The food was good, especially the dessert. Our waiter was great, plus we were seated a few minutes before our reservation time. Bonus. The ambiance is also nice. Will definitely go back.
(3)
Kathleen R.

Barcelona is always one of my go to places when visiting my son in German Village.They have a winning combination of delicious food, a great bar and a warm, lively atmosphere. However on March 18, I had the unexpected pleasure of dining at the chef's table as part of restaurant week. The five course meal with accompanying wines was worth the airfare. I travel with some serious foodies and we hit the newest and best spots wherever we go. I can attest that this meal was at the same level as the popular, chef owned restaurants in NYC, Chicago and Philadelphia at fraction of the cost.
(4)
Greg S.

My wife and I came here on one of our very first dates. We live in DC so we are a bit spoiled when it comes to good food but for a Columbus restaurant I was REALLY impressed. This isn't quite up there with the Refectory or anything but it was excellent tapas, and the day we ate here the weather was nice so we got to sit on the patio. We also tried some fried green tomatoes and I remember being pretty impressed with those as well. Recommended!
(4)
Cathi G.

Every time I visit Barcelona, I have been so happy with both the food and service, and last night was no exception. They are always warm and welcoming, and the staff training must be second to none, as the service is fabulous. I know they must also have to start with really talented people to get where they are. We stopped in for desert and coffee and as always it was excellent.
(5)
John-Robert E.

Ten stars!!! I've had a ton of tapas and this blew me away. Barcelona manhattan was incredible. We had the pork belly (ridiculously delicious) and the brisket with placenta cake...SO GOOD. Ten Stars
(5)
Tony D.

I must admit I was not wowed by the restaurant. I was expecting more. The food was good and flavorful. The experience was lacking in a couple of ways. This is supposed to be a premier Spanish establishment , however, the wine list did not contain one Sherry by the bottle. They need a selection of sherries to authentically compliment the Tapas experience . The menu also had a Paella made with Basmati Rice. It probably tasted good but it is NOT Paella. . The establishment needs to better control the room temp of the dining room. It was so warm I could not enjoy my dinner. The wine list was well thought out and had a number of interesting spanish wines that were reasonably priced ( except for Sherry).
(2)
Gwen W.

I've wanted to check out more of the "Fine Dining" restaurants lately, thus I figured I'd be here for their happy hour time. However, a few weeks back, I called to ask about the "specials" at this establishment, and the host told be about there 1/2 off tapas menu the first Wednesday of every month. Perfect! We made reservations for a table @ 7 pm, with a preference for the patio (the patio is first come, first serve only), but it had an hour wait when we arrived. Maybe next time! Surprisingly more casual than I expected. Fine-dining menu, but the atmosphere was quite welcoming (not pretentious). The space is large! Not very wide, but quite long (from front to back). Thus, plenty of seating. Our experience started out a tad bit questionable. Our waitress was prompt when coming to our table right away. She was then going to give us a few minutes to peruse the drink menu before coming back. But it took her close to 12 minutes. When she did finally make it back, she sincerely apologized for the hold-up. She was serving an eight-top, while running food, since they were short on staff. Understandable! I got three different tapas - all amazingly good. - Aguacate Relleno: Perfectly ripe avocado quarters. The crab meat was wonderful, too. I could order that tapa all day, every day :p If it comes back around on their menu, I suggest you try it! -Salmorejo: Another excellent plate! The soup was like a cold tomato bisque. Flavor explosion! Fantastic, masked, cucumber flavor. 100% fresh tomato; two thumbs up for that one, too. -Ensalada de Farro: Interesting flavor. The avocado vinaigrette had some tart to it. I was just too full to finish it. PS, this joint changes there THREE separate menus EVERY WEEK!! That is phenomenal. Talk about kitchen talent: kudos to the chef!!
(5)
Fred B.

STILL GREAT...!!! We love Barcelona. The food is great, the sangria, wine and full bar are great, the ambiance is so very cool, the service is excellent, and they have one of the best dining patios in all of Columbus. Great tapas, great entrees, delicious desserts, really good sangria available by the glass or carafe. Barcelona was one of my favorites a decade ago, and it's still great, still fresh and still current.
(5)
Arvid Y.

Initially I visited Barcelona for happy hour and was not very impressed. However, i've subsequently returned twice for dinner and was thoroughly impressed with my dining experiences both times. The atmosphere is intimate and comfortable. They also have a great patio that is packed during warm weather. Another great thing about Barcelona is their live music on Sunday nights. I would actually recommend going on a Sunday night if you're visiting for the first time. The live music (usually jazz) really adds to the dining experience. As far as the food goes, everything has been excellent. They have quite an extensive menu, including 10+ tapas and a multitude of entrees. I enjoyed their avocado aquacate relleno tapas very much. My mom also raved about their Wedge Salad, which was served with candied walnuts and Serrano ham. My go-to dish is their Paella Barcelona, consisting of chicken, chorizo, shrimp, squid, clams and mussels. $30 is a bit steep for paella, but it tastes amazing and the portions are large. They don't skimp on the protein either, so splurging once in a while on a dish like this is okay by me. My mom was enamored by Barcelona and claimed it was one of her favorite dining experiences in recent memory. She also told me to take a girl here. Okay mom...but in all seriousness, Barcelona would be a good date spot (maybe not FIRST date spot). I'll be back soon to check out their patio again.
(4)
Kaoru M.

While German Village is full of amazing restaurants, Barcelona probably is my favorite. Not only is the food here really good, the menu is pretty creative, they offer delicious Spanish wines that I typically don't see elsewhere, the service is top-notch, and the interior is lively yet unobstrusive. You might wonder, "Isn't it odd for a Spanish restaurant to be located in German village?" but whatever, I don't care. Well, maybe I do. Maybe I want Barcelona to be closer to my house in Upper Arlington so I could go more often. I usually like to try different menu items each time I visit that particular restaurant, but at Barcelona, I almost always end up getting their paella. Fortunately, they usually have several different types of paella to choose from. The seafood that they use for their paella is always fresh (well, as fresh as you can get here in landlocked Ohio,) and quite honestly, Barcelona's paella is better than the paella that I've actually had in Spain! We went on a 2 week trip to Spain, France, and Portugal in 2012 and I ate paella in Barcelona (the city), Alicante, Palma Mallorca, and Malaga... but none were as good as Columbus' very own Barcelona (the restaurant). This restaurant, very deservingly, is pretty busy. So be sure to book a reservation a few days ahead of time to guarantee yourself a table on your date of choice!
(5)
Jen R.

Barcelona is AWESOME! I love coming here for a date night or to meet friends for a classy night out. It's a little spendy, but totally worth it. The list of cocktails is unreal and sometimes overwhelming. You will more than likely find at least 5 that you want to try, but if you're indecisive, just go for the Barcelona Manhattan. So tasty. The red sangria is awesome if you want something more refreshing. We came here last night with 4 friends who hadn't been here before. They were all very impressed with the service and ambiance and all of our plates were clean at the end of the night! Our server Mike T. was awesome! He was funny, friendly, attentive, and informative about the menu options. Very very professional and we had fun with him. We started with the cheese plate (all 5 were great), the avocado stuffed with goat cheese, and the patatas brava. A perfect amount of tapas to split before the main event. I tried the Zuzuela for my entree which is a seafood stew. It was amazing. Our friends ordered the filet and veggie paella. Both of those looked fantastic too. If you want a grown up place to go for the evening, definitely consider Barcelona. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Patrick B.

Best meal I have had in Columbus so far. Was able to get a great patio table on a fantastic evening. Inside is great space as well so you should not be too disappointed if you are not outside. Had the chef tasting menu which was excellent , perfectly prepared with interesting combinations. I did not try the paella but will do so next time.
(5)
Daryn L.

I brought my girlfriend to this place for our 4 year anniversary. They do not have a dedicated parking lot as they are nestled very tightly in their surroundings. This is overcome by the fact that they have a valet parking service. I cannot speak for the indoor setting, as we ate out at the patio. It was a tad chilly, but they have heat lamps scattered across the patio. The patio is GORGEOUS! There is lovely music, lush greenery, and a small bubbling fountain. The ambiance is unlike any other I have found. We enjoyed a nice relaxing, intimate conversation. The service was impeccable, and allowed for us to talk without interruption. This kind of eating is not intended to be a quick in and out 45 minute dinner. This service is nearly two hours of light snacking and pleasant conversation with those from your party. The menu apparently changes weekly, so there isn't much of a point discussing heavily our food. Anyways, I had the "Salmon con Cangrejo". This is a lightly breaded salmon served over mashed potatoes with a cranberry jus. The first few bites were pleasant and sweet. Unfortunately, as I continued to eat the salmon, the cranberry jus became overpowering. My girlfriend had Paella Barcelona. This is a large portion of rice, seafood, and chicken. She was quite impressed with the dish, but found it to be oversalted. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone. The ambiance makes for an intimate experience unlike any other. I left feeling as if my soul had been massaged. The food can be a bit over seasoned, but is very well thought out. NOTE: The patio is first come, first serve seating. Reservations will not work to sit there.
(4)
Ramy E.

Best service in Columbus, hands down! The happy hour is fantastic and the tapas are a can't miss. Go there and you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Woody B.

I went here for a work dinner. I am not from the area so I didn't know what to expect here. Based on my first impression seeing the happy hour, I was impressed. The $4 cava was so tasty! I had a good amount of those. As for the food, I was pleasantly surprised. Some of the items we got were the paella, crab cakes, short rib and roasted potatoes. All the food was solid. We also got an assortment of dessert. I am definitely a sucker for dessert so I of course had a taste of everything. Yumm. The flan, creme brule and biscotti were some of my favorites. Great place for food in drinks in the German district of Ohio. I would come back here.
(4)
Lindsay M.

Amazing drink selection with phenomonal tapas to kick of a friday night.
(5)
LeeJee C.

If you like paella, please go to Barcelona immediately!! My boyfriend and I love Spanish food, and we are always on the quest to find the best tapas and paella. Nothing compares to the food at Barcelona.
(5)
Brieanna H.

I've always really liked Barcelona, but it's never been my go-to for a big dinner. Usually I'm looking for something new and fancy to try, but those days might be coming to an end. I had the most wonderful experience at Barcelona last week, and during 614 Restaurant Week, no less! First, I must mention that our server was a total delight. She was very excited, and talked up the entire menu, including the Restaurant Week menu. In my experience, this is unusual, as many times I've ordered from the RW menu and I got the distinct impression that the service is not as attentive as it might have been if I had ordered off the regular menu (cough, Rigsby's, cough). I detected none of that, which pleased me a great deal because the RW menu looked delicious. My friend and I each decided to order the RW menu. For the first course, I got the EspÃ¡rragos con JamÃ³n and my friend got the Setas Fritas. Both were good, but his were better. The fritters were lightly fried, and the aioli was a nice compliment. My asparagus was cooked well and the ham was tasty, just not as remarkable as the fritters. Our second courses were Bistec a la Parilla (him) and Camarones (me.) This time, mine was better. The flavors in the shrimp and polenta and onion straws were amazing. And it smelled so good! Just delicious. His Bistec a la Parilla was a good size for a skirt steak and yummy in its own right, but we both liked the shrimp more. Finally, for dessert, he had the Churro Cupcake, and it was good if a little awkward to eat. I ordered the Maple Pecan Blondie, which came with a little ice cream. Yes, yes, yes! It was exactly what I wanted, and a superb finish to a lovely meal. Oh! We also ordered a bottle of wine, a rioja, on our server's recommendation, and it was lovely. I am really surprised at myself for not coming to Barcelona more. The service, the atmosphere, the food, the wine--it was all great. This year, my resolution is to eat at Barcelona more often!
(5)
Cory C.

Unbelievable food. Our server, Kayla, was AMAZING. Super funny, great conversation and recommendations. The tuna, calamari, shrimp, cheese cake, everything was fantastic. Go here!
(5)
Jon F.

An outstanding Columbus experience. I had not been here in many years but really enjoyed coming back. This crowded bistro has great service and great food. The wine list is very good with several off-the-beaten-path selections you should try. A downside is that this place is very loud and not conducive to a quiet conversation. Still tons of fun.
(4)
Nicole O.

Barcelona is one of my favorite places in Columbus - the patio is amazing, their drink selection is awesome, and their menu constantly changes based on whatever they have in the kitchen (which I personally love). We most recently went here for my fiance's 30th birthday dinner with a large party, and it was wonderful. The service was great - not one issue out of 15-20 people, and everyone enjoyed trying each others' small plates. I've never had a mediocre meal here - which is why I will keep coming back!
(4)
Ying X.

Came here for tapas on a Thursday night. The night started off slightly disappointing, but ended up picking up soon afterward and ended on a fairly positive note. We opted to go for valet parking since it was only $5 and the streets were a bit crazy. However, the valet was nowhere to be found, and after waiting for almost 10 minutes, we decided to try circling around the block one more time to see if any spots open up. No luck there, but the valet magically reappeared when we returned, so we dropped off the car and went inside. We were promptly seated, and our server was incredibly friendly. More importantly, she was very thorough with checking in with the chef regarding some dietary restrictions we had, which I really appreciated since I've had problems (not here, but at other places) about this in the past. The only thing that I have a minor complaint about was that towards the end of the night, when she was clearing away our plates, she spilled quite a bit of sauce from one of our dishes, and it almost got on us. Obviously an accident, and she was very apologetic about it, so I'm not too bothered. With regards to food, we ordered the: Almejas con Miso - Clam miso soup. Perhaps the only disappointing dish of the night. The soup itself was so salty that it was impossible to drink. The clams were tasty, but they only give three (and would've done much better in a lighter soup). Albondiga - Lamb and beef meatball. I didn't get to try this because it had some ingredients I can't have, but my friend states that it was very tasty. Cerdo - Grilled pork medallion. Would probably recommend; it's the right blend of savory and sweet and is also quite a generous portion. Costillas - Braished beef short ribs. Fairly standard; very good, but not necessarily unique. Mejillones con Chorizo - Sauteed mussels. My favorite dish of the night. The sauce is extremely savory without being too overwhelming, and the mussels were cooked just right. We ended up dipping a lot of our complimentary bread in this sauce because of just how good it was. Mousse De Caramelo Y Chocolate - Salty caramel and dark chocolate mousse. Didn't really taste the caramel, but the mousse was nice and fluffy. Pretty solid, but nothing to rave about. Tarta De Queso - Orange pistachio cheesecake. Very good level of pistachio flavoring, and the cheesecake itself was very creamy, but it's nothing too special. Overall, not a bad option for tapas, and I definitely enjoyed myself, but it doesn't really stand out to me save for the mussel dish that we ordered. That's probably be the only reason I'd come back.
(4)
Diane M.

I would give Barcelona 5 stars if our server had been a bit friendlier. The tapas are delicious and the portions are great in that they don't leave you grossly full but just satisfied. The patio is a perfect, Romantic environment...the ambiance is unbeatable!
(4)
Marni K.

Eh I don't get it. My paella was bland - I mean seriously flavorless - and I think there was only chicken in my chicken and chorizo version. If there was any chorizo, it was really hard to find. I seriously considered adding table salt to make it at least take like something. Paella is my favorite dish so I'm pretty disappointed. Service was good and it's a nice space but it won't be on my return list.
(2)
Katherine M.

B.E.A.uuutiful patio, with plants and lights and fountains... Really a cool atmosphere - doesn't feel like Columbus. Great romantic setting, or also appropriate for small professional groups. Upscale menu, and everything I've tried has lived up to the hype. Great options for everyone with larger paella dishes down to tasting plates and tapas. Always have a rotating seasonal menu which is usually where I keep my eyes, knowing well I'd be back. Living down the street for about 3 years, my girlfriends and I loved catching retail wine night, which I'm not sure that they do anymore. Instead they have a weekly calendar of tasting events and live music which are also reasons to come to Barcelona instead of the other German Village competition. I'm not as frequent of a visitor anymore that I'm farther into downtown, but the drinks and food always finish under par, and the setting never disappoints. It's a guaranteed option if needing to impress a visitor in town.
(5)
Jillian M.

This review is for their amazing happy hour specials that they offer at the bar only. Weekdays from 4-7pm you can get $4 beer/wine/specialty cocktails and $5 small plates from a selected list. They had a great assortment of beverages, and about 11 or 12 small plates to choose from. My friends and I had a few different plates and drinks, so of what I was able to try, here are the highlights: Small Plates: + Aguacate Rellenos con Queso- avocado stuffed with goat cheese, with a sun-dried tomato drizzle. It was buttery smooth, and let's be honest- goat cheese makes everything better! + Costillas -- BRAISED SHORT RIBS, omg. So tender and juicy, and the sauce they were in was a mushroom/blue cheese marsala of sorts. It was a bit rich, but THAT SAUCE. I wish I had a hunk of bread to soak it up. I restrained myself from tipping up the bowl to my mouth to drink it straight. - The Patatas Bravas were decent, but essentially just a bunch of potato hunks with a tomato sauce. You do get a pretty good quantity of food for the price though. The calamari was pretty standard. The drink list had a great selection of beer and wine, and about 10 drinks that covered your basic types of liquor. I had a highball, which was made with ginger beer. I also had their manhattan, which was served up in a martini glass. Our bartender was very friendly and helpful, and on top of everything without being overbearing. I peeked in at the patio, and people are spot on with their reviews- it looked completely enchanting. I would love to come back here for a special occasion and check out their paella. Their happy hour is a great way to sample what they have to offer without breaking the bank.
(4)
Laura C.

Great work lunch! We all had paella. The service was on point, the atmosphere was lovely and the food was delectable. Yum!
(5)
Leah L.

Based on what I had, I give this restaurant 4.5 stars. First, we had the mozzarella and tomato salad -- very soft cheese and the balsamic drizzle was delicious. Next, scallops - Amazing esp with those crispy bacon. You can't go wrong with bacon. Next time I might ask for extra bacon. I wish it came with some type of risotto- I'm Asian I need some type of rice. The chicken and chorizo paella was alright. Perhaps it was after eating a heavy cream delicious scallop meal. To end the most perfect lunch, we had their pistachio with orange cheesecake. This was so freaking good. I wanted another piece after 2 hours. Will def come back to this rustic elegant restaurant.
(5)
Keri M.

We took in lunch during a recent visit to Columbus... I have to say the whole experience was wonderful. We had a lovely table by the front window, a very attentive and thoughtful waiter, and the food was excellent. On a Spanish theme, we started with the fried calamari, which were perfectly done, not oily at all and quite tasty - honestly, I've he'd better but only back home in NYC. It came with a marinara sauce and also a lemon sauce, which was very different and worked well. Aperitif of choice was an Apple martini, which, I thought, could have been a bit more sweet, but good. Along with the calamari, we also ordered their Spanish olives and peppers, which wee very tasty. Main course, it turned out my friends copied me -lol- and we all had the paiea, the chicken with chorizo. It arrived to our table in a black skillet and steamy and hot.... It was most delicious, the chicken done perfectly and offset by the spice - not too much heat, just enough. An ample lunch portion, and well worth the price. For dessert, the waiter recommended their homemade pistachio cheesecake and it was the perfect choice. Moist, pistachios, cheesy.... What more could you ask for?? All in all I had a wonderful lunch at Barcelona, and I would definitely go back again; in fact I'd love to dine there one evening. And for all that we had, the check for three was quite reasonable.
(5)
Philippe A.

We went when we were in town for business. I was not impressed. The braised ribs were juicy and soft but a little tasteless. The calamari was salty. The drink my wife ordered, something with gin in it, was a flop for us. But kudos for having campo viejo Tempranillo. Overall ok.
(3)
Brittany B.

At first glance, this place seems to be a bit pricey. And I have gotten a little dresses up and went there for a nice birthday dinner with my partner and spent more on a bottle of wine than we normally would. That wine list is worth it, though. There are also many options for eating and drinking here on the cheap - they have discounted wine nights, tapas specials, happy hour, and siesta fiesta. Both the gazpacho and the chilled and spiced peach soup on their lush patio are exactly what I want on a hot and humid day. The ferns and various planters create both shade and privacy at each table, making this one of my favorite patios in Columbus. The goat cheese stuffed avocado and red sangria - with plum brandy - add even more to the experience. So glad this place is walkable to my new place!
(5)
M M.

We went there for our anniversary a few weeks ago. We were excited to check out the restaurant because it is a highly regarded one in Columbus but we came back with slight disappointment (we also came back a little hungry). If we had gone there without knowing the reputation, I would give them 4 stars but unfortunately it didn't meet our expectations.
(3)
Ryan F.

Went here for a birthday dinner. Patio is fantasic. Spanish wine selection is unbeatable in Ohio. Food was delicious and service was excellent. For as nice as everything was, the atmosphere was super laid back. It was excellent food and service but felt like I could just hang out and have a drink with some friends, not stuffy at all. One of my favorite places.
(5)
Michael D.

So I've been wanting to try this place for years. Wife calls earlier today and says the sitter agreed to watch the kids late so we could do happy hour. Wife agreed to meet me downtown (I work downtown), so I suggest Barcelona. Based on the high rating on yelp and the pictures of what appears to be a very nice patio - and given the great weather we had today, I figured this was a slam dunk... Well, not so much. Place was super dull. Bar crowd was not very friendly and it just didn't have the energetic vibe you get from a great venue...especially a venue that charges as much as they do for entrees. Additionally, they said happy hour deals weren't available on the patio. Instead, they have a reduced lunch-style menu on the patio. Anyway, we took a look at the happy hour menu and were not really all that impressed. We did order the hummus and it was just ok. Given the less than welcoming surroundings, the less than adequate service, and the high prices for what appeared to be "nothing special food" (we saw what other patrons had ordered and were just like "meh", we got our check and decided to find a better choice for our Tuesday night happy hour.
(2)
Kaylin C.

This place is amazing, me and my boyfriend shared 8 different tapas and it was such a fun experience being able to try so many different flavors. The service was fantastic as well. Get there early if you want patio seating!
(5)
Siv M.

I had the pleasure of dining here with my husband and his family for my mother-in-law's birthday celebration. I loved the ambience and decor of the place; it was packed for a Friday night, which is always a good sign. Our waitress was very friendly and incredibly knowledgeable on the entire menu. I had the braised short rib paella after the waitress recommended it -- it was so delicious and flavorful! I ate the entire dish and left nothing on my skillet! My husband had the scallop dish. At first, he was disappointed in its size, but later into our meal, he mentioned that it was surprisingly filling, and then continued to rave about its unique and yummy flavors! Overall, this place provided a memorable and delicious dining experience for us. Prices are a bit high; therefore, I am only giving it 4 stars. Since it's the only high end Spanish restaurant in the Columbus area, they can get away with charging this much, but I think if everything was $5 cheaper, this place would be perfect! I would definitely come back when I visit my husband's family again!
(4)
Crystal I.

Lovely atmosphere. Beautiful building and lounge. The food was good. i will return.
(4)
Allison S.

The Monday half-priced tapas are a really great deal, especially if you sit at the bar and take advantage of the happy hour drink specials. The cocktails are quite good, and not watered down. The food is very good, but some things are better than others. The calamari and a chorizo special were awesome--the calamari was some of the best I've had, so I'd highly recommend either. The stuffed avocado was a little lackluster, but the texture was still very nice.
(4)
Eddie H.

I drove to Columbus to meet a friend who was in town for a business trip and we decided to head here for dinner since we both love Spain and Spanish food. We showed up around 7:30 on a Tuesday night and were quickly seated. The dining room is long and really well decorated. There was interesting art on the walls and the lighting was dim but not dark. The restaurant was about 75% full and had a lively atmosphere. I ordered an Estrella Damm while we looked over the menu and it got delivered to the table next to us which was odd. Other than that hiccup our server was attentive, had opinions and friendly. Since we had never been there before we decided to split both the tapas tasting and an order of the Paella Barcelona. The first half of our tapas tasting came out with 3 cold items; an artichoke, olive, almond mixture, an apple salad on lettuce and a filled pepper. It was all good. Our hot tapas came out along with our paella and included a potato soup, a slice of sourdough with melted cheese and a single slice of chorizo sausage, two pieces of lamb and a skewer with one scallop and shrimp. All of it was very good. The disappointment was the paella. It looked spot on but it wasn't very flavorful. The saffron was lacking, the seafood wasn't as abundant and most cruelly of all the bottom rice wasn't crisp at all. It reminded me more of a slightly Spanish inspired jambalaya than a true paella. My friend ordered the Tres Leches dessert which she ate every bite of and loved. I passed since my inner fat kid made me eat two donuts at work.
(3)
Dia D.

We ordered the Tapas Tasting Menu which was 7 tapas served in 3 courses for $35 per person. The first course included Ceviche de Camarones (shrimp ceviche), Ensalad de Aguacate, and Chorizo y Queso (chorizo and cheese with figs, almonds, and crackers). The second course included Mejillones (mussels), chicken, and chorizo. The third course was pineapple slice with browned sugar on it. In general, I thought that the food was ok, but definitely not the tastiest tapas that I've ever had which may be the result of ordering from the Tasting menu. I liked the first course and the mussels in the second course more than the chicken or the chorizo with potatoes. The food was a 3, but they get an extra star for good service and a nice outdoor patio.
(4)
Tan N.

Barcelona, oh how I wish i enjoyed your food. It's walking distance from our house and it's a great space with a nice backyard patio. It's popular so if we liked it, it would be a good hangout. Instead, we find it overrated and expensive to boot. Definitely other options in Columbus. The tapas and food selection is heavy and do not remind me of the fantastic flavors of Spain in the least. I love Spanish food and I guess I won't get to enjoy it l in Columbus. I am also annoyed by tapas places that use it as an excuse to charge more money for less food without actually serving fresh, inspired servings. They figure drinks are more important and we won't notice? The cocktails weren't amazing and I'd rather have one at Sycamoreor Curio nearby. Also, the seafood here is more of what typically is found in the area: calamari, mussels, scallops and salmon. Easily frozen and thawed, I guess. I had the salmon and it was way overdone. My other pet peeve. If you're into uninspired food that's heavy on cheese, sauce and meat and don't mind paying the prices then it's your kind of spot. Many others agree with you apparently from the ratings I've seen. I'm just not one of them.
(2)
Divya R.

This probably one of the nicest spots you could dine in Columbus. It was my second time here and previously I had dined on the patio which was beautiful. This time, we sat inside and tried many of the appetizers. The mussels were good and broth was tasty. The garlic shrimp was so perfect the first time that we had to order it again. The croquettes may have been too cheesy for my taste, if they picked a more delicate cheese this would have been a winner. The breading on the calamari was amazing but with they gave some lemon with it. I tried the scallops with bacon which were both great, i just wish they used something besides Lima beans to go with it. I have very high expectations for paella so haven't yet gotten there but maybe its time so I will be back for the seafood one. The ginger walnut Manhattan and the Barcelona Manhattan were great too.
(4)
Lauren L.

We went during restaurant week so my review is a little dated but I think I can safely say that we enjoyed our meal. The menu overall was really broad, there were a lot of great options. I like starting with restaurant week stuff, though, because if a restaurant doesn't put their best foot forward in a "tasting" type/obviously promotional time, then I tend not to trust them. I have dined at far too many that just slap something traditional on the plate and call it a restaurant week special. This was so not the case with Barcelona! My husband and I had a hard time deciding on our meals. My husband started with the soup while I dove into the fried artichokes. Both were delicious, cooked perfectly and seasoned well. He had the steak while I had the pork for the main course. I love it when the individual elements of a dish meld perfectly into the delightful mouthful that makes you go "YUM" and dive back in for more. Both of us were reluctant to share our meals even though we agreed to let the other "try some." My only disappointment was dessert but I will attribute that to a restaurant week flub. My flan was bland and tasted as if it had been cut from a block. Given what I see on the other Yelp pics, I am excited to go back to try a real dessert there. The wine list, too, was beyond excellent. Oh, and our server couldn't have been nicer, too. Overall, a great date night at a great restaurant !
(4)
Jeff H.

Came here a few days back to celebrate the weekend. I came here about 10 years ago and remember it being tasty. I brushed up in my espanol by watching reruns of Friends with the subtitles on. I mean... Amigos. Then we headed down to German village. We had reservations and it was nearly full. We decided to order a few tapas. The cerdo, mussels, and calamari. The cerdo had the perfect blend of salty and sweet and was my favorite. The mussels were also really good but the sauce could have used more flavor. The calamari was well fried and I thought both sauces complimented it well. So far so good. We split the beef tenderloin paella and there was plenty for two. The beef reminded me of family Sunday pot roast and that is the highest compliment. The scallops were also massive and very tasty. We both really enjoyed the paella. I wish I would have had even more so I could quote Estelle costanza, "what am I going to do with all this paella?" The only thing I didn't enjoy was our table. The narrowness of the restaurant forces an odd layout and I felt like I was in the way of the severs. All in all, it was a unique, tasty meal that makes me want to come back again.
(4)
Mike C.

I was a little underwhelmed by Barcelona, but overall I had a good experience here. First off I really liked the building and the atmosphere. It looks small from the outside and is way bigger once you step in. The lighting and general decor are all nice (except it was a little weird to sit across from a giant mirror, I don't really want to watch myself eat.) Secondly, the service was amazing. It was probably the best I have experienced in Columbus for a long time. Very friendly and very attentive staff. I always had a full glass of water. Unfortunately the food was a bit of a disappointment for me. I ordered the bistec (steak) and, while it was a generous portion of meat, it was also not as good of a cut as I was expecting. It was described as extremely tender, however it was often difficult to slice with a steak knife and some parts took forever to chew. The steak was also underdone: my medium rare was closer to rare in some places. My date got the tapas sampler and she really liked it. Maybe that is the way to go instead of ordering off the menu.
(3)
Emily L.

I have wanted to go here for SO LONG and I finally got to go last night. My boyfriend and I are taking a week of staycation and we wanted to enjoy some of the city's best and this was high on our list. The meal, the drinks, and the experience make this place unlike any other. You have to go here on a nice day so you can sit on the patio. It is GORGEOUS and when you're out there, you really don't feel like you're sitting in the middle of German Village. You feel transported and relaxed. To start, we ordered a carafe of the red sangria. For $25, we got enough for 3 huge glasses of sangria each, so the price was fantastic for the amount (some places, we spend $30 alone on just 2 drinks). They brought us a little amuse bouche, which was a cucumber slice with some roasted red pepper hummus and we knew right then it was going to be a good meal, because that was super tasty on it's own. We just went for tapas for dinner, which is the way I would recommend to go. You get to try a little bit of everything and it was so fun. We started with a couple meats (Pamplona and Salchicion de Vic) and you get a good sized amount for each, just enough for 2 people to share. We also tried the Idiazabal cheese, which was like a smoked Parmesan. We then got 3 tapas: Almendras Marcona (roasted Spanish marcona almonds, which are unlike normal almonds and probably my favorite nuts ever), Costillas (braised short ribs with a blue cheese mushroom sauce and fried leeks...like your mama's pot roast x 1000), and Mejilones, Almejas, y Camarones (this is the best thing I have ever eaten...mussels, clams, and shrimp in an avocado cream sauce with house-made chorizo and bread for soaking up all the sauce...this was incredible). The couple meats and tapas were a perfect amount for the 2 of us, but we also ordered the Tres Leches cake dessert, which was also incredible (dessert is a rare treat for us, so I enjoyed it) and my boyfriend tried one more meat for the road (Picante). The entire meal was a great price. For all we ate (and for the quality of what we ate), we came in at under $100, and we were stuffed to the brim after our meal, so you could for sure come here, have a great meal, and not break the bank. This might be my new go to fancy place...and I have a birthday coming up next month...
(5)
Lisa L.

Undoubtedly, as everyone mentioned here, this is one of the most authentic Spanish restaurants in Columbus. Everyone raved about the paella, so I figured I'll try something else to see if other dishes were on par with the paella. I ordered a tapas called Bistec, which was one of the items in their tapas tasting menu. Bistec was a grilled marinated tri-tip steak with bleu cheese smashed red-skin potatoes, caramelized onions and sherry vinegar steak sauce. I have to say Bistec filled me up pretty quickly and I don't even need an entree. It was definitely one of the best tapas I've ever tried. The steak was perfectly grilled on the outside, medium rare and tender on the inside. I hope this dish gets transferred to their permanent menu because it's really good! The reason why am I not giving a 5 star: If you're an impatient person or you come really hungry, just go for the variety of tapas they have to offer. My friends who ordered paella had to wait for 45 minutes for theirs to come (it was on a crowded Friday night). Their complimentary restaurant bread was a miss too, since it was pretty cold and hard. Other than that, this restaurant is awesome! My friends love their paella and scallop dish. I ended my night with a dessert called Tarta de Queso - an pistachio cheesecake and it was soooo good! Totally recommend that too!
(4)
Brian E.

I wish I could give more praise, but my first experience at Barcelona was ok to just below. The food is good, however I expected more complex flavors and innovative dishes from a restaurant at these prices and of this caliber. My family and I attended on Christmas eve. The server was knowledgeable *when he was there*. Service was slow, bread was initially forgotten until we asked another server. Waited quite awhile to order. Leftovers that were to be boxed never appeared and we eventually had to leave. Other tables were in and out meanwhile with what appeared to be attentive service, so I don't blame the restaurant as a whole and I would try it again.
(2)
Sofia B.

Great Spanish restaurant. Ordered paella. Of course took a while to make, it's not quick, but was excellent. Great place for date night.
(5)
Regan F.

Scallops are some of the best in Columbus. Creative Tapas & cocktails--jalapeÃ±o infused tequila with pineapple mango & cilantro provided just enough heat Excellent service. Beautiful patio. My friend loved his seafood paella.
(5)
D J.

Stepping into the cobbled sidewalks of the German Village neighorbood is delightful in itself, but step into Barcelona and one can whet the senses even more... Soak up the smells of the aromatic infusions that greet you in the doorway Let your eye wander and observe the lush colors on the wall, drapes and the space that stokes the fondness for fall Taste the sweet sensations of a red wine sangria; a perfect partner to some excellent Paella de Verduras(umm - piquillo peppers,roasted tomatoes, sofrito!) Try the specials, go for the classics like a Patata Bravas -- heck, try as many plates as may fit those small tables We did - and we enjoyed a thoroughly authentic tapas experience - great work night dinner!
(4)
Sean S.

This is, in my opinion, one of the best restaurants in Columbus. The wait staff always seems to be extremely knowledgeable and is always willing to offer suggestions or answer questions. On more than one occasion I received an amuse bouche, compliments of the chef, which is always a tasty, pleasant surprise. The food is always skillfully prepared and delicious. The kitchen is also always open to making adjustments to dishes in order to satisfy the diner's palate. While Barcelona is what I would consider to be an "upscale" dining establishment, the atmosphere is still cozy enough that most people will feel comfortable. To be honest, the only negative thing I have to say about this place is that parking can sometimes be a pain in this German Village location depending on what day/time you go. I enjoy the experience of dining here enough that this is in no way a deterrent. Luckily there is valet.
(5)
Walt S.

Barcelona is a great way of spending your evening out in German Village. I'd heard and read, "Grab a table on the patio if you can". That was my modus operandi for the night and it worked! My night out was with a friend and the two of us arrived at Barcelona about 6:30PM on a Saturday night. Told there might be a wait for a patio table we somehow managed one in under 10 minutes. Labor Day? Likely as I'd heard the patio was a 20 - 30 minute wait requiring a stop at the inside bar. We didn't even get a drink ordered at the bar, which is very nice and large, before being seated. The patio is a slice of heaven with foliage everywhere creating nooks and crannies that make it seem you've got your own little area to dine. The air circulating was great, the temps in the 70s (perfect) and a full dining crowd that wasn't loud. We ordered the TAPAS meal and that night it was vegetarian. There was asparagus soup, bean and onion dip with bread, mushroom caps, coucous, skewers of olives + manchego cheese + peppers. It was delicious. On a whim we ordered some spanish sausage to blend in with tapas - worked like a charm. And dessert was melon balls - exquisite. Our server, Dillon, was good and attentive. Meals served up in under 20 minutes and came in waves as tapas should. I highly recommend a stop by Barcelona for a meal. Even if you're indoors (which looked fun and lively) - I'm certain it will register high on your YELP'ing meter.
(4)
Betsy W.

Made reservations at Barcelona for Christmas Eve dinner about 6 weeks ago. We were completely underwhelmed not only from the table we were given (crammed in right on top of our neighbors) but the meal itself. We did the prix fixe menu along with two items off the regular meal. The prix fixe menu was generally boring and several dishes we had one bite and called it done. The regular menu dishes were better, but none were tasty enough to eat in their entirety....which is a sad statement as the dishes were tapas size. We live in the German Village area and were hoping for a wonderfully tasting Christmas Eve dinner. Didn't happen...not sure we will go back.
(2)
Angela J.

Okay, I used to live in German Village. Barcelona was about a 1/2 a block from me. I went there once about 9 years ago. I wasn't impressed so I never went back. I don't remember why I wasn't impressed but for whatever reason I checked it off my list and moved on, never to return. What a MISTAKE! Now I live in Clintonville. A friend of mine lives in G.V. and suggested yesterday we go to Barcelona. I explained I wasn't impressed but that I guess maybe it's time to give it another try. So VERY happy that I did! I may go every stinking Wednesday from now until the end of time. 1/2 off all tapas?!?! Ok, sold. Especially since every single tapa I shoved in my mouth was so flavorful and savory. The lamb sliders, mozz & tomato, avoacado cheese thing were so scrumptious. I really have to give extra praise to the lamb sliders. I can't even believe this is a tapa because you get two sliders that are pretty decent size. And since it was 1/2 off it was only $5. $5!! I felt like I was robbing them. Anyway, I just want to apologize to Barcelona for ignoring them for so long. Please forgive me. You will be at the forefront of my mind every Wednesday from now on! Also, our server was top notch and the bartender was slammed but whipped up drinks with a smile. It was a great experience!
(5)
Helen S.

I came here with a friend for dinner, since I was lamenting finals week and needed a pick me up meal. We showed up and the place turned out be much fancier than we had expected. The best option on the menu seems to be the seasonal tapas tasting menu, since it's a great deal ($35 for 7 tapas) and the dishes are pretty interesting. They told us that it was about enough food for one person, but we split it between two of us plus drinks and that was plenty to keep us full. Seasonal tapas tasting menu: Cold courses: Ensalada Belga - Belgian endive salad; blue cheese, walnuts, piquillo pepper vinaigrette Humus de Calabaza - Pumpkin hummus; profiterole, pumpkin seed brittle Ensalada de Rucula - Arugula salad; fried chickpeas, dried cranberries, maple dressing Sopa de Calabaza - Butternut squash soup, cinnamon sour cream Hot courses: Ala de Pato - Duck wing; dried fruit chutney Manzana Horneado - Baked apple stuffed with house made chorizo and manchego cheese Tosta Berenjena - Toasted baguette with grilled eggplant, herbed goat cheese, and roasted tomatoes The drink I got was the peach sangria and whee was it delicious. Probably my favorite part of the meal. I guess overall I'm not quite sure what my impression of the food was. The dishes are interesting to say the least, although I wasn't sure what I was eating half the time, and they definitely err more on the side of New American than authentic tapas. Maybe I just prefer familiarity with my tapas, so don't let my opinion dissuade you from giving this place a try.
(3)
Bryant M.

Four stars for their hummus alone. No, really, it's that delicious. Okay, so there are some other things I love too: * Wine and drink selection * Top-notch service * The patio! (Seriously one of the best in the city) * Paella (I prefer the vegetarian option) * Ambiance and environment (dark and romantic!) * Group reservations (they handle large groups beautifully) Although I love many things about Barcelona, I do have to echo some of the sentiment Liz M shared: The menu options are very seafood-heavy and the prices are a bit steep. These things keep me from making Barcelona one of my go-to spots, but for special occasions or when you want someplace a bit swanky, I head over to German Village for Barcelona.
(4)
Ness S.

It's been several years since we've returned to Barcelona. The last time we were here, the food was quite disappointing, especially the paella. However, we've been hearing good things about it for a while & decided to give it another chance. Besides a slight mixup on the reservation, everything went very smoothly. The service was professional and helpful. There were four of us and we started out with an assortment of five cheeses, and three different dried meats (chorizos). The cheeses were excellent, as were two of the three meats. For the dinner we had an assortment of tapas. Everything was very good, but the shrimps in wine sauce and the avocado with goat cheese especially stood out. The mussels were also very good. My wife ordered a glass of red (excellent) while I got the Caipirinha (was just okay). For dessert we shared the chocolate brownie a la mode, which was every good as well. Overall a much better experience and we are likely to try it again soon.
(4)
Sharmeela S.

Nice place in German Village. Has a large patio and lively atmosphere in general. Was pretty crowded on a Saturday night. Valet parking was available for 5$ otherwise street parking. My favorite part of the meal was the perfect croquettas. The appetizer and drinks were brought quickly but it took over an hour for our entrees to appear. The scallops with lima beans and the lamb w risotto were both very flavorful. High quality food though the wait for the entrees was a bit excessive. The peach sangria was refreshing.
(4)
Toni K.

Some of the best food in town. Chef Hough has a very inventive menu. Went for a wine tasting/dinner so I'm not sure whether everything is on their regular menu. Arugula salad with fresh fruit, marcona almonds, goat cheese and cava vinaigrette was light and tasty. Standouts were the seared tuna and lamb chops. Some of the best we have ever had. Dessert was creative: fig sorbet with chocolate sauce and crispy Serrano ham (bacon essentially). This place was packed on a Thursday 6pm, which means the good people of German Village know what's up. I have never had a bad meal here. Heck, I've never had a less than great meal here.
(5)
Sarah F.

Good food, nice ambiance, enjoyable evening. Service seemed slow (I can appreciate the quality, but 2.5+ hours on a Sunday seems a bit long). Small plates seem to be the way to go.
(4)
R Alex R.

Get the "Tapas" if this is your first time visiting this place. The ambiance and food presentation made me feel as if I was in a four star restaurant. Each sample from the "Tapas" was delicious and made my pallet swoon. I'd like to visit again if I ever return to Columbus.
(5)
Carlin C.

Every experience I've had at Barcelona has been amazing! I've gone with big groups and on dates and it works for either. Their paella is delicious and really filling. If you get a couple of tapas an a dessert, that makes a good meal as well. Very flavor is popping and makes you close your eyes to enjoy it. They also he love music there some nights, which just adds to the classy ambiance. The price is definitely nothing to blink at, but I've never regretted spending that much for such high quality food
(5)
L B.

Absolutely love Barcelona. I've been there for lunch, business dinner and social dinner, and on each visit, the food has been phenomenal, the service A1, and the atmosphere just perfect. As a vegan (well, 95%, anyway), it can be tough to find food that excites the palate when eating out, but Barcelona offers plenty of great options. I had the vegetable paella, which was out of this world. It sounds cliche, but there was an explosion of exquisite flavors and textures in my mouth, and I found myself nearly moaning out loud! I sampled my wife's salmon, and as one who hated seafood even before giving up animal byproducts, I would order that dish in a heartbeat. Excellent wine, wonderful atmosphere, world-class service, and a great little jazz trio - all added up to what I can only call An Experience. I've lived in the Columbus area for nearly 35 years, and Barcelona is one of the best restaurants in town. Find a reason to go. You won't regret it!
(5)
Steve M.

New 'Early Bird Specials' fixed price two course meals from 5-6 pm Monday-Friday $25! A ridiculous bargain! Outstanding tapas, specials, and drinks. Very knowledgeable staff. In my view, Columbus' finest dining Outstanding tapas!
(5)
Phil S.

This is one of the best fine dining establishments in Columbus. The patio is beautiful and the staff is friendly. I love both the scallops and the filet. One of the best features is the proximity to Schiller Park. Leave time to go for a stroll either before or after dinner. I don't recommend the small plate specials that they run periodically. I thought they were mediocre and I have heard the same from friends.
(5)
Maggie M.

Very upscale and classy. We went here for my sisters 18th birthday and we had a great time. On the menus they had "happy birthday" on it.. Which added a nice little touch. Thoughtful. We ordered a cheese board and a shrimp appetizer to start off. I would definitely get the cheese board again. For my entrÃ©e I got the scallops. Let me tell you... Delicious. You can't go wrong with ordering them every time. Melt in your mouth I wish we could've been on the patio.. But they said that you have to get there early (around 5 pm) to get a spot out there. Next time!
(4)
Kree A.

I ate here for the first time on Jan 2nd with a party of 8. Our waitress was Dana and she was very patient with all of our questions. Each person had a different entree and everyone loved what they ate. I started with the baked goat cheese with tomato vinaigrette. Frankly I could have just eaten a few of these for my meal and then died and gone to heaven. The goat cheese was mild, the olive oil crackers were well seasoned ( although they were more like crostini), and the vinaigrette was devine. The special that night was sesame crusted tuna over piquillo pepper risotto with baby bok choy, mushrooms, and onions. The tuna was perfectly seared medium rare, and all the flavors combined beautifully. The chef was able to accommodate my garlic sensitivity which was very nice. For dessert I had the crema catalana. It was a little soft but obviously made in house and still delicious. Everything about our meal was perfect. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
N S.

Against my own advice, went back this past weekend and thoroughly enjoyed myself. It is still not remotely Spanish, except for a few ingredients and item names, but what it has become is a very good restaurant, serving well-prepared food from fresh ingredients in an excellent atmosphere. Weather kept us off the patio but our view looking out on it was almost as good. This place is still pricey and the timing of the dishes can be off sometimes but the care with the plates and the overall execution is very, very good. It is finally living up to its reputation again. Also, the staff is cordial, well-trained, and interested in you enjoying yourself. All in all, I will be glad to be going back. Well done.
(4)
Kathryn W.

We had our Rehearsal Dinner here for 30 of our closest friends and family! We worked with one of the Managers throughout the entire process (Tim). He was always very helpful and easy going, which was wonderful in during a hectic time of wedding planning. The staff during the dinner was very prompt and great throughout the entire evening! The area was semi-private in the back over looking the outdoor patio; which at night is gorgeous. We have been here two other occasions, and had great experiences each time, which led us to come here again and they didn't let us down! We look forward to returning soon!
(4)
Tom W.

Multiple visits and we still enjoy this location. The variety is amazing and the atmosphere is fun...people are having fun here. One observation on a recent visit was that the wine glasses seemed to shrink?
(4)
Tara B.

I absolutely love Barcelona. It's taken me a while to get to the point where I would say it's in my top 5 restaurants in Columbus, but the last few times I've gone it's been consistently awesome. I used to feel like the service was kind of snooty but I haven't had any weird encounters in at least a year; everyone is very friendly and helpful. So to echo all the previous reviewers: the patio is just gorgeous. It's hard to beat on a cool summer evening. The menu is ever-changing of course so there are always new things, but the one thing they never take off the menu is their Vieras (scallops) and you are doing yourself a major disservice if you haven't ordered them at least once. Even if you don't think you really like scallops that much, these will melt your face off. They are big on paella but I am not a fan of it so I can't comment on that but the friends of mine who have gotten it always rave. The wine selection is great, and this is the only restaurant in Columbus that I ask for suggestions. There's a waiter here (I'm like 99% sure it's Matt but for some reason I am having a brain fart) that has fantastic taste and we almost ALWAYS get his opinion on what we should try if we're in the mood for a particular wine but don't know which one to choose. He's literally never suggested a wine that we didn't love. Definitely a restaurant I recommend, and when we have guests in town and want to take them somewhere we know we'll have a good time, this is always one of my suggestions.
(5)
R Q.

My awesome landlords left me a gift card to enjoy my first dinner at Barcelona my first evening as a new resident of Ohio. It was truly enjoyable and memorable. Excellent steak and wine choice made for a terrific experience and a standard for which I will use to compare all future fine dining experiences in Columbus. Thanks for an awesome meal!
(5)
Andrew S.

It's been years since I've eaten here, but we decided to do Mother's Day on Saturday night to avoid the typical Mother's Day nonsense. The restaurant was almost full but the staff still did a great job. Always aware of the table but never intrusive. And this is one of my pet peeves when it comes to dining in Columbus. Most wait people in Columbus have no idea how to properly serve a table. Thank you Tatiana. As for the food, we had 4 appetizers, a soup, 4 entrees and 2 desserts. The appetizers consisted of tuna stuffed peppers, goat cheese stuffed avocados, olives, and Marcona almonds. The olives and almonds were standard tapas bar fare, but the avocados were excellent and the peppers were stuffed with a wonderful olive oil soaked tuna fillet, topped with an aioli infused with smoked paprika - definitely the star of round one. The gazpacho was a bit thicker than most, which I attribute to using a bit more bread in the recipe. Very straight forward tomato flavor finished with an excellent olive oil, cucumber slices and sliced red grapes. Wonderfully refreshing. For the entrees we had a paella, a surf and turf, lamb chops, and crab cakes. Of the 4 the filet and half lobster tail was good, but was clearly overshadowed by the other entrees. 2 double cut lamb chops served exactly medium rare over sweet potato fries and a small arugula salad may have been the best lamb chops I have ever eaten. You literally could have cut this meat with a butter knife. It was salted perfectly (lamb is almost always under salted) and had just enough fat to keep it moist without that sometimes fatty greasy mouth feel. The paella contained short ribs cut from the bone, scallops, and brussels sprouts. A weird sounding combination that came together perfectly. The fattiness of the meat, the sweetness of the scallops, and the bitterness of the sprouts was a wonderful combination. As for the crab cakes, pure crab flavor, Not the filler with some crab thrown in for flavoring. Seared, not overcooked with a orange-dill aioli. Desert was the standard flan and a special chocolate/raspberry/almond brownie like thing that made me very happy. If this is the norm at Barcelona we will be back often.
(5)
Yan S.

First time here and love it. Salmon was awesome. Great staff. Veggie dish is good too. Will be back. Parking was rough but manageable. Tapas tasting was also delicious!
(5)
Ashlee Y.

Amazing food. I don't like to try new places, but my husband made me go. I was pleasantly surprised. I ordered the chicken, he had the pork chop and we left fat and happy. They also provided my mother in law with a free dessert because it was her birthday!
(5)
Tia P.

This place is perfect for romantic dates! the service was absolutely fabulous...they really know how to cater to your needs here. the ambience was relaxing and I believe they have live music on Sundays. (romantic guitar) the food was great as well and the wines are discounted on Sunday's. The outdoor patio is nice and romantic..especially at night. the only thing about this place is you have to park across the street at giant eagle and walk across, but it's no biggie. All in all I would definitely return! :)
(4)
Michael G.

Wow. New chef. New menu. Same great serving staff. Same Top 10 in Columbus. The scallops was especially phenomenal as was the tapas taster plate. We were there on a Sunday night when they sell wine at retail. Comes out to about 30% off the menu list price. Great experience all-around.
(5)
Adam K.

Five star restaurant... Five star server. Make sure you ask for Layla. She was out of this world helpful and energetic. Definitely made our evening (and 11th anniversary) well worth it! We had the Barcelona paella, the tapas special, and three of the cheeses that she recommended, along with a bottle of Gran Coronas Reserva that Layla accuracy recommended as a perfect match for our taste in wine. We had never experienced Spanish wine before, but we told her what we liked otherwise, and she hit the nail on the head. Overall, a wonderful experience on an amazing, hidden patio - our first time at this gem in German Village. We'll definitely be back... And we will definitely request Layla.
(5)
Allison H.

Had a wonderful evening at Barcelona. I really loved everything about this place - the decor, atmosphere, food, service. My boyfriend and I aren't very familiar with Spanish wines, and our waiter Chris provided some excellent advice and suggestions. We started with the JamÃ³n ibÃ©rico, which I have not had in many years due to its unavailability/price. Then shared a couple of tapas - scallops which were cooked perfectly, clam & artichokes in a dreamy curry sauce. We then shared the Paella Barcelona, which was perfect for two after the tapas and ham. I can't wait to go back and try the lunch everyone else seems to be raving about, and dinner again sometime. The patio is sure to be lovely when the weather cooperates in a few months. Note that there is no heater near the valet stand, so if a few people are leaving at the same time, you'll be cold for a few minutes in winter.
(4)
Ben G.

I have enjoyed my wonderful dinner here with my friends. I'm really like Paella Barcelona, a kind of spanish seafood combination. It was so fresh and tasted awesome. The best spanish restaurant in Columbus.
(5)
Timothy M.

My favorite restaurant in Columbus. The dinner menu is excellent, always a little different from week to week. There is a great value in doing lunch here as well and I must admit it is a weekly guilty pleasure. The staff are the best trained in Columbus and I have never had a bad experience. The Management is professional and attentive. The owner Scott H is often seen table touching any getting feedback from diners. Try the sea scallop dish that seems to always stay on the menu due to extreme popularity. Very hard to go wrong here is you like premium tapas or the best patio in the city to dine.
(5)
Jeff K.

Took my maiden voyage at Barcelona last night for cbus restaurant week. I can't believe this is the first time I've been to this gem. Our server gave us great suggestions and I went with the short rib and scallop paella. Omg. That was by far the best Spanish dish I have ever munched on. I had to stop myself from cramming all of it's deliciousness into my mouth. The rest of the gang ordered off of the restaurant week special menu. Everything looked great and the group raved about the food. Barcelona crushes the competition with great food and outstanding service. We will be back soon!
(5)
Carol C.

This restaurant fits me like a little black dress. Whenever I want to feel a little bit special, I slip into one of Barcelona's curve-hugging booths, and let myself soak in the sexy decor and enjoy some sophisticated dining. For my husband's recent birthday, it was the clear choice for a celebration destination. It was a Monday, and we decided on a lavish lunch rather than a dinner date. We dined inside, as the dog days were in full effect, but the intimate indoor setting balances out the loss of the patio. Red brick walls and elegant glass art pieces back the booths and tables, and warm lighting bounces against mirrors and spills over hardwood floors. It evokes a certain rustic polish, made more authentic with your first bite of crusty house bread. They serve this delicious bread partially sliced, with a cup of olive oil and a little tomato paste. The crust has a chewy crunch, and it's sweetly soft enough to stretch as you pull it apart - it's always a highlight for me, no matter the meal. Our waitress was fast, friendly, and delivered absolutely first-class customer service throughout our long lunch, including replenishing our bread basket twice (a big bonus in my book!). We opted to start with the "Barcelona Tapas Seleccion", which turned out to be a perfect sampling of Spanish inspired appetizers for two. Our "marinated salads" included mouth-watering sauteed mushrooms, a refreshing chopped cucumber and tomato salad, and unfortunately a blend of oily artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers that I suspect came straight from a jar. An assortment of spanish olives favored the green variety, and a few contained pits, but they were wonderful. The hummus was surprisingly tasty as well, and the grilled flatbreads served alongside were perfectly crunchy and covered in smoky paprika. But hands down, the high point was the red potato salad - starchy cubes topped with subtle prosciutto, tart pickled onions, and tangy creme fraiche... cold meat and potatoes never tasted so good! He decided to try the daily special, a fried green tomato BLT with a side of french fries, because he loved the one I'd made at home for him a week before. Home cooking is quite the competition, but their version, served open-faced on toasted ciabatta with a pimiento cheese spread, had all the spicy bite of a true contender. I ordered off of their "Lunch del Dia" menu, an intriguing inexpensive lunch option offering three courses for only $10. My starter salad consisted of spinach, strawberries, creamy chunks of goat cheese, and a citrusy vinaigrette dressing adeptly applied. The side salad of cucumber, tomato, and onion was far too sweet for my tastes, and my crab cake sandwich lacked impact, but overall it was an impressive variety and value. After all that, we were satisfied and bordering on stuffed, but what's a birthday without a dessert? I asked for cappuccino and he ordered an espresso, while he scanned the menu and eventually settled on a chocolate bar. Hot cups of coffee made an ideal ending for a indulgent meal, and the back of the "Barcelona" bar features some pretty farcical and entertaining reading. This was the kind of brunch that was familiar but fantastic, the kind that every birthday boy deserves.
(4)
Jim U.

It almost sounds counter-intuitive, a Spanish restaurant in German Village? Barcelona is one of my favorite restaurants in town. Come with an open mind and be ready to try new things if you really want a memorable experience. They are known for their Paella which is delicious and served in a very generous portion. Their tapas selection is also fantastic. The calamari is great and the scallops over polenta are worth a taste too. I haven't personally tried dessert since I have been too adventurous trying tapas I couldn't possible have another bite after the paella. Wine selection is excellent too. The wait staff could be a little more friendly/attentive and maybe a little more knowledgeable about the food/wine. Awesome food and a fun atmosphere (especially their gorgeous patio); worth a visit - at least for drinks and apps.
(4)
Diana P.

I like Barcelona. I've been here couple times now and what I would recommend is the scallop dish: vieras. The most delicious scallop dish I've had! Besides that, I've also tried their paellas which people say are good, and yeah, they're okay but not much to comment on that since I'm not really a paella person. I've also had their salmon dish, which was very good as well. It's hard to go wrong with salmon. Overall, a very good place for date nights or special occasions.
(5)
Joyce K.

Absolutely my favorite restaurant in the Columbus area. Seasonal menu and great little tapas. Red sangria is a MUST. Service is really friendly and professional, food is delicious and well thought out. Patio in the summer time is great for brunch and nights out.
(5)
Ellen F.

I've always thought Barcelona had average food, great drinks, exquisite patio, and interior decor (artwork). I revisited last weekend and we blown away with my meal! I ordered the special which was a striped sea bass served on a bed of crimini (I think) mushroom risotto. I'm not a food critic, so I'm not going to get into the intensity of flavors. But it was magnificent. My friend ordered the Grilled Espresso Crusted Mahi-mahi. I tried the Mahi-mahi, and it was equally mouth watering. Prior to the meal, I had the mixed greens salad-light and refreshing, and a cucumber martini, also light and refreshing. No dessert, but the bill for two was around $83. For two cocktails, two salads and two entrees, it wasn't shocking, but certainly isn't cheap.
(5)
Andrew M.

Barcelona is quickly working its way into my top 5 in Columbus. Every time I have been so far my meal has been excellent. The great thing about Barcelona is you can have 3 different experiences here depending on if you sit at a table, the bar, or on the patio. When the weather is nice the patio is top notch, however I love the bar because it's deep (lots of room) and the service is very solid. As for the food, the are really on the mark w/ many of the seafood dishes. Anything w/ scallops they do is pretty much a sure fire bet, but I think their Paella dish is amazing as well. The only thing I don't love is their wine list but it's pretty authentic as far as I can tell. They do make a mean sangria though. I think this place and Lindey's are hands down the two best in German Village. And they both have great patios.
(4)
Craig L.

Barcelona and I have enjoyed many wonderful evenings together. The food is always consistent, the scallops are my favorite in town, and they have one of the most beautiful patios in the city. But, this experience went above and beyond. Now, I expect any restaurant to be happy to help when you say you want to propose to your girlfriend there, but Barcelona's management really did exceed my expectations. Here is how it happened: I called and told the hostess about a week ahead of time that I was going to have some very special requests. She told me to go for it and she would take notes. After making all of them I was told that she would have to have her manager call me back because she couldn't approve all of them. No problem. Next day, after some phone tag, I get back with the manager. He is happy to help me with my requests which were: a patio table (they don't do requests for the patio, ever), prosecco to be brought out immediately after the proposal, flowers to be kept in their fridge that I dropped off then brought out with the prosecco, and, here was the odd one, they agreed to hand out notes that I prepared which told the other patio tables what was going on and asked them to take photos with their camera phones and send them to her number. The requests were only a small part of the success of the evening. The real expertise showed that night. Not only did they save us a patio table, but they saved us THE patio table. Smack dab in the middle. The server we had was fantastic, never giving it away with even an eyebrow. The flowers and prosecco went flawlessly. It was even fun when I went inside to use the restroom and the manager is buzzing about when I was going to do it. The comic relief was much needed. The best part though was that not only did they hand out notes, but they shared more details about our night to other guests. One table bought us our prosecco, one woman brought her a handkerchief, and ever last table, at the moment, at our moment was completely focused on her, on the proposal, on us. The energy from the other tables was so tremendous that it is hard to describe. The topper from management was that the manager who set it up with me stayed late so that he could take photos too with his iPad. He had told me earlier in the week he was going home at 4:30 but he was there till we left nearly 3 hours later. I want to believe that other restaurants would have been as willing to help and pulled it off flawlessly but I do have to wonder. Barcelona's rare combination of management and food excellence is second to none and I would, with as high of a recommendation as I can give, encourage you to patronize them with your business. After the night they delivered to both myself and, especially, my new fiance, they deserve nothing but good things going forward. Thank you Barcelona, for a night worth remembering.
(5)
Laura R.

I can't say enough good things about Barcelona. I got married on their patio and had a lovely dinner with our family afterward. The food is amazing!
(5)
Mike B.

WOW. Had heard about this place before, but don't often get to German Village. My wife and I wanted and outdoor patio on this beautiful night, so we called and asked if they took reservations for the patio, they said no, but told us right now the wait is about 20 min. So we took off, got there, they told us it could be as long as 30 min, which was fine, ordered a drink and BAM! our table was ready (maybe 15 min wait). Our server Chris was amazing: knowledgeable with all the food questions we had (which was many due to me being lactose intolerant) as well as wine, courteous, professional, was right there when we needed him, but there when we didn't want him there. The food was incredible. From the "special ham" (gotta ask about this and forget about the price, cause once you try it, you won't be concerned any more about the price), to the calamari to the main entree (rice with peppers, shrimp, squid, chorizo, etc ,etc). We will be back. It's so rare to see first class customer service from the person answering the phone, to the front desk staff, to the bartender, the wait staff, the chefs, etc. This place has it from beginning to end. KUDOS to all of the staff and owners. You've created a wonderful experience.
(5)
Heather C.

By far one the of the most romantic restaraunts in the city! I love it most when the patio is open!
(4)
ashley r.

Nice restaurant, good food, great outdoor patio!
(4)
Alexis R.

I had to travel to Columbus for business, and this was the restaurant I picked for dinner with a colleague to revive us from the incredibly tedious work we'd been doing all day. Honestly, the Chihuly installation was a main draw, but I'd heard the food was great, too. Unfortunately, it wasn't. My salad was good, but the zarzuela was disastrous. That's a signature dish, right? Our mixed drinks were decent and our server was nice (though he seemed a bit drunk), but we saw no reason to linger. I'd have been way more disappointed if I had paid for myself.
(2)
Brian C.

In town on a Saturday night and our first choice reported a 2 hour and 45 minute wait, Barcelona wasn't much quicker for a table but we were able to sit at the bar right away, no complaints for that! We were all excited about eating Spanish and Barcelona had a very nice atmosphere. I've had some really good Paella in my time (made by the spanish military while I was in spending a year in Bosnia), so I was excited to have some as good as I remembered it. The bartender was very attentive and friendly, did a very good job of explaining the menu and specials, overall the customer service experience was very good. I ordered the paella Barcelona and it looked pretty good when it was served, the taste did not match however. The paella very soggy and did not taste good at all, it was as if they dumped an entire container of black pepper into the dish, I'm ok with spicy but this was straight up black pepper flavor, yuck! The large piece of chicken in the middle of the paella was very bland as well, overall the dish was not good especially for $27. My wife complained that the tortilla soup had the consistency of runny grits, she was not happy with the food either. Maybe we just had an off experience but I'm not sure we'll be back for a second chance and Barcelona. In my opinion this is just another overpriced restaurant that people rave about with mediocre food, too trendy with no real substance or flavor. Thank God my friend had some gum so I could get the black pepper taste out of my mouth!
(2)
Scott C.

Barcelona is a personal favorite of mine here in Columbus. The food is delicious , and the atmosphere provides for a great place to bring a date, especially in the summer/spring time as they have a beautiful patio area.
(5)
M B.

Maybe it was an off night, but the paella was bland and watery, and the appetizer was 1 cracker w/ 1 slice of salami on top. really??? my $25 is worth more than that. not sure why this place gets rave reviews.
(2)
Jason S.

Locale and setting was fantastic. Love the atmosphere. Service was pretty good. Food was just not good. Neither my steak nor my wife's black cod were any good. Very bland. I really wanted to like this place. I've wanted to go there for years. My wife tried it a second time and unfortunately we won't return.
(2)
Linda Lee P.

If you are looking for a small, romantic restaurant in Columbus, Barcelona is a safe bet. It's nice, but you won't feel out of place if you show up dressed a bit casual. The best part of the whole place is the patio. Their patio is a MUST-DO in Columbus during the summer. So far, I've been several times and have only had one not-so great experience, (hence the 4 stars instead of 5), but overall, its an excellent choice! And oh, yeah, the food is wonderful as well!
(4)
Trent C.

I've been coming to Barcelona ever since I first stepped foot in Columbus. The place has a really nice vibe to it and I enjoy the decor. The menu is quite good and they have some excellent wines to pair with your meal. I've been here for lunch and dinner. Great place to go for a date. The paella is something you should try at least once. Having had plenty of Paella in Spain, and also some very well respected restaurants in the NY area, this doesn't cut the mustard. It's good but nowhere near great. For those who haven't had traditional, authentic Paella, then I can see the appeal. Not cheap but definitely not pricey. Service can be lacking at times. Can be hard to find a park in the neighborhood.
(3)
Julia S.

I don't know how much the previous reviewer knows about Columbus or its food, but Columbus has a number of wonderful, reasonably priced gourmet restaurants. This place, however, isn't worth it. They're overpriced and mediocre. Their gazpacho is bland, their sangria is tasteless, and their food is just generally nothing memorable. I've been here a couple of times, and each time the waitstaff was unhelpful and condescending. Simply not worth the money.
(2)
F Z.

After hearing so many good things about Barcelona, I had to check out the place myself. But not without good company, of course. We took advantage of the sunny, mid-70s weather and found ourselves in the outdoor patio (which I heard was one of the best in Columbus.) That's not to say that the inside was poorly decorated. If I were to go back a second time, I think I'll opt for indoor seating. The Chihuly collection is simply an amazing finish to the already impressive decor. Now, onto the food. The bread was your typical bread although I adored the tomatoish dipping oil. Judging from the limited lunch options, I am going to assume that menus change seasonally. My Seafood Paella was... different. The presentation was nice and the dish savory, but it was most definitely on the salty and soury side. (I downed nearly a gallon of water within a few hours after lunch.) It may be due to my drenching the plate with lemon juice beforehand. Barcelona doesn't skimp on the seafood, and my other complaint about the dish was the tail-on shrimps. DanDan's fried calamari was exactly what I had expected (after having read the reviews here on Yelp.) Personally, I thought the calamari was fried to perfection, but DanDan will tell you differently. I wasn't a fan of the 'spicy mint dipping sauce' which in actuality is your typical vinaigrette, but I did like the chipotle mayo which had a brief kick of spiciness. I didn't get to try SASarah's Spice Crusted Salmon Salad although I was told it lacked salad dressing. It must have been a fave since I saw many people ordering it as well. None of the dessert options particularly jumped out, so we ended up heading to Jeni's Ice Cream for desserts instead. I'd give the food itself 3 stars, but the atmosphere kicks it up a notch--i.e. to a 4-star. I can definitely picture myself coming back and testing the dinner menu so this rating may change for the better...
(4)
Lou C.

Definately a place to visit when in Columbus. It has great atmosphere and the food to go with it. The fried calamari was lightly coated and tender, both accompanying sauces were great, but i preferred the safron vinegar sauce. The meat just flaked off the bone of the braised lamb shanks - and the fig/wine gastrique was outrageous. I had the flan for dessert, and it looked great, but lacked some of the body and taste that it looked like it should have. The staff service is very good too!
(4)
Will N.

The best over priced restaurant in town. The calamari is BY FAR the best in town. When I go, we order an appetizer order for the table, and I order another order for my dinner. The aioli is freshly made, and perfectly accents the flavor of the crisp breading on the calamari. The price on the calamari is actually quite reasonable considering the class and ambiance of the place. Parking can be a challenge - dont park at the grocery across the street, they tow quite vigilently. The valet is only a few bucks and can be worth it if you have already made a loop around the block. I don't like a server who is bothersome, I'm there to spend time with my friends and to enjoy the food. Ive heard complaints about the service, but never experienced it. The only issue I've had with the restaurant is that they occaisionally have a gay choir in to sing. Not what I find appetizing, but to each their own. Going there tonight for a friends dinner, and I will be having a small lunch to save room!
(4)
Becky S.

This place is AWESOME!! I grew up in Columbus but somehow never went to this place. I took my fiance back to visit my parents and took him here for a romantic dinner based on a friend's recommendation. IT WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE. Our waiter was amazingly knowledgeable about all the dishes and the wines. I had the pork chops and they were the most amazingly delicious port chops I've ever tasted. My fiance had a seafood noodle dish and he destroyed it!! We sat outside in the patio and it was beautifully lit, with a very peaceful fountain filled with coy! We loved this place so much - we bought a recipe book!!
(5)
Phat P.

I have been to Barcelona twice now. First time I went there for happy hour and had a wonderful experience. The ajo blanco was really good and refreshing. The pear sangria was tasty and a really nice and sweet twist. I completed that with the fried calamaris and the grilled asparagus both very tasty. They also give you some bread (not a big fan of that bread, a bit too soft for me) but the oil that came with it is really nice. Excited by that first experience, I went back for lunch and was very disappointed at that time... I started with the peach gazpacho which was really not what I expected and really too sweet for a starter, with really no savory taste to it, I actually kept it as a desert. Texture was also very close to smoothie... As a main course I decided to go to the Paella and that was the biggest disappointment. First off, on the menu they say the paella is made with basmati, not a good sign IMHO, but I made some before :) The problem was really the dish itself, the rice was overcooked, but still drenched with water and with no nice crust. I felt the shrimp were a bit undercooked, still raw in the middle, but the worst part is still that really the dish itself really lacked flavor and fell flat. When I think Paella, I think explosion of tastes and flavor in my mouth, and we were so far from that... I would go back for the tapas, but I will stay far and away from the paella...
(3)
Colleen K.

I really want to love Barcelona, and there are some things I do love about it, it's just shy of 4 stars. Fabulous patio and great atmosphere. Strong wine and cocktail list. Great wait staff (some of the bar staff can be a little grumpy, though). And I know the food is of the upmost quality. I just can't ever really find something I really want to order, though! There's just not that one thing (even though the menu changes, I still can't pick one thing) I crave when someone mentions Barcelona. All around a good restaurant choice for a date or girls night out. I think it's just me ;)
(3)
Jonathan S.

Barcelona is a place I go to reward myself. The first time I went with my boyfriend, we were blown away by how delicious the food was, and how great the service was. The dishes are in the $20+ range, and well worth it. Especially memorable was a tapas dish that my bf had ordered: caramelized pork belly. Oh how it just melted on my tongue! I'm a bit of a carnivore, so I always order steak there, and it was always cooked perfectly. My bf always orders fish. Though he enjoys it, I was a bit disappointed in it. Perhaps I am spoiled from having lived on both the east and the west coast where fresh seafood is plentiful.
(4)
Hk K.

Yummmmm........this place seems ok when you enter. we ordered a few tapas: mussels and shrimp and octopus. the shrimp was cooked perfectly and juicy. The mussels seemed a bit overdone, but the garlic butter sauce they nestled on was exquisite. The octopus, not soo much. We had the scallops sans the bacon; OMG. i hate lima beans, but the cooked beans in this dish were scooped off the plate in record time :D. The scallops were perfect, with the sauce surprising you with its savory taste and hints of the sweet (dates) , brilliant!!! Go here and have yourself a mini-adventure
(4)
Melissa H.

I love Barcelona. It's my favorite restaurant in Columbus. I've celebrated a lot of important events/times at Barcelona in the years I lived in Columbus...birthdays, anniversaries, engagement, wedding rehearsal dinner, New Years, etc. Everytime we go, we get excellent service and our waiters always are right on with their recommendations (Michael is our favorite!). I love that Scott, the owner, walks around and talks to the tables...he knows all of the regulars and provides individual attention. I have been to some of the wine and sangria tastings Barcelona offers during the year, and they are wonderfully executed. Plus, a coupon to enjoy dinner afterward is always nice! By far my favorite dish at Barcelona is the farfalle pasta. Even though they change it occasionally, it remains my favorite dish...the bowtie noodles with pesto, pinenuts and chicken is delicious. I'm a fan of the Caesar salad as well, even if I have to use a knife to cut the lettuce into more manageable pieces. I find it interesting that the calamari comes out in a brown paper bag...not quite what I would expect from a place like Barcelona. The scallops are delicious as well, and I sometimes order them as my dinner even though they are listed as an appetizer. I love the wine list at Barcelona, and especially love the special they run on Sundays, where bottles of wine are marked down. I don't think I've ever been there where we didn't drink at least two bottles :) Next time I am in Columbus, Barcelona is going to be my first stop for dinner, as I have not yet found a place as homey and delicious in Phoenix.
(5)
Kiesha J.

I've been to Barcelona twice, both times on New Year's Eve. I always experience a slight heart attack when the bill comes, but it's usually worth it. My only issue is that Barcelona is SO fancy, it's sometimes hard for a picky eater like me to find something on the menu. I always do, but it's usually not the first thing I gravitate towards. But then I find out that first thing has mushrooms, or dijon mustard sauce, or some other addition that I cannot stomach. Also, the white grape martini was FABULOUS! As was the Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake.
(4)
Marcelita O.

Great ambiance. Delicious fresh food that definitely reminds me of my time in Spain. The red sangria is delicious and I loved the chocolate pudding cake. They also have options for vegetarians which is great.
(4)
J J.

The place is hit or miss. I was there a couple months ago, the chef's special was delicious and creative. I came back about a week ago and could not take more than a few bites of the paella. It was very bland. Being a Spanish restaurant, paella should be their specialty. The service is always spot on and perfect and the patio is beautiful.
(3)
Karen R.

oh barcelona. if i could give you 5 stars for that glorious patio of yours, i would. however, the food does NOT measure up. the service is "meh" -- not stellar. not horrible. despite my displeasure in the mediocre food (yes, mediocre -- if you consider yourself a "foodie" i suspect you'll believe this a fair assessment as well) i will go back simply to sit at the fabulous patio, munch on some apps, and drink wine. however, i will not be going back for a meal. it's just not worth it.
(2)
Tiffany M.

The highlight of my trip to Columbus: Dining at Barcelona! Lucky us... we came on a Sunday when they were featuring an awesome wine special: All bottles were available for retail price, which pretty much equated to 1/2 price bottles! So, we started the evening off right with a lovely Napa Valley Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc. I HIGHLY recommend it! Very drinkable & perfect for such a rare, warm, Columbus evening! Since you're not allowed to request patio seating w/ your reservation, we had to wait about 15 minutes. This ended up working out since it gave us time to enjoy the live jazz band inside. Our bartendress was nice & welcoming as well! And the wait was definitely worth it. Their patio is beautiful- it was like sitting in someone's garden! Once we were seated, we decided to start off w/ their Chickpea Hummus Plate Appetizer, along with Caesar Salads and a Gazpacho Soup. My Caesar Salad was like any other Caesar Salad and so was the Hummus Plate (the flatbread chips that went along with it was a good complement though). Next up, came our entrees. I ordered Zarzuela (a seafood stew w/ lobster tails, scallops, shrimp, mussels, clams, potatos, peppers, peas & grilled sourdough w/ spicy citrus alioli) and it was absolutely amazing!! The flavor was dead-on and the ingredients weren't skimpy. I gobbled that thing right up! My brother ordered their Panko Crusted Chicken Breast, while his friend got the Noodle Paella. They didn't seem to rave as much as I did about my dishes, but then again, I tend to gush on & on about food. =] I would love to go back to Barcelona! They have so many enticing dinner options: Grilled Spice Crusted Salmon, Pan Roasted Sea Scallops, Short Rib Paella, Mac & Cheese, Braised Colorado Lamb Shank- just to name a few. Too bad Barcelona's so far away!
(4)
Trevor B.

The young and hip should avoid Barcelona. It's like an AARP convention. The servers and bartenders clearly favored their older customers - it was difficult to get service, even though they weren't busy. The food and drinks were alright, but unless you're over 60, you should find somewhere else to eat.
(1)
Eric W.

Right up there with my favorite restaurants in the city. Barcelona combines great ambiance and food with big flavor. The place is dimly lit with warm bricks, a nice antique bar, and a great patio for the summer time. Get the braised lamb shank or salmon with cherry gastrique. The grilled baby octopus salad is dressed with a nice spicy vinagrette that goes well with the perfectly char grilled octopii. It's really hard to go wrong here, but for whatever reason, they can't get the paella right (the rice is never done right)...so avoid those dishes and stick to the meats and seafood.
(5)
Maxwell H.

This is a very special place for me. I grew up in Ohio and a lot of my friends have scattered to the winds. Several to Columbus. So when my best friend and I get the chance to get together this is our spot. Good energy abounds in this Germantown gem. It is foxy and fun but not too pretentious. The environs are moody and earthy. Lots of space abounds so you don't feel on top of the next table. The service has always been top notch. I seem to remember a few charming waiters... Great wine, great food and always a great time catching up with old friends. It is nice to see that Columbus has so many fantastic, world class restaurants these days. Maybe I just notice because I am older now... Regardless...I love this place and you will too. So if you have the extra cash and the love of a fantastic dining experience then you have to check out Barcelona
(5)
Joanna S.

I am a food snob. Therefore, I have to state that if this restaurant was in San Francisco, I would only give it three stars. However, given the fact that it is in Columbus, OH, I will cut it a break because I am sure that it is spectacular when you consider the competition in Columbus. The sangria was good, but there was no fruit in it. What is sangria without fruit? My paella was also ok, but there was a bit too much liquid at the bottom of the pan.
(4)
Kittiya L.

The favorable impression I had of Barcelona while my friend and I waited for our table quickly dissolved when I actually stepped foot out of the waiting area and into the dining room. I was horrified with how many and tightly packed the tables were, as if the owners wanted to cram in every single paying body they could. The overflowing numbers of tables and chairs didn't seem to do justice to an establishment that invites thoughts of elegance and fine dining. My paella was not good; the ingredients, such as the dried, overcooked shrimp and sole langostina, did not inspire my appetite; the sausage was a bit fattier than I hoped. My wine was good. The server was polite enough. And I found the decor to be odd and exaggerated. What can I say? Barcelona did not impress me one bit.
(2)
Yan K.

Good, but doesn't live up to the hype.
(3)
ashley r.

Nice restaurant, good food, great outdoor patio!
(4)
Alexis R.

I had to travel to Columbus for business, and this was the restaurant I picked for dinner with a colleague to revive us from the incredibly tedious work we'd been doing all day. Honestly, the Chihuly installation was a main draw, but I'd heard the food was great, too. Unfortunately, it wasn't. My salad was good, but the zarzuela was disastrous. That's a signature dish, right? Our mixed drinks were decent and our server was nice (though he seemed a bit drunk), but we saw no reason to linger. I'd have been way more disappointed if I had paid for myself.
(2)
Brian C.

In town on a Saturday night and our first choice reported a 2 hour and 45 minute wait, Barcelona wasn't much quicker for a table but we were able to sit at the bar right away, no complaints for that! We were all excited about eating Spanish and Barcelona had a very nice atmosphere. I've had some really good Paella in my time (made by the spanish military while I was in spending a year in Bosnia), so I was excited to have some as good as I remembered it. The bartender was very attentive and friendly, did a very good job of explaining the menu and specials, overall the customer service experience was very good. I ordered the paella Barcelona and it looked pretty good when it was served, the taste did not match however. The paella very soggy and did not taste good at all, it was as if they dumped an entire container of black pepper into the dish, I'm ok with spicy but this was straight up black pepper flavor, yuck! The large piece of chicken in the middle of the paella was very bland as well, overall the dish was not good especially for $27. My wife complained that the tortilla soup had the consistency of runny grits, she was not happy with the food either. Maybe we just had an off experience but I'm not sure we'll be back for a second chance and Barcelona. In my opinion this is just another overpriced restaurant that people rave about with mediocre food, too trendy with no real substance or flavor. Thank God my friend had some gum so I could get the black pepper taste out of my mouth!
(2)
Scott C.

Barcelona is a personal favorite of mine here in Columbus. The food is delicious , and the atmosphere provides for a great place to bring a date, especially in the summer/spring time as they have a beautiful patio area.
(5)
M B.

Maybe it was an off night, but the paella was bland and watery, and the appetizer was 1 cracker w/ 1 slice of salami on top. really??? my $25 is worth more than that. not sure why this place gets rave reviews.
(2)
Jason S.

Locale and setting was fantastic. Love the atmosphere. Service was pretty good. Food was just not good. Neither my steak nor my wife's black cod were any good. Very bland. I really wanted to like this place. I've wanted to go there for years. My wife tried it a second time and unfortunately we won't return.
(2)
Yan K.

Good, but doesn't live up to the hype.
(3)
Linda Lee P.

If you are looking for a small, romantic restaurant in Columbus, Barcelona is a safe bet. It's nice, but you won't feel out of place if you show up dressed a bit casual. The best part of the whole place is the patio. Their patio is a MUST-DO in Columbus during the summer. So far, I've been several times and have only had one not-so great experience, (hence the 4 stars instead of 5), but overall, its an excellent choice! And oh, yeah, the food is wonderful as well!
(4)
Trent C.

I've been coming to Barcelona ever since I first stepped foot in Columbus. The place has a really nice vibe to it and I enjoy the decor. The menu is quite good and they have some excellent wines to pair with your meal. I've been here for lunch and dinner. Great place to go for a date. The paella is something you should try at least once. Having had plenty of Paella in Spain, and also some very well respected restaurants in the NY area, this doesn't cut the mustard. It's good but nowhere near great. For those who haven't had traditional, authentic Paella, then I can see the appeal. Not cheap but definitely not pricey. Service can be lacking at times. Can be hard to find a park in the neighborhood.
(3)
Julia S.

I don't know how much the previous reviewer knows about Columbus or its food, but Columbus has a number of wonderful, reasonably priced gourmet restaurants. This place, however, isn't worth it. They're overpriced and mediocre. Their gazpacho is bland, their sangria is tasteless, and their food is just generally nothing memorable. I've been here a couple of times, and each time the waitstaff was unhelpful and condescending. Simply not worth the money.
(2)
F Z.

After hearing so many good things about Barcelona, I had to check out the place myself. But not without good company, of course. We took advantage of the sunny, mid-70s weather and found ourselves in the outdoor patio (which I heard was one of the best in Columbus.) That's not to say that the inside was poorly decorated. If I were to go back a second time, I think I'll opt for indoor seating. The Chihuly collection is simply an amazing finish to the already impressive decor. Now, onto the food. The bread was your typical bread although I adored the tomatoish dipping oil. Judging from the limited lunch options, I am going to assume that menus change seasonally. My Seafood Paella was... different. The presentation was nice and the dish savory, but it was most definitely on the salty and soury side. (I downed nearly a gallon of water within a few hours after lunch.) It may be due to my drenching the plate with lemon juice beforehand. Barcelona doesn't skimp on the seafood, and my other complaint about the dish was the tail-on shrimps. DanDan's fried calamari was exactly what I had expected (after having read the reviews here on Yelp.) Personally, I thought the calamari was fried to perfection, but DanDan will tell you differently. I wasn't a fan of the 'spicy mint dipping sauce' which in actuality is your typical vinaigrette, but I did like the chipotle mayo which had a brief kick of spiciness. I didn't get to try SASarah's Spice Crusted Salmon Salad although I was told it lacked salad dressing. It must have been a fave since I saw many people ordering it as well. None of the dessert options particularly jumped out, so we ended up heading to Jeni's Ice Cream for desserts instead. I'd give the food itself 3 stars, but the atmosphere kicks it up a notch--i.e. to a 4-star. I can definitely picture myself coming back and testing the dinner menu so this rating may change for the better...
(4)
Joanna S.

I am a food snob. Therefore, I have to state that if this restaurant was in San Francisco, I would only give it three stars. However, given the fact that it is in Columbus, OH, I will cut it a break because I am sure that it is spectacular when you consider the competition in Columbus. The sangria was good, but there was no fruit in it. What is sangria without fruit? My paella was also ok, but there was a bit too much liquid at the bottom of the pan.
(4)
Kittiya L.

The favorable impression I had of Barcelona while my friend and I waited for our table quickly dissolved when I actually stepped foot out of the waiting area and into the dining room. I was horrified with how many and tightly packed the tables were, as if the owners wanted to cram in every single paying body they could. The overflowing numbers of tables and chairs didn't seem to do justice to an establishment that invites thoughts of elegance and fine dining. My paella was not good; the ingredients, such as the dried, overcooked shrimp and sole langostina, did not inspire my appetite; the sausage was a bit fattier than I hoped. My wine was good. The server was polite enough. And I found the decor to be odd and exaggerated. What can I say? Barcelona did not impress me one bit.
(2)
John-Robert E.

Ten stars!!! I've had a ton of tapas and this blew me away. Barcelona manhattan was incredible. We had the pork belly (ridiculously delicious) and the brisket with placenta cake...SO GOOD. Ten Stars
(5)
Tony D.

I must admit I was not wowed by the restaurant. I was expecting more. The food was good and flavorful. The experience was lacking in a couple of ways. This is supposed to be a premier Spanish establishment , however, the wine list did not contain one Sherry by the bottle. They need a selection of sherries to authentically compliment the Tapas experience . The menu also had a Paella made with Basmati Rice. It probably tasted good but it is NOT Paella. . The establishment needs to better control the room temp of the dining room. It was so warm I could not enjoy my dinner. The wine list was well thought out and had a number of interesting spanish wines that were reasonably priced ( except for Sherry).
(2)
Laura R.

I can't say enough good things about Barcelona. I got married on their patio and had a lovely dinner with our family afterward. The food is amazing!
(5)
Ellen F.

I've always thought Barcelona had average food, great drinks, exquisite patio, and interior decor (artwork). I revisited last weekend and we blown away with my meal! I ordered the special which was a striped sea bass served on a bed of crimini (I think) mushroom risotto. I'm not a food critic, so I'm not going to get into the intensity of flavors. But it was magnificent. My friend ordered the Grilled Espresso Crusted Mahi-mahi. I tried the Mahi-mahi, and it was equally mouth watering. Prior to the meal, I had the mixed greens salad-light and refreshing, and a cucumber martini, also light and refreshing. No dessert, but the bill for two was around $83. For two cocktails, two salads and two entrees, it wasn't shocking, but certainly isn't cheap.
(5)
Andrew M.

Barcelona is quickly working its way into my top 5 in Columbus. Every time I have been so far my meal has been excellent. The great thing about Barcelona is you can have 3 different experiences here depending on if you sit at a table, the bar, or on the patio. When the weather is nice the patio is top notch, however I love the bar because it's deep (lots of room) and the service is very solid. As for the food, the are really on the mark w/ many of the seafood dishes. Anything w/ scallops they do is pretty much a sure fire bet, but I think their Paella dish is amazing as well. The only thing I don't love is their wine list but it's pretty authentic as far as I can tell. They do make a mean sangria though. I think this place and Lindey's are hands down the two best in German Village. And they both have great patios.
(4)
Mike B.

WOW. Had heard about this place before, but don't often get to German Village. My wife and I wanted and outdoor patio on this beautiful night, so we called and asked if they took reservations for the patio, they said no, but told us right now the wait is about 20 min. So we took off, got there, they told us it could be as long as 30 min, which was fine, ordered a drink and BAM! our table was ready (maybe 15 min wait). Our server Chris was amazing: knowledgeable with all the food questions we had (which was many due to me being lactose intolerant) as well as wine, courteous, professional, was right there when we needed him, but there when we didn't want him there. The food was incredible. From the "special ham" (gotta ask about this and forget about the price, cause once you try it, you won't be concerned any more about the price), to the calamari to the main entree (rice with peppers, shrimp, squid, chorizo, etc ,etc). We will be back. It's so rare to see first class customer service from the person answering the phone, to the front desk staff, to the bartender, the wait staff, the chefs, etc. This place has it from beginning to end. KUDOS to all of the staff and owners. You've created a wonderful experience.
(5)
Julia C.

As someone who's traveled extensively and eaten a lot of top-notch Spanish food, I was excited to try Barcelona. After my first, and only, experience there, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. We went to Barcelona for a birthday celebration and were sorely disappointed. The overpriced tasting menu consisted of 5 very mediocre, tiny dishes. The "cheese croquettes" were 3 one-bite cheese sticks that would have been more appropriate to serve at Applebees. The shrimp had a non-offensive flavor, but were completely overcooked. The manchego cheese was tasty, but came with "caramelized olives" that were sickeningly sweet. When we decided to leave after the appetizer, preferring not to waste more money on overpriced, under flavored food, the waitress made a snide remark. When we explained that we were unsatisfied with the food, she brought us a comment card. You would think a manager might have checked in with us, but no one did. At least I had good company to make a potentially sour experience fun.
(1)
Liz G.

Located in German Village near downtown Columbus, with a charming inside atmosphere and a lovely patio with outdoor seating, Barcelona remains one of my all-time favorite higher-end restaurants. I have been here numerous times just for fun, and also had a gathering of family here for my law school graduation party dinner. I would reccommend this restaurant to anyone interested in Spanish fusion food and tapas, and especially to anyone interested in a great variety of excellent wine. The meals are original and delicious and I have never had a bad service experience. I agree with the posts here that the patio is the best place to sit, but the inside is very cozy and ecclectic for winter or air conditioned meals, as well. All in all, no complaints, and highly reccommend for dinners, dates, gatherings, or even small parties for graduations or rehearsal dinners.
(5)
Raffi K.

The atmosphere and location of this restaurant are great. The decor is excellent and electric, and the service we had was also prompt and friendly. However, the food is just OK, and for the price they charge, I would certainly expect more from the food. I walked away from the restaurant with the impression that I was mainly paying for the atmosphere and location. I must say, however, that the free bread and pudding cake are excellent.
(3)
Steven H.

Barcelona is an excellent fine dining establishment and is consistently ranked as one of the best date restaurants in the city. Located in German Village, the upscale restaurant features a large, varied wine selection and an extensive menu including everything from braised lamb shank to grilled espresso-crusted ribeye. My personal favorite is the Barcelona Tapas Platter: marinated salads, jamon serrano, chickpea hummus, roasted roma tomatoes, spiced olives and fresh mozzarella. A+
(5)
AnnE B.

Returned to Barcelona after many years. Pleasantly surprised with the dynamic weekly menu. Although you can't beat the enthusiasm of a true foodie serving as your waiter. The more Chris described the menu the more challenging the entree choices were. I could not pass on the wildly compound flavors of the bacon scallop dish with lima beans. A meal not to be forgotten! You must celebrate a restaurant & highly skilled waiter to offer wine recommendations based on a price range rather than than pushing an absurd bar bill. I highly suggest Barcelona for delightful meal out while in Columbus.
(4)
Brian W.

A thoroughly bland experience for a premium price. I have been waiting for years to eat at Barcelona. I've had Spanish cuisine in other locales, so I had some idea what to expect. What we received with the Tapas Tasting Menu was a dreary exercise in blandness. 6 tiny dishes (yes, I know tapas are supposed to be small...but 6 cubes of cheese small?). The anchovy-on-toast had 0 fish flavor (how is that even possible with anchovies?), but was awash in a bland mayonaisse-y sauce. The aforementioned cheese dish was just a few cubes of manchego dusted in paprika, with a couple of olives - good cheese, but shouldn't there be something else going on in that dish? The mushroom and sausage dish had almost no mushroom flavor. The sausage pieces were tasty (all three 1/4" sized pieces) but were bizarrely bold compared to the insipid mushroom gravy in which they swam. The crowning glory of this fiasco was the cheese sticks, er, pardon "aged cheddar croquettes"...that tasted almost exactly like the cheese sticks from Roosters (i.e. creamy center, breaded exterior). The difference, of course, was that our $5 plate of cheese sticks contained 3 pieces, each half the size of my pinky finger. To top it off, the wine was thoroughly forgettable. At ten dollars a glass, I want something memorable. Instead we got a servicable white and a harsh Rioja utterly lacking in complexity. I love Spanish wine, and I know you can find some really delicious, lively wines. Barcelona gets two stars (instead of 1) because we didn't get food poisoning, and the service was efficient and friendly. Otherwise...avoid. Drastically over priced and arrogant. There is so little competition for upscale Spanish cuisine that Barcelona is just mailing it in at this point.
(2)
Lord F.

Oh man this is my spot in German Village. It makes for a great date night. The food and service are superb, great fish and even better Sangria. Good wine list, really cool vibe.
(5)
Amy S.

Another one of my favourite restaurants in Columbus. I loved the food whilst I was in Spain and I wasn't disappointed here. The interior is lovely and the waitstaff amazing. We had questions about the preparation and ingredients (my dining companion had also lived in Spain) and our waitress went back to the kitchen to get the chef to answer our questions. She also recommended a wonderful bottle of Rioja to enjoy with our meal. We shared the calamari and octopus which were both amazing with very flavourful sauces as well as the spinach salad and a pasta dish which neither of us had ever heard of. If I could offer a suggestion that I wish they offered more traditional Catalan cuisine with a name like Barcelona rather than standard Spanish fare (paella is not a Catalan dish) it would be nice!
(4)
Karen R.

oh barcelona. if i could give you 5 stars for that glorious patio of yours, i would. however, the food does NOT measure up. the service is "meh" -- not stellar. not horrible. despite my displeasure in the mediocre food (yes, mediocre -- if you consider yourself a "foodie" i suspect you'll believe this a fair assessment as well) i will go back simply to sit at the fabulous patio, munch on some apps, and drink wine. however, i will not be going back for a meal. it's just not worth it.
(2)
Doug O.

One of my favorite places to go for a nice dinner with my wife. We celebrated our wedding day at Barcelona just over five years ago and have never been disappointed since. My hat goes off to the entire staff for making this one of my favorite places to go for a great meal and a great glass of wine!
(5)
Sabrina H.

I recently went to Barcelona for my third wedding anniversary and for the first time since I've been there I actually didn't care much for what I ordered. I believe I ordered the grouper and it was overcooked and lacked flavor. My husband's steak was very good though.
(4)
Antonio C.

Sensational food atmosphere is off the charts drinks woo-hoo I just love this place!!!!!!
(5)
Emily H.

Very nice on a Tuesday evening - live music, very friendly staff, and good food. We started with delicious, not-too-strong cocktails which were on the pricey side but not outrageous. Caesar salads for appetizers were ok - they needed a bit more dressing, but other than that were fine. I ordered the mushroom risotto, which was good but hardly had any mushroom flavor. The butternut squash is definitely the dominant flavor. My boyfriend's steak came out undercooked and very pink, and our waitress and the manager were very apologetic and we got a free dessert out of it - which was very nice because we weren't even upset or demanding. There were a number of delicious sounding desserts but chose creme brulee - perfectly cooked and nicely presented. The atmosphere is nice - not too quiet but not too loud, nicely decorated, and live music during the week is definitely a plus. I would definitely come back - especially when the weather is nicer and we can eat on the pretty patio.
(3)
jane s.

Delicious food, good service. I've been here 4 times and all have been good experiences. I will say there is something magical about the patio in the summertime. It's not that the inside is boring, because it's actually quite lovely, but it's just not the same. The prices are on the cusp of what I'd deem 'too expensive' for a typical dinner out, but not too steep to turn me away for the occasional celebration or special date. Try the goat cheese filled avocado or the cheese platter for appetizers. My husband raves about the paella. Desserts and wine are always just right.
(4)
Kris H.

I've only been to Barcelona once. I spent all of my money and felt completely satisfied. Single malt scotch, killer presentation/ food/ service, everything I want in a restaurant. The atmosphere was low key, and we were able to dine with a well-behaved 4 year old with no trouble. A little trouble. Not their fault though. I've never bellied up to the bar, but it looks like a good spot to grab a drink. Maybe two. Anymore than that and you'll be the loud guy at the bar that the occasional decent respectable people have to walk by on their way out.
(4)
Marcelita O.

Great ambiance. Delicious fresh food that definitely reminds me of my time in Spain. The red sangria is delicious and I loved the chocolate pudding cake. They also have options for vegetarians which is great.
(4)
J J.

The place is hit or miss. I was there a couple months ago, the chef's special was delicious and creative. I came back about a week ago and could not take more than a few bites of the paella. It was very bland. Being a Spanish restaurant, paella should be their specialty. The service is always spot on and perfect and the patio is beautiful.
(3)
Allison S.

The Monday half-priced tapas are a really great deal, especially if you sit at the bar and take advantage of the happy hour drink specials. The cocktails are quite good, and not watered down. The food is very good, but some things are better than others. The calamari and a chorizo special were awesome--the calamari was some of the best I've had, so I'd highly recommend either. The stuffed avocado was a little lackluster, but the texture was still very nice.
(4)
Sean S.

I recently took 2 out-of-town friends on 2 separate occasions to Barcelona... The first friend was from Manhattan. He asked me if there was a place in Columbus where he could just get a really good medium rare steak without going to a steak house. Not being overly familiar with Barcelona's menu since I hadn't been there in a couple years, I suggested going here. He noticed there wasn't anything on the menu that struck his fancy, so he asked the server if they could give him a medium rare steak with no frills. Without any hesitation the server assured him they could. After only about half a bottle of wine later, a perfect, no-frills medium rare steak (and side dish) were placed before him. Upon biting into the steak my friend was giddy with pleasure because, according to him, it was one of the best, purest-tasting steaks he's ever had. (Take into consideration he's dined at some of New York's best restaurants.) I must admit my scallops were easily the best I've had in Columbus. Friend #2, who hails from San Francisco, wanted the sweet and spicy compote of baby lima beans, bacon, cream, mushrooms, dates and chile flakes that originally comes with the scallops since I had told him about my experience with them, however, he has an allergy to scallops, so he asked if he could replace the scallops with another fish. The server was highly knowledgeable as far as what would compliment the spicy sweetness of the compote and made a match for my friend that he wound up loving. To be honest, I was a bit afraid to have him order a seafood dish since he's constantly saying how San Francisco has amazing seafood. Needless to say, we were both extremely happy with our dishes. The restaurant seems to be very accommodating whenever you ask for something they might not have on the menu. Not only has the chef been accommodating, but the servers have been as well. On my last two visits we received a complimentary amuse bouche, both of which surprisingly complimented our meals very nicely. Another thing I'm very pleased with is that while the restaurant could be considered slightly upscale, the patio and interior are very relaxing, and not pretentious in any way. (The down-to-earth servers help with that aspect.) As far as Columbus is concerned, this is definitely one of my top 5 favorites.
(5)
Tiffany M.

The highlight of my trip to Columbus: Dining at Barcelona! Lucky us... we came on a Sunday when they were featuring an awesome wine special: All bottles were available for retail price, which pretty much equated to 1/2 price bottles! So, we started the evening off right with a lovely Napa Valley Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc. I HIGHLY recommend it! Very drinkable & perfect for such a rare, warm, Columbus evening! Since you're not allowed to request patio seating w/ your reservation, we had to wait about 15 minutes. This ended up working out since it gave us time to enjoy the live jazz band inside. Our bartendress was nice & welcoming as well! And the wait was definitely worth it. Their patio is beautiful- it was like sitting in someone's garden! Once we were seated, we decided to start off w/ their Chickpea Hummus Plate Appetizer, along with Caesar Salads and a Gazpacho Soup. My Caesar Salad was like any other Caesar Salad and so was the Hummus Plate (the flatbread chips that went along with it was a good complement though). Next up, came our entrees. I ordered Zarzuela (a seafood stew w/ lobster tails, scallops, shrimp, mussels, clams, potatos, peppers, peas & grilled sourdough w/ spicy citrus alioli) and it was absolutely amazing!! The flavor was dead-on and the ingredients weren't skimpy. I gobbled that thing right up! My brother ordered their Panko Crusted Chicken Breast, while his friend got the Noodle Paella. They didn't seem to rave as much as I did about my dishes, but then again, I tend to gush on & on about food. =] I would love to go back to Barcelona! They have so many enticing dinner options: Grilled Spice Crusted Salmon, Pan Roasted Sea Scallops, Short Rib Paella, Mac & Cheese, Braised Colorado Lamb Shank- just to name a few. Too bad Barcelona's so far away!
(4)
Trevor B.

The young and hip should avoid Barcelona. It's like an AARP convention. The servers and bartenders clearly favored their older customers - it was difficult to get service, even though they weren't busy. The food and drinks were alright, but unless you're over 60, you should find somewhere else to eat.
(1)
Eric W.

Right up there with my favorite restaurants in the city. Barcelona combines great ambiance and food with big flavor. The place is dimly lit with warm bricks, a nice antique bar, and a great patio for the summer time. Get the braised lamb shank or salmon with cherry gastrique. The grilled baby octopus salad is dressed with a nice spicy vinagrette that goes well with the perfectly char grilled octopii. It's really hard to go wrong here, but for whatever reason, they can't get the paella right (the rice is never done right)...so avoid those dishes and stick to the meats and seafood.
(5)
Helen S.

I came here with a friend for dinner, since I was lamenting finals week and needed a pick me up meal. We showed up and the place turned out be much fancier than we had expected. The best option on the menu seems to be the seasonal tapas tasting menu, since it's a great deal ($35 for 7 tapas) and the dishes are pretty interesting. They told us that it was about enough food for one person, but we split it between two of us plus drinks and that was plenty to keep us full. Seasonal tapas tasting menu: Cold courses: Ensalada Belga - Belgian endive salad; blue cheese, walnuts, piquillo pepper vinaigrette Humus de Calabaza - Pumpkin hummus; profiterole, pumpkin seed brittle Ensalada de Rucula - Arugula salad; fried chickpeas, dried cranberries, maple dressing Sopa de Calabaza - Butternut squash soup, cinnamon sour cream Hot courses: Ala de Pato - Duck wing; dried fruit chutney Manzana Horneado - Baked apple stuffed with house made chorizo and manchego cheese Tosta Berenjena - Toasted baguette with grilled eggplant, herbed goat cheese, and roasted tomatoes The drink I got was the peach sangria and whee was it delicious. Probably my favorite part of the meal. I guess overall I'm not quite sure what my impression of the food was. The dishes are interesting to say the least, although I wasn't sure what I was eating half the time, and they definitely err more on the side of New American than authentic tapas. Maybe I just prefer familiarity with my tapas, so don't let my opinion dissuade you from giving this place a try.
(3)
Bryant M.

Four stars for their hummus alone. No, really, it's that delicious. Okay, so there are some other things I love too: * Wine and drink selection * Top-notch service * The patio! (Seriously one of the best in the city) * Paella (I prefer the vegetarian option) * Ambiance and environment (dark and romantic!) * Group reservations (they handle large groups beautifully) Although I love many things about Barcelona, I do have to echo some of the sentiment Liz M shared: The menu options are very seafood-heavy and the prices are a bit steep. These things keep me from making Barcelona one of my go-to spots, but for special occasions or when you want someplace a bit swanky, I head over to German Village for Barcelona.
(4)
Brian E.

I wish I could give more praise, but my first experience at Barcelona was ok to just below. The food is good, however I expected more complex flavors and innovative dishes from a restaurant at these prices and of this caliber. My family and I attended on Christmas eve. The server was knowledgeable *when he was there*. Service was slow, bread was initially forgotten until we asked another server. Waited quite awhile to order. Leftovers that were to be boxed never appeared and we eventually had to leave. Other tables were in and out meanwhile with what appeared to be attentive service, so I don't blame the restaurant as a whole and I would try it again.
(2)
Sofia B.

Great Spanish restaurant. Ordered paella. Of course took a while to make, it's not quick, but was excellent. Great place for date night.
(5)
Regan F.

Scallops are some of the best in Columbus. Creative Tapas & cocktails--jalapeÃ±o infused tequila with pineapple mango & cilantro provided just enough heat Excellent service. Beautiful patio. My friend loved his seafood paella.
(5)
D J.

Stepping into the cobbled sidewalks of the German Village neighorbood is delightful in itself, but step into Barcelona and one can whet the senses even more... Soak up the smells of the aromatic infusions that greet you in the doorway Let your eye wander and observe the lush colors on the wall, drapes and the space that stokes the fondness for fall Taste the sweet sensations of a red wine sangria; a perfect partner to some excellent Paella de Verduras(umm - piquillo peppers,roasted tomatoes, sofrito!) Try the specials, go for the classics like a Patata Bravas -- heck, try as many plates as may fit those small tables We did - and we enjoyed a thoroughly authentic tapas experience - great work night dinner!
(4)
M M.

We went there for our anniversary a few weeks ago. We were excited to check out the restaurant because it is a highly regarded one in Columbus but we came back with slight disappointment (we also came back a little hungry). If we had gone there without knowing the reputation, I would give them 4 stars but unfortunately it didn't meet our expectations.
(3)
Ryan F.

Went here for a birthday dinner. Patio is fantasic. Spanish wine selection is unbeatable in Ohio. Food was delicious and service was excellent. For as nice as everything was, the atmosphere was super laid back. It was excellent food and service but felt like I could just hang out and have a drink with some friends, not stuffy at all. One of my favorite places.
(5)
Jeff H.

Came here a few days back to celebrate the weekend. I came here about 10 years ago and remember it being tasty. I brushed up in my espanol by watching reruns of Friends with the subtitles on. I mean... Amigos. Then we headed down to German village. We had reservations and it was nearly full. We decided to order a few tapas. The cerdo, mussels, and calamari. The cerdo had the perfect blend of salty and sweet and was my favorite. The mussels were also really good but the sauce could have used more flavor. The calamari was well fried and I thought both sauces complimented it well. So far so good. We split the beef tenderloin paella and there was plenty for two. The beef reminded me of family Sunday pot roast and that is the highest compliment. The scallops were also massive and very tasty. We both really enjoyed the paella. I wish I would have had even more so I could quote Estelle costanza, "what am I going to do with all this paella?" The only thing I didn't enjoy was our table. The narrowness of the restaurant forces an odd layout and I felt like I was in the way of the severs. All in all, it was a unique, tasty meal that makes me want to come back again.
(4)
Leah L.

Based on what I had, I give this restaurant 4.5 stars. First, we had the mozzarella and tomato salad -- very soft cheese and the balsamic drizzle was delicious. Next, scallops - Amazing esp with those crispy bacon. You can't go wrong with bacon. Next time I might ask for extra bacon. I wish it came with some type of risotto- I'm Asian I need some type of rice. The chicken and chorizo paella was alright. Perhaps it was after eating a heavy cream delicious scallop meal. To end the most perfect lunch, we had their pistachio with orange cheesecake. This was so freaking good. I wanted another piece after 2 hours. Will def come back to this rustic elegant restaurant.
(5)
Patrick B.

Best meal I have had in Columbus so far. Was able to get a great patio table on a fantastic evening. Inside is great space as well so you should not be too disappointed if you are not outside. Had the chef tasting menu which was excellent , perfectly prepared with interesting combinations. I did not try the paella but will do so next time.
(5)
Mike C.

I was a little underwhelmed by Barcelona, but overall I had a good experience here. First off I really liked the building and the atmosphere. It looks small from the outside and is way bigger once you step in. The lighting and general decor are all nice (except it was a little weird to sit across from a giant mirror, I don't really want to watch myself eat.) Secondly, the service was amazing. It was probably the best I have experienced in Columbus for a long time. Very friendly and very attentive staff. I always had a full glass of water. Unfortunately the food was a bit of a disappointment for me. I ordered the bistec (steak) and, while it was a generous portion of meat, it was also not as good of a cut as I was expecting. It was described as extremely tender, however it was often difficult to slice with a steak knife and some parts took forever to chew. The steak was also underdone: my medium rare was closer to rare in some places. My date got the tapas sampler and she really liked it. Maybe that is the way to go instead of ordering off the menu.
(3)
Emily L.

I have wanted to go here for SO LONG and I finally got to go last night. My boyfriend and I are taking a week of staycation and we wanted to enjoy some of the city's best and this was high on our list. The meal, the drinks, and the experience make this place unlike any other. You have to go here on a nice day so you can sit on the patio. It is GORGEOUS and when you're out there, you really don't feel like you're sitting in the middle of German Village. You feel transported and relaxed. To start, we ordered a carafe of the red sangria. For $25, we got enough for 3 huge glasses of sangria each, so the price was fantastic for the amount (some places, we spend $30 alone on just 2 drinks). They brought us a little amuse bouche, which was a cucumber slice with some roasted red pepper hummus and we knew right then it was going to be a good meal, because that was super tasty on it's own. We just went for tapas for dinner, which is the way I would recommend to go. You get to try a little bit of everything and it was so fun. We started with a couple meats (Pamplona and Salchicion de Vic) and you get a good sized amount for each, just enough for 2 people to share. We also tried the Idiazabal cheese, which was like a smoked Parmesan. We then got 3 tapas: Almendras Marcona (roasted Spanish marcona almonds, which are unlike normal almonds and probably my favorite nuts ever), Costillas (braised short ribs with a blue cheese mushroom sauce and fried leeks...like your mama's pot roast x 1000), and Mejilones, Almejas, y Camarones (this is the best thing I have ever eaten...mussels, clams, and shrimp in an avocado cream sauce with house-made chorizo and bread for soaking up all the sauce...this was incredible). The couple meats and tapas were a perfect amount for the 2 of us, but we also ordered the Tres Leches cake dessert, which was also incredible (dessert is a rare treat for us, so I enjoyed it) and my boyfriend tried one more meat for the road (Picante). The entire meal was a great price. For all we ate (and for the quality of what we ate), we came in at under $100, and we were stuffed to the brim after our meal, so you could for sure come here, have a great meal, and not break the bank. This might be my new go to fancy place...and I have a birthday coming up next month...
(5)
Lisa L.

Undoubtedly, as everyone mentioned here, this is one of the most authentic Spanish restaurants in Columbus. Everyone raved about the paella, so I figured I'll try something else to see if other dishes were on par with the paella. I ordered a tapas called Bistec, which was one of the items in their tapas tasting menu. Bistec was a grilled marinated tri-tip steak with bleu cheese smashed red-skin potatoes, caramelized onions and sherry vinegar steak sauce. I have to say Bistec filled me up pretty quickly and I don't even need an entree. It was definitely one of the best tapas I've ever tried. The steak was perfectly grilled on the outside, medium rare and tender on the inside. I hope this dish gets transferred to their permanent menu because it's really good! The reason why am I not giving a 5 star: If you're an impatient person or you come really hungry, just go for the variety of tapas they have to offer. My friends who ordered paella had to wait for 45 minutes for theirs to come (it was on a crowded Friday night). Their complimentary restaurant bread was a miss too, since it was pretty cold and hard. Other than that, this restaurant is awesome! My friends love their paella and scallop dish. I ended my night with a dessert called Tarta de Queso - an pistachio cheesecake and it was soooo good! Totally recommend that too!
(4)
Tran N.

The service ruins my dinner. We ordered a bottle of wine, some tapas, and entrees. The only time a waiter or waitress came to our table other than to take order was to bring the drink and food out. No one asked how was the food, replenished our water or wine. I told the waiter of my displeasure, and his reply was that he was too busy. Go figure!
(2)
Greg S.

My wife and I came here on one of our very first dates. We live in DC so we are a bit spoiled when it comes to good food but for a Columbus restaurant I was REALLY impressed. This isn't quite up there with the Refectory or anything but it was excellent tapas, and the day we ate here the weather was nice so we got to sit on the patio. We also tried some fried green tomatoes and I remember being pretty impressed with those as well. Recommended!
(4)
Cathi G.

Every time I visit Barcelona, I have been so happy with both the food and service, and last night was no exception. They are always warm and welcoming, and the staff training must be second to none, as the service is fabulous. I know they must also have to start with really talented people to get where they are. We stopped in for desert and coffee and as always it was excellent.
(5)
Christina C.

Dear yelpers: I fell in love tonight... with the patio at Barcelona. There never was a better restaurant courtyard to sip wine, share tapas and enjoy the warm summer air. I waited 45 minutes to meet him face-to-face, but our encounter was well worth the wait. Engulfed in greenery, dimly lighted by free-standing light poles and enclosed by a think, brick-colored wooden fence, you never would have known the hustle and bustle of German Village was on the other side. Before we met, I spent time mingling at the bar and perusing the impressive wine list. The beer selection also caught my eye. The dining room itself was trendy, yet classic, with unique artwork and a wall-length mirror, which I used to make sure I was looking my best prior to our introduction. Once acquainted, we enjoyed calamari and two unique paella dishes that were both delicious, but lacking that something extraordinary. The service was attentive and accommodating while still allowing more than enough time to lust after the physique of my new found infatuation. All I have left to say is that it was love at first sight.
(4)
John W.

Tapas are good and reasonably priced. Nice atmosphere, average service but the food came out quick. Enjoyed it. Was here for a business meeting but would be a good place to take your significant other.
(4)
John M.

Barcelona is fantastic. The food is creative, ingredients fresh, atmosphere very elegant and relaxed and the staff is 1st class. I had the tapas tasting. For $30 you get your money's worth and a great variety of selections. Each plate was distinctive, flavorful and delicious. It was hard to choose which one I like the best. By the time you are finished, you will be very full. And the place is clean, clean, clean. I hate grimy restaurants. I will definitely go back.
(4)
Edy D.

We had a wonderful dining experience last night! I worked w/ GM Tim Hawkins to have my social group come and enjoy this lovely place. We were thrilled with the level of warmth and professionalism that Brenda (Manager), and server staff, Eddie, James & Lauren provided. The menu items were delightfully fresh. The presentation and taste was wonderful. The owner, Scott Heimlich, visited with us and we had a great time. We are looking forward to our next visit already! :-)
(5)
Jessica F.

We have yet to be disappointed when visiting this restaurant! My favorite time of year to eat here is definitely in the summer/ fall on the patio. They have a great tapas menu, the staff is very well-versed about the menu/ preparations/ and wine pairings, and the ambiance of German Village is hard to beat :) To top it off, the bread is fresh and delicious, and you usually get a complimentary taste of an appetizer prior to your dinner.
(4)
Chris O.

I love Spanish food, so I really wanted to like Barcelona. Their interior is tastefully decorated and their patio is amazing. Very lovely environment for an upscale dining experience, and the Spanish menu is also somewhat unique in the Columbus area. One minor gripe about the interior is that the smell of Murphy's Oil Soap was very strong on the night we were there. I know you have beautiful hardware floors, but I don't want to smell them! Our server was very nice and checked in with us frequently, and the general manager stopped by our table to address an issue we had with one of our dishes, but the good service just could not make up for the food. Unfortunately, the food and beverages here just do not live up to expectations, they are average at best. As a previous reviewer said, anyone that's a "foodie" will leave disappointed. The Sangria is frankly the worst I have ever tasted, no flavor at all beyond an overpowering grape juice sweetness. One of the Tapas dishes (the potatoes with spicy cream sauce) were made from frozen potatoes that looked like Bob Evans hash browns. Now, don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with that... at Bob Evans. At an upscale restaurant there's simply no excuse for frozen food. Lastly, in the Paella, the seafood tasted old and rubbery, the chicken was dry and tough, and the dish overall was bland. I absolutely love Paella, so this was the final straw, we will not be coming back. Overall, the setting was nice, the service was fine for us, but the food is just not up to par with the other choices you have for fine dining in German Village.
(2)
doreen w.

When I first moved to German Village all I heard was you will LOVE Barcelona..you will be there every night! I don't know what it is, maybe they don't like petite brunettes from Long Island. I 've tried this place 4 times and had service to the point of insulting 3 out of the 4. The free hummus was not worth the frustration, nor is the mediocre bland food. The sangria is the smoothest I've ever had, it's only memorable because i had to drink so much to bear up under the terrible service. I had to write this this review short after Valissa to pull the ratings down. Or maybe they have something against south shore girls that like to dress up mod style? Let's start a thread on this place. I'm confused.
(1)
Leslie A.

Decided to bring in the New Year here. The food was good, especially the dessert. Our waiter was great, plus we were seated a few minutes before our reservation time. Bonus. The ambiance is also nice. Will definitely go back.
(3)
Kathleen R.

Barcelona is always one of my go to places when visiting my son in German Village.They have a winning combination of delicious food, a great bar and a warm, lively atmosphere. However on March 18, I had the unexpected pleasure of dining at the chef's table as part of restaurant week. The five course meal with accompanying wines was worth the airfare. I travel with some serious foodies and we hit the newest and best spots wherever we go. I can attest that this meal was at the same level as the popular, chef owned restaurants in NYC, Chicago and Philadelphia at fraction of the cost.
(4)
Lee B.

I have had paella a total of three times. The first time was in Spain, and it was a delight. I had never seen such a lovely seafood dish and it was delicious. The third time I have had paella was at Barcelona in Columbus. It was a fantastic meal. The paella was very good, and I loved the atmosphere.
(5)
Anna S.

I'm not going to get really in depth with this review because I think everyone else has covered. The food is amazing. I had the scallops and the cream sauce that came with them was so luxurious. It ruined my diet but it was well worth it! Our server wasn't super attentive, but the food and the friendly nature of everyone else made up for it. I will definitely go back.
(5)
Matt S.

Too satisfied and full to type... Fantastic
(5)
John C.

We have been to Barcelona many times. This time, the excuse was the Dine Originals Restaurant Week specials. We started with crab bisque, which was yummy and full of crab meat. Chad had Paella and I had the steak. Chad liked his paella and my steak was done to perfection. My only complaint was that they could have been a little more generous with the sides. Our waitress was very helpful in helping Chad pick out a wine flight. By the way, this isn't on their menu, but you can get a flight of three wines (2 oz pours) for $1 above the highest of the three wines. It was a great deal.
(4)
Peter L.

I'm shocked there are so many mediocre reviews. Barcelona is a consistently quality place, albeit on the pricier side. The service and food have always been on the money. I'd particularly recommend coming on a Monday -- all tapas are half off. The menu changes regularly, but the most recent time we went the tuna-stuffed avocados and calamari were both solid. Happy hour isn't bad, but you're confined to the bar area. As for entrees, the paella and seafood stews are always amazing on a cold night. And while I'm not a huge fan of desserts, we never leave without a chocolate pudding cake. I'm a fan.
(4)
elisa c.

Excellent food... Oh my goodness, everything we sampled was great. Typically when I go all out on a night out it is on sushi or Italian, so this was a nice change to try something out of my comfort zone. My aunt and I both had the tapas sampling menu for the day , which gave us 7 small plates of a variety of foods. I'm having a tough time remembering everything there was... Chorizo sausages, beet salad with goat cheese, scallops in a sweet peppery sauce, lamb with a fresh salsa variation ... It's tough to pick a favorite - byut the steak my uncle had was truly amazing. Brown sugar and walnut glaze on a thick tenderloin - so sweet... Yum. My only concern with this place is that despite 5 hostesses waiting at the front, when we walked in with my aunt on crutches, they seated us at quite possibly the farthest table possible, ( the place was almost empty at this point- early in the evening and we had a reservation) and looked confused when we asked what we could do with her crutches when they seated us in the middle of the room ... For 5 hostesses at a nice place, they were unable to understand she may need a little extra accommodation with crutches, which was tough for me to understand. With the exception of the clueless front staff, everything else was perfect.
(4)
Lew D.

I want to love you Barcelona. You've got a cool atmosphere and you're down the street from me. However, I just can't get excited about your food. The seafood is neither fresh tasting or interestingly prepared. And the menu is mostly seafood. On the bright side, the deserts and sangria are pretty good. However, for the price, I'm not likely to come back a third time.
(2)
Kristy S.

I loved this place! We ate outside on the adorable patio and were completely comfortable (even with the crisp Autumn air) because once the temperatures dropped the servers turned on the outdoor space heaters. I had Barcelona's amazing Sangria and the seasonal Tapas Tasting which is essentially an awesome sampler. I got to try 3 appetizers, a small serving of soup and soup, and two sample sized entrees for $30. The service was great and I couldn't have asked for a better atmosphere. This is a great place for a date.
(4)
Jessica R.

I live around the corner from Barcelona and it is one of my favorite restaurants. Service is ALWAYS top notch. Food is ALWAYS great. You can't miss with the paella. Sunday night retail price wine night is a great deal. Patio in the summer is the best in town. Enjoy this german village neighborhood gem!
(5)
David L.

Patio...Patio...Patio...I can't stress enough how good it is. I thought the food was above average good and would order the same thing again. The Tapas menu has a large variety of flavor and am really looking forward to trying it out. Beer and wine selection is a 5 star in my book. Hope you all enjoy Barcelona as much as I did
(4)
Vincent O.

Stopped here on a my first trip to Columbus while visiting family. I see most of the bad reviews here are referring to the service... I could not have had a more opposite experience with the service. Our waiter Carl was attentive, super polite, articulate, personal (learned and called a group of 4 by their first names the entire meal), helpful in food selections, and willing to go the extra mile for our extensive food questions about content, flavorings, and origins of our meals. The decor and ambiance is a 5 out of 5. The patio is light, airy, and well landscaped with fun and exotic plants. The big hits among our group were the scallops, chilled peach soup, tuna, goat cheese aguacate, vanilla cheesecake. I had the Columbus Restaurant Week "Taste of Valencia" tapas menu, so I'm not sure if any of my items were regulars on the menu, but it included: Fire roasted Summer Vegetables Arugula Duck Salad Anchovie & Artichoke Heart salad Fire roasted baby Octopus Crimini, shiitake, and oyster mushroom Paella Grilled Calamari with Black rice Fritters Goat Cheese, almond and strawberry dessert Everything in this tasting was fantastic. We bought the cookbook to steal the peach soup recipe, and the Chef was nice enough to sign our copy. We spoke to the owner afterwards to compliment the excellent service. A solid 4.5 stars in my book.
(4)
Melanie B.

Okay, so I just read the numerous and widely varied reviews of Barcelona, so before I begin mine, I'd just like to point out a few things in regard to where I'm coming from: I enjoy haute cuisine, but am by no means an elitist. I'm from Portland, Maine but lived in Chicago for over two years, so I have a good basis for comparison of high-end restaurants in very urban areas and small cities. I'm also a communist, so I was annoyed by the reviewers who felt privileged and personally snubbed by Barcelona's waitstaff (I doubt very much that they have any person investment in making you miserable, but that's just my opinion). Okay. I went to Barcelona last night, around 9pm, for dinner. The waitress was friendly and helpful, especially when we asked her if she thought ordering some tapas and sharing a meal would be enough food - she was also helpful in picking out a bottle of wine with us that would go with what we ordered. It was busy when we got there, but people trickled out as it got later. We were never in need of more service than we were given, and everything from the food to the service to the ambiance was really sweet. The interior reminds me of restaurants in both Portland and Chicago in that the exposed brick is very New England and/or urban. It almost seems like Barcelona is in a vortex, because I've never been anywhere else in Cbus that make me feel like I wasn't still in Cowtown... We had wanted to sit on the patio, which is just gorgeous, but when we arrived, there was an hour wait, so maybe next time - I'll definitely be taking other friends here - and by then it will be a bit warmer out, too. My first thought about the food was that I liked it better than Lindey's, which I recently tried (and which was excellent). We ordered the olives, the quail eggs with bread and onion hash, and shared the pork chop stuffed with chorizzo and covered with bacon and cranberries, which came with oven roasted potatoes. HELLO? Delicious, everything, esp. the pork chop. It was really nice to share everything, as well, as I wouldn't have chosen a quail egg by myself! I am certainly not saying that the complaining reviews were unfounded, but I didn't have any problems with service or food at all here. The only thing I didn't like was the annoying yuppie-types (including stripper-esque MILFS) who remind me of Lincoln Park trixies in Chicago; I could just personally do without that whole crowd - you know the ones, who probably used to hang out in the Arena District when they were a bit younger, or worse, who still do. Otherwise, I thought everything was excellent, and I'll definitely be coming back, and bringing friends.
(4)
H L.

humus - cold, grainy, bland. olive manchego cheese - cheese was good. this came with only two tiny pieces of bread. bacon wrapped dates - why are the pits still inside? wasn't served very warm. pieces of bacon were thin. pan fried tuna cake - tiny. about inch and a half in diameter. forgettable. clams and artichokes - 5 little clams. bland sauce. Tiny portions...yes...even for tapas. The portions would be hard to share with more than two people.
(2)
Chadran D.

Love this place! The atmosphere, the patio, the gazpacho! Try lunch- the Menu Del DIA is amazing!
(5)
Krystal L.

The tapas tasting menu was pretty delicious! I will definitely go back.
(4)
Pat C.

I have been to Barcelona quite a few times (I live across the street). I consider it a treat to come here and bring myself, friends and customers. They have a great happy hour martini ($4) and small plates ($5) menu. The lunch menu is pretty good as well but I can't come very hungry considering the smaller portion size. The drinks are strong and the food is tasty. The Vieras is one of my favorites. I've also tried the Paella and liked the flavor but found it a little dry. The bartenders are very knowledgeable, if I order a dish I can ask for a drink pairing and they always nail it. Try it, you'll be impressed. To finish, if they have the grilled pineapple thingy you must order. My mom and I couldn't stop smiling it was so good. If it wasn't an upscale place I would have licked it clean.
(5)
Keith W.

Elegant environment. Courteous and helpful staff. Delicious food. Try the Tarima Hill "Old Vine" Monastrell.
(5)
Jennifer P.

I don't know who maintains all the flowers and fountains on Barcelona's patio, but can you bring your green thumb to my patio? You've certainly created patio paradise. Sitting under the blue umbrellas, sipping on sangria and noshing on spiced olives, it's easy to imagine I'm dining on the Mediterranean coast. And as a devout patio lover, thank you for your no patio reservations policy. As for the food, I admit my first few visits I was unimpressed. But over the past year, they've really kicked things up a notch from a well-thought out wine list, to some seriously addictive peach sangria to a molecular gastronomy Thanksgiving dinner that would please even Wylie Dufresne. The chef was clearly proud of that dinner, bringing it out himself and describing to me every detail, from the sous-vide turkey with turkey skins that had been dried for 24 hours to the perfect lavendar nitro ice cream complement. I haven't tried any of their paellas, but they always smell divine as the waiters pass by. And the chicken dish that I just had... butter in your mouth.
(4)
Diana U.

They redid their menu and now have "Menu del Dia," a $10 lunch special that gets you a starter, a main course item and a side!! Amazing deal!
(4)
Heather G.

If you're looking for a place to be wined and dined, look no further than Barcelona. To start, our group enjoyed the tapas platter. The potato salad and hummus were my favorites. For you winos, there is an extensive list. The tomato and mozzarella salad was wonderful. I choose a filet with goat cheese, delicious risotto and asparagus for my entree. I left in a blissful food coma wishing I had room for one of their desserts. Impressive features that stood out to me: -The menu changes every Thursday -Great for groups -Excellent atmosphere that feels classy and cozy -Friendly and knowledgeable staff
(4)
Pete C.

I generally avoid any place that's known for tapas like the plague, but the reputation of Barcelona was far to enticing for me to stick my nose up at the chance to eat there with a group of friends before a night out in the German Village. After strolling through the main dining are on the way out to the patio, I was already impressed with how comfortable Barcelona felt on my first visit. For what is often regarded as one of the finer dining experiences in the German Village area, Barcelona is not the least bit stuffy or pretentious. On top of that, the enclosed patio here is one of the best in Columbus that I've ever been to. A seat out there may require an excessive wait if you don't make reservations in advance, but the scenery out there is truly something to behold. The dinner my friends and I decided on was kicked off with a plate of the chickpea hummus, a selection that wowed everyone within minutes. The texture of the hummus was creamy but highlighted with vegetable chunks here and there, and was served with warm flatbread chips that were better than anything I've ever had at Happy Greek. I chose the Noodle Paella for my entrÃ©e and can say with confidence that it was one of the finest dinner entrees I've ever encountered while living in Columbus. The blend of broccoli and seafood with a light glazing of garlic was evenly flavored and tasted like nothing I've ever had before. Needless to say, you have to try Barcelona to know what all the rave reviews are about. Spending upwards of $50 on a meal and drinks is likely, but if you're in the mood to give yourself a rare treat in a stunning setting, you owe it to yourself to do it here.
(4)
MITCH S.

This place was GREAT!
(5)
S E.

Anyone looking for a great place to go in Columbus must check out Barcelona. I live here and this is one of my absolute favorite places to dine. Wonderful atmosphere and ambiance-especially on the patio when it's warm! Food has always been superb, and the service outstanding. Nestled in German village it has an old world feel with romantic trimmings! Perfect for special occasions or just an evening out. Not a grab a bite kind of place. Take time to enjoy
(4)
Michael H.

Miguel - the bartender makes the best Sidecar in the city. I had the seafood Paella last time I was there and it was great. A good amount of muscles and fish and shrimp in the dish. My friend had a large tuna filet seared. High quality sushi grade filet about 1.5 inches thick.
(4)
Sammy T.

I've never had a bad experience here. I definitely keep Barcelona in my back pocket as the place you can take a guest and impress them without going bankrupt. The interior is gorgeous and the wait staff attentive. I look forward to trying more dishes in the future.
(5)
Anthony C.

Potentially one of the most picturesque places to eat in Columbus, it is difficult to beat Barcelona for atmosphere. The flora on the patio quickly evokes the spirit of rural Spain the inspires the menu. The menu constantly evolves week to week, a testament to the chef's dedication to keeping the restaurant original. I have to admit though, while I am usually amazed by the quality of the food, there have been times when I am entirely unimpressed. These rare disappointments combined with the high price tag cost Barcelona my final star. As far as the bar goes, the place deserves all 5 stars. They mix a mean dirty martini, and the wine list is both exceptional and surprisingly affordable. You can get a number of excellent Spanish reds for under $30. The service breakdown matches the rest of the review: my experience with wait staff has been average, though I've never been denied an exceptional bartender. Ample portion sizes make it easy for a table of two to split a cheese plate, an appetizer and entree for a meal that you can finish in restaurant and keep somewhat affordable. I recommend ordering a bottle of the Riamat ViÃ±a 32 Cab (~$20) with a few cheeses to start off, and you can't go wrong with the scallops (potentially the best item on the menu).
(4)
Nk C.

I went here for a birthday and for restaurant week. Both times we had wonderful service. I had the Paella Barcelona and Fideos con Costillas y Vieiras. The paella was a little dry for me but the angle hair pasta was rich and savory. My friend got the special pork shank with risotto and it was delicious. The most memorable appetizer was raw tuna & aioli sauce. The mussels were not too shabby.
(4)
Chelsea T.

Yes Barcelona has an amazing patio. Short of that, well nothin short of that. Barcelona serves up sub par Spanish fare. The wait staff could take a lesson in up scale service and wine. This review is not a result of one bad experience. I've been to Barcelona several times, trying each time to give it another chance, but the same disappointment ensued. The fish is always under or overcooked. Being a lover of risotto I was underwhelmed by two different ones. The calamari is their menu redeemer a mint oil dipping sauce is pretty tasty, but I expect more than just a good calamari, typical bar food, at a place with a high priced menu. The paella was lukewarm, and flavorless. The neighborhood is very charming. German Village with its brick lined streets, and oil burning lamps add an extra hint of charm as you walk up to Barcelona's big beautiful wood doors. In Barcelona's defense they change their menu every week, so maybe try it out and you'll have a better experience than I did. I will say it is one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. My fiance and I had our first date there, and went there the night we got engaged to celebrate. So, I will probably visit again for purely nostalgic reasons. TIP: restaurant.com sells gift certificates to Barcelona for half priced they must be used on a weekday, and not on alcohol, no more than one for a group/table, and automatically add 18% gratuity, but overall a good deal if you're on a budget.
(2)
DJ M.

Barcelona is easily one of my all time favorite restaurants. Been there many times and never had a bad experience. Interior design is superb and the food is just as good. Service is always excellent. Prices seem to be on par with everything else. There is one waiter who works there I wish I could remember his name I think he is probably the best waiter I've ever encountered. He can speak about the ingredients how everything is prepared with such detailed knowledge...it's amazing. If anyone is rating this place below four stars they either don't know what they are talking about or they were there on a rare off night which I can't imagine happens often at Barcelona. Go for the scallops with bacon. To die for. Bon appetit !!
(5)
Josette B.

My husband and I visited Barcelona's during lunch and ate on the patio. It was not crowded, which was nice, and the hostesses were very professional. The waitress was a little chatty for my taste, but that's just me. They have a $10 lunch special where you pick a tapa, an entree and a side. There were only 3 entree choices, which was a real bummer, as they didn't fit my diet preferences. My husband visited the week before and said there were at least 10 entree choices, so they obviously cut back. The whole lunch menu selection was pretty limited and it was relatively expensive as well. On the up side, the food tasted very good. The bread and oil were amazing, the hummus was good and my chicken mozzarella sandwich was good too. I'd like to go back for dinner sometime and check out the menu.
(4)
Marit S.

I have been to Barcelona many times (half price small plates on Monday!), but had never sat on the patio until last night. Now, weather permitting, I will not sit anywhere else. One of the best quaint patios in Columbus... With Basi being a close second. Although the menu changes weekly, the mussels seem to remain a featured item. I like to ask for more bread and make a meal of them. You can't go wrong with the sangria, but my favorite cocktail is the Ginger Storm martini. Yum! Barcelona is a great place to go with a date or with girlfriends. Great food, great ambience and impecible service!
(5)
Michael C.

Beautiful.
(4)
Valissa W.

Barcelona is beautiful. Barcelona is classy. Barcelona is accessible. And yet... something's always missing. I always take people to Barcelona on special occasions, and on not-so-special occasions when we just feel like hitting up a high brow. We ooh and ahh over the exposed brick, elegant lighting, and gorgeous local artwork. We indulge in some of the amazing wine selection. We end up generously tipping our server for being so knowledgeable and attentive. Buuuuut, the food always just leaves something to be desired. There, I said it! Whew, I've been suppressing that thought for years. As one of two quality Spanish restaurants in Columbus (Spain, on 161, being the other one yelp.com/biz/spain-restaâ€¦ ) it is hard for me to knock this place as I am such a huge fan of Castilian cuisine, but it really just isn't anything to write home about. I've been coming to Barcelona for YEARS, so by now I've pretty much tried everything on the menu, and I cannot think of a single stand-out item to recommend. Why do I keep going back? Because it's pretty, it makes me forget Cbus's "Cowtown" nickname, and no matter how much I gripe, paella is still paella, and you can't get that at Bob Evans!
(3)
Vivian W.

Barcelona is located in the charming German Village in Columbus. Beautiful brick houses with pubs on almost every corner. When you walk in, you immediately notice the fantastic atmosphere. The restaurant is pretty big and they have a huge patio in the back. It was way too hot and humid, so we decided to eat inside. We arrived at 6:30 on a Wednesday night and the restaurant was about 1/3 full. I was eating with four men and I'm embarrassed to say that I ate the most. LOL I don't know the name of the dishes, but a few stand out dishes were the almonds, olives, cheese plates, steak with blue cheese, and my favorite...the scallops. The perfectly cooked scallops were in a creamy sauce consisting of bacon and some other stuff I can't remember. ;) The combination paella and shimp entree were just okay to me. I didn't care for the rice in the paella and the shrimps were drenched in a very peculiar sauce. Barcelona has some good dishes, good service, and great atmosphere. 3 1/2 stars.
(3)
Scott B.

Very good lunch. Had Bikini de Langosta. Sauce was a little tangy for my taste but enjoyed the sandwich.
(4)
Delores J.

I'm not trying to be difficult but the patio was (Cough) okay it wasn't all that. For privacy I would have preferred the inside. The waiter James was also good, but he came with a tag team... everybody kept asking me was I done with the dishes can they take them away... like maybe 10 people asked. We ordered Calamari, mussels, goat cheese and red pepper plate, and a split entree of swordfish with the red potatoes and asparagus. The Calamari and mussels were good and I wouldn't order it again there because it was standard fare. Nothing unusual about it... I wanted some Spanish flare... The Mussels had a lobster bisque flare though but I still say I was looking for Spanish flare. The swordfish was delicious... and unique. Yes I would go again; but this time I would take a different path and look for unique Spanish fusion foods and not just stuff anybody could cook. The only thing extremely unique we had was the goat cheese and red pepper plate we liked that a lot.
(4)
Yvonne R.

We went to Barcelona on a Saturday night with 2 other friends. We were greeted by a friendly staff at the front door and were promptly taken to our table. The only thing that kept me from giving this 5 stars was the server who brought our water. She wasn't our actual server and when I asked her for a wine list, she snapped at me and said "your server will be over and they will have it". Wow, ok. But when our waiter John arrived he was fun and very pleasant! Good wine (Tres Picos Garnacha) and the scallops were amazing! It is loud so if you are looking for a quiet, romantic spot, this probably isn't it. But for us, it was wonderful and we will go back!
(4)
Amar K.

Wow, I never realized that service was such a big part of the dining experience. Especially if it falls below expected standards. I'm all about weighting a review in favor of the food's presentation and quality but if I'm paying 50$ per person I expect a smile at the least. We went there for Valentine's day, and I got a Salmon stuffed with crab (excellent), my partner got a seafood Paella. Both were good, the lobster in the paella was however, tough (overcooked?). The parting shot was when the server forgot to hand us our take home containers, that might have been partially our fault. We were halfway home when we realized it.
(2)
Morgan D.

I received a $35 Barcelona gift card for Christmas 2007. I'm a recent college graduate, and money is tight. So, in the hopes that the gift card would cover a meal for two, I planned to go for lunch with my boyfriend instead of dinner. The problem: Barcelona only serves lunch on weekdays from 11:30a-2:30p, and our work schedules always prevented us from getting over to German Village in time. I didn't get around to using my gift card until September 2008. During my nine month wait, I heard a lot of chatter about the place. Everyone raved about how great it is and told me I just had to sit on the patio. The more people talked, the more excited I became. By the time my lunch date day rolled around, I had researched the layout of the restaurant via internet photos and basically memorized the food menu. I stood in awe at the hostess station, admiring the original art pieces in the corridor, including a bunch of blown glass that may have been a product of Chihuly. We requested a table for two on the patio and were led through the chic interior seating area to a beautiful garden with lush plants a soothing fountain. To my dismay, we were seated right by the patio door, so we endured a lot of scuttling around us as the wait staff catered to the diners. My chair was bumped several times. Our waitress must have been new, otherwise, she was just off her game. She rushed over to us as soon as we sat down and asked for our drink orders. I hadn't had time to review the specialty drinks (which I later found to be intriguing, i.e. basil mojito), so I stuck with my water. Greg ordered a queer tasting ginger ale. His glass ended up being dirty, so when the waitress came back to take our orders, she also took the drink away. Our food was served to us before the drink returned. To start, I ordered the chilled spiced peach soup, and Greg got his customary Caesar salad. The salad was excellent. The crunchy, salty homemade sourdough croutons really made it. My peach soup...not so much. While the texture wasn't bad, the supposed palette cleanser had a strange flavor that I can't quite identify. Something tells me it was laced with celery seed. With the help of my fresh bread with tomato and olive oil sauce (very good), I managed to choke down half of the soup. Greg's main dish was the day's special: a panko crusted cod sandwich with fries. It was a bit bland, which, in my experience, is typical with fish. I got the farfalle pasta with shrimp, spinach, tomatoes, basil cream, and shaved parmesan. It was good, not great. The portions were very generous. Greg couldn't finish his sandwich, and I ended up taking half of my pasta home. Overall, my Barcelona experience was underwhelming. My expectations might have been too high on this one. The patio was beautiful. The presentation of our dishes was clean. Most of the wait staff was courteous and professional. The manager was very visible in the courtyard and mingled with the guests. Valet parking was complimentary. The atmosphere was utterly great. And while we even covered most of our meal with our gift card, spending a total of $39.50 plus tip, I don't think the food was worth the price.
(3)
M C.

I've heard good things but the three times I've been were disappointing. Service felt fake and the food was very bad/overpriced. All the tapas were off except for the tomato salad. I would not feel confident bringing friends here.
(2)
Joseph A.

I get the feeling looking at the reviews that almost every higher-end restaurant in Columbus can be hit or miss based on the night you go and the waiter you get. I've been to Barcelona twice, and both times I was fully impressed. Once was to celebrate my engagement to my now wife, and once was taking my Japanese coworker to show him Columbus doesn't only have the chains and chicken wing places that he had been introduced to. I tend to order tasting menus if they have them- and my coworker and I shared a 5 course tasting, which ended up being about 1-2 bites per dish each. It was great- we got to try a lot of different tastes, and got to see some of the creativity of the chef. We also ordered some mussels, some calamari, maybe another tapas plate, split a $15 bottle of Spanish beer (from that famous Spanish gastro restaurant ElBulli), had a few mixed drinks. This is how people often eat in Izakayas in Japan, (And how tapas work of course) and we pulled it off to full effect here. It was good enough that he saw Columbus in a new light for just about $35/person. The presence of some attractive women in attractive dress probably helped convince him- No OSU sweatshirts! My wife and I got fully dressed up. We also split some tapas. Some Spanish cheeses. Mussels again? I find them hard to resist. A bottle of Cava (Spanish champagne for lack of a better description- recommended even not for special occasions). We were celebrating, and the waiter recognized it. We ended up splitting a lamb-shank entrÃ©e, and they gave us both full servings of the delectable accoutrements for just a slight upcharge. I wanted to take the clean shank bone home and make soup out of it- the flavors were so concentrated and warm. We were stuffed, and in love! Some notes: -I think this is a nice flexible restaurant in that you could go for Paella and some beers, or as a fancy celebration night out. I recommend no matter what at least getting snazzed up slightly, because the hostesses wear dresses, look nice, and you'll feel subconscious standing there if you're looking schlubby. -This is the best Calamari (outside of an Asian restaurant) I've had in Columbus. -As someone who likes adventurous kitchens and ingredients- I can see where some people accuse the waitstaff of being snobbish- If you know what they're talking about (or pretend to) it doesn't come off that way- it's a hard go for them to know what level to talk at. Based on the casualness of 95% of the waiters in Columbus, I don't mind a little snobbishness myself if it's pared to food that deserves it. -I quite like how it's just tucked in the neighborhood. While it may be harder to park- there's just something about it that adds to the ambience. There's just something wrong about a nice restaurant surrounded by a big parking lot to me. This works for Lindey's as well. It feels more like a date when you have to walk a block or two, hand-in-hand of course!
(5)
D T.

My fiancÃ© and I chose Barcelona on the recommendation of our concierge and we couldn't have been more pleased. The space is lovely, much larger than one might expect, with a great bar and huge dining room. But all of that would matter not a bit unless the food was exceptional - and it is. Great wine list and a delightful selection of specialty cocktails. There was a fantastic jazz duo there the night we dined. We'll be back as often as possible!
(5)
Cheryl H.

I first discovered Barcelona 3 years ago when i would frequent the bar area for half-off martinis. 2 years ago, I discovered Barcelona had half-off tapas on Mondays, so I would meet friends here for a light dinner and cocktails. 1 year ago, I discovered the boy and I could afford to eat dinner here if we didn't drink and didn't get an appetizer. Last night, I discovered that we finally make enough money to have a full dinner at Barcelona! A toast to being grown-up. The boy chose Barcelona for V-Day (we both have something of a soft spot for the place - it's where he intended to propose to me until Time Warner took 12 hours to install our cable that fated day.) We had a great waitress - our tapas were great, our entrees were great, our cocktails were great. Great. A great thing about Barcelona is their menu is always changing, so there's no point describing in mouth-watering detail what we ate in a review. But I will say it was all very reasonably priced - 4 cocktails, 2 appetizers and 2 entrees = $100 Also, Barcelona has a great patio. And it's always easy to find street parking if you're like me and you'd rather spend that $5 on a drink than valet :)
(4)
Shawnie K.

I love G. Michael's. I love the Burgundy Room. But, I'm 0 for 3 at Barcelona. They will not be given a fourth opportunity to "get it right." I am considering removing them from the next edition of my travel guide altogether. I can't promote a place I do not believe in. I'd like to give Barcelona zero stars, but I'll settle for one based on the fact my food was good, as was everyone's. No complaints about the quality, portions or taste. I WANT to like Barcelona & have gone back repeatedly, hoping to have different (better) experiences, but there is always something weird about the service. Snotty, dismissive and down right bratty. I'll overlook average food if the service is exceptional. Frankly, I can get great food and great service at plenty of restaurants in Columbus. No need to settle for any less. The experience: I had a nice book signing at the Book Loft during the German Village lights festival. A group of us (9) decided to grab appetizers afterwards. It was a little after 9 & Barcelona was not too busy. People were finishing dinner and the place looked comfortably full, but by no means busy. They should have been prepared for an onslaught given it was a festival night... but the weather probably deterred a lot of people from coming out. Three of my group showed up early to catch the tail end of the music and made sure the hostess knew 6 more were coming. The hostess assured them we could all sit together at the tables & booth along the wall. When I arrived, I bypassed the hostess station and walked directly over to say 'hi' to and let them know we were here. We were totally chastised by more than one person for not following protocol of being seated properly and "taking" two tables we believed were being held for us. The hostess was not at her station AND apparently, did not communicate that she had already earmarked tables for us. What's the big deal? No one else came in after us anyway, so who cares where we sit? We were even scolded for sliding the tables together, then scolded for moving them apart. When the server finally arrived, she immediately made a snotty remark about us not being seated through the 'proper channels". Whatever. One might think she'd be happy to have a generous, easy-going, fun-loving group in her section. She continually made snyde remarks throughout our meal, which in turn made me incredibly uncomfortable; mostly because most of my family/ friends had never eaten there (and they will never go back either). The service STUNK! We were asked what we wanted to drink/ eat and didn't have menus. There was one menu floating around from the early arrivals, but I'm not about to share one menu among 6 people. The server made a point (again) of saying 'we seated ourselves', therefore she didn't know to bring us menus... give me a break. I understand that the table may not be set up, but we waited 20 minutes for menus and water. As a matter of fact, we didn't get to order our food until 20 minutes before the kitchen closed (10 PM)- which of course, she felt obliged to remind us of (and it was NOT a courtesy reminder). We still hadn't received our first round of drinks by the time our food was served. I even finished my meal before we got our drinks, which she delivered in time to clear the table of our food dishes. Thankfully, a friend took up our cause (nicely) with the manager, so I can't vouch for what was said. I will, however say the manager offered apologies - which sounded more like insincere lip service. While he stressed the lack of communication from the hostess about the seating- there was still an element of chastisement in his voice. We somehow skipped serious seating protocol... I don't get it. He acted apologetic and gave us lame "$10 off 2 entrees" coupons- which they gave to everyone! Don't want them-- I WON'T be back! Also, they managed to tack on an obligatory 20% "large group" gratuity. Thankfully, someone noticed the fine print and pointed it out, as not to leave any more undeserved tip. Our server, and I hope she reads this, did NOT deserve any tip (not even 2%, let alone 20). Barcelona would not remove the tip portion, because they KNEW we wouldn't leave one. I take issue with that. We are very good tippers given remotely decent service. Had I charged it on MY credit card (instead of my husband paying with HIS)- I'd call the credit card company right now to refuse that charge! Icing on the cake: The server stomped over saying: "I'm outta here. You know, I'm going to be reprimanded for this." I just replied: "You SHOULD be." Nasty, bratty attitude. Yuck. I'm unapologetic for this poor review. We should be able to go to a Michael Reams restaurant with high expectations- and I have- THREE times. All three times, Barcelona's sub-par service has put me off, but last night was the ultimate! Everything about this experience was unacceptable. I'm embarrassed I brought my family & friends here
(2)
Andrew C.

High price....yes. Worth it....yes. Very good, high quality, with a very authentic and different menu. Highly recommend for special occassions.
(5)
Ariel B.

Barcelona is a time tested establishment in German Village, and I love everything about it except the prices and the portions. I never like leaving anywhere without a full stomach or wallet, but this is the sacrifice you make for such a niched restaurant. Should the tapas scene begin to boom in Columbus, Barcelona may begin to struggle and have to lower their prices. I do have to say that their cuisine is never lacking in quality or excellence-- hence why I am inclined to continue to bend to their inflated prices. I enjoy their paella, and, though it is not the best I have ever had, it is one of the best in Columbus. I also LOVE their patio for a good stiff drink. While speaking of drinks, their bar has a lovely and creative drink menu... for a price as once again their drinks are costly.
(4)
Anne K.

Excellent paella, whisky, and wine lists. Lovely non-invasive service. It's 7/10 of a mile from the Comfort Inn in German Village-- an easy and pleasant walk. The patio is amazing, but so is the dining room. We really loved the patatas bravas and the goat-cheese stuffed avocado.
(4)
Big Baby Jesus C.

Restaurant week review! The building is lovely, inside and out. Walking in, they had a jazz singer and pianist, an unexpected but nice touch. Our server was Shawn, he was pretty good, 4/5. I didn't like any of their Spanish red wine offerings by the glass we tried. Had a Monastrell, and a Granache in case you're wondering. I gave up and switched to beer. For the first course we had Del Piquillos Relenos con Atun and Gambas. The first was essentially a salad, with small, mild peppers stuffed with tuna. It wasn't that great. The salad itself had no flavor, and the stuffed peppers tasted like good tuna, 2/5. The Gambas was chilled shrimp and guacamole. The shrimp were really good. Didn't looked spiced, but they were. If I had to guess, lime and oregano. The guacamole was good too, 4/5 for this one. For the main course, we had the Pollo and the Paella de Mariscos. I don't remember the chicken, it wasn't mine. Oh, but I remember the Paella. Seafood 101, you soak clams in cold salted water for an hour or so before using them, and then scrub the shells well, to get rid of any sand or other grit in them. No one bothered with this step. Each clam tasted like it was seasoned with an 1/8 t. beach sand, yum. The 2 mussels, and both shrimp were fine. The rice and rest of the dish was very bland, overall, a total meh, 2/5. For dessert, carrot cake and bread pudding. Didn't try the carrot cake, not my bag. The bread pudding was really good though, 4/5.
(3)
Travis Z.

I will have to say the experience of Barcelona is what gives this place its 3 stars. I heard so much about this place coming into eating here. So here is a quick rundown. The good: The ambiance is incredible. Both inside and out are great places to enjoy a romantic dinner or to hang out with friends. They also have great service and presentation. The sangria is great and authentic which is hard to find. What could have been better: the food. We had a few of the tapas plates and were not thrilled by any of them. We had the hummus (nothing special), the avocado with goat cheese (great), fois gois (not good) with fritas (good), and finally mussels (average). The problem was nothing blew us away as being fantastic. Maybe their entrees are a little better so I may go back there to try one.
(3)
James G.

Really like this place. Pricey, but worth it. A very enjoyable experience all the way around.
(5)
Mike C.

The servers word harder at this restaurant than at any other in Columbus, bending over backward to explain particular dishes to guests. The food is very good, the setting is unique for our city, and the atmosphere is almost always buzzing. The only downside is the in accessibility of parking, but it's not nearly downside enough to warrant going somewhere else if you're looking for a special meal.
(4)
Dawn K.

I visited Barcelona on a Friday night last June. The dinner and service were wonderful. I echo many of the glowing reviews here. However, my experience after dinner and the lack of concern by the Barcelona management is where their 2 stars come from. I was pretty upset and frustrated and haven't been back since. We had trouble finding a parking spot, so we decided to valet. We had a great dinner, great service and ran up quite a bill! Upon getting home, I realized that my house keys were not on my key chain. I called the restaurant. The person who answered the phone put me on hold, then came back and said a manager was checking with the valets. A different person answered the phone and asked what the keys looked like. They said they had my keys, so I said I would return to get them. I was annoyed that after paying to valet park, I had to drive all the way back to retrieve my keys. However, when I returned, I was not even offered a simple apology or a refund of my valet fee. In fact, I did not even see or speak to a manager. My keys were simply left on the hostess stand and handed to me as I asked for them. I was not even asked to identify the keys. My key chain was also badly bent, likely the reason that the keys fell off in the first place. I was frustrated and disappointed that my wonderful dinner turned into a bad experience. I felt that I should have at least been greeted by a manager, who should have held onto or secured my keys. And an apology for my inconvenience of having to return to retrieve my keys would have been nice. I do appreciate the service from the staff inside the restaurant. As I said, it was a great dinner. Our waiter did a great job, as did the other staff members. However, to have it end with the valet losing my keys and not even an apology was extremely disappointing.
(2)
Lauren L.

There are 3 words that come to mind when I think of Barcelona. 1. Love 2. Yummm 3. Romantic the Patio is the most romantic patio in town, in my opinion, and I LOVE patios.. so I have seen my fair share. the Scallops are amazing. my mouth is watering right now just thinking about them. the wine selection is abundant, and Sunday's are retail wine night... so you can get a fairly reasonable price on them.. sit on the patio, and have the most amazing scallops you have ever had in your life. (okay, maybe not in your life..but the best I have found in Columbus).
(4)
Camilla G.

This was one of the most amazing meals I've had in a long time !! Made a trip up to Columbus to Barcelona and I highly recommend anyone living in the CVG area to make the trip , I had the lamb chops which were seasoned ro perfection . I lived in Spain for 5 years and these chops were better than the chops in Madrid !!!! My husband had the tapas sampler : dinner which was distinctly tasty !!! All I gave to say is GO!!!!
(5)
Laura C.

I've been here a couple of times but sadly not recently. The menu is imaginative with things I don't know how to pronounce. If you're adventurous with eating, you must try them for a special night out. The menu also changes seasonally, and maybe even within the seasons based on product availability so you'll likely never see the same menu twice (which could be bad if you have something you really really like!). I've only eaten entrees so I cannot comment on their tapas. Any gal will be more impressed you took her here than say oh a Cameron Mitchell joint.
(4)
Tracy H.

The first time I went to Barcelona was back in 2008 when an ex of mine took me there for a date. We ordered the goat cheese stuffed yellow peppers, hummus, and split the salmon entree. I have been lusting after that salmon ever since. It was served with blue potatoes, and I feel like the salmon was either served with sweet cherry or cinnamon like sauce. Yes: I've been after a salmon I can't even remember. It was absolutely one of the best dishes I've ever had. He and I topped off dinner with french press coffee because at the time I wasn't of age. I love eating out when the weather is nice. I love fine conversations and loud laughs that almost disrupt the others around. My dear friend Nance wanted to take me out for my birthday last night, and she recommended Barcelona. Hi, yes. Thank you. That's just what I needed. All I could think about was that delicious salmon. I looked on their website. Bam. Salmon. She picked me up and we were actually able to sit outside! The day was beautiful and it was slowly turning to night. The patio was initially smaller than I expected, but the vibe was so sexy. Walking through the interior you could breathe in the romance that was palpating from all around. Our server was Michelle, a tall and very sweet blonde. I told her to order me any Sangria, and she chose the pear Sangria, said it was new. New and delicious. The drink was excellent, but I think I should have probably went with wine, I wasn't in such a sweet mood as I thought, but I drank it all. The first thing we ordered was cheese. We ordered the cabra al vino-translation: goat's milk cheese soaked in red wine with a hint of honey ... could that be more perfect? We ate. Note: Ask for extra crackers. Two crackers didn't hold up. The next thing we ordered was the tapas. She ordered the Almendras Marcona (spanish almonds) and I got the Gambas al Ajillo (shrimp cooked with olive oil, chilie flake and basque pepper). At this point I'm thoroughly impressed and borderline stuffed. Michelle brought out their house bread and come on, bread...it had a wonderful rustic look to it. Nance insisted that we order our entrees. Twist my arm. Nance got the Vieiras, bay scallops cooked with bacon, mushrooms, dates, lima beans, chile flake and cream. I managed to take a scallop, and that dish oozed sex. Simple presentation but every component listed came out in the flavor. She loved it and ended up eating almost the entire dish. Enter: Salmon. Salmon con Especias. It was a ton of food. The description said olive oil potatoes, and on my plate were mashed potatoes. Were they delicious? Every bit of them. Unexpected?: Slightly. The three cabbage slaw though was simply devine. Light and flavorful, and the color was perfect. My salmon was slightly undercooked to my liking. Don't get me wrong, I ate it. But I love that crust on a salmon, and a bit more spice rub would have been nice. The center of the fish didn't hold up too well, and almost seemed a bit mushy. The cheery gastrique really complimented the flavors nicely, but it was a little too sweet overall. The ratio from salmon to cherries, well. look. There was a lot of cherries! Overall, my opinion on the restaurant hasn't changed. Was that first salmon better? Hands down. Barcelona, bring back that exact dish from October 2008 and I'll sprint down there. The food was on point, I had plenty of leftovers that I ate after wine drinking in the short north later on in the evening. The patio was romantic and beautiful, Nance and I loved the pots on the building. Service was timely and pleasant I'll be back and hopefully get another spot on the patio. Next time I'll have reservations though.
(4)
Megan T.

I had this idea of what Barcelona would be, before I even step foot through the door. From the outside it looks classy and inviting. As classy as a restaurant can be that overlooks a Giant Eagle. My husband and I came here for after dinner cocktails and were greeted at the bar. I ordered a small plate, some kind of potato dish and it was fabulous. The bartender also brought us some bread with an olive oil and tomato dipping sauce that was phenomenal as well. He came back AGAIN to offer us a crostini topped with some kind of mushroom and cream cheese spread that was divine. Seriously still thinking about it. I ordered the Paloma to drink, and it was just okay, nothing special. Two people next to me had some kind of pear martini w/ a sugar rimmed glass thing going on and I kicked myself for not ordering that; they couldn't stop raving about it. We will definitely be back for the full dinner experience. We live right around the corner, so it's kind of criminal that this was our very first time.
(4)
Pat M.

Best restaurant in the city as far as I'm concerned. Great food, and the staff is amazing as well.
(5)
Jeff K.

Had a great time at Barcelona. Our server was great. His recommendations were perfect. I highly recommend trying it out. You definitely pay some money to eat there, but as in all things you get what you pay for. It was fantastic.
(4)
Christopher M.

A really delightful meal. My beau and I were lucky enough to get a table on the patio on a gorgeous summer evening. The beautifully landscaped space and atmosphere appropriately set the tone for the meal to follow. We shared the tapas combo plate and he finished with paella while I had a couple of other tapas. All the items were very good. They have a very diverse wine list that appropriately emphasizes Spanish wines. Here's a tip - you can make your own wine flight from any of the many wines by the glass on the menu, which I did. It's a great way to try some different flavors. Service was very attentive and accommodating. We were visiting from out of town but will certainly plan another visit next time we are on Columbus. The inside also looks very nice, with plenty of room; very warm and inviting. I bet it is terrific in the winter. Valet parking was very convenient, at only $5 well worth not having to stress finding a space on the (very) crowded and small streets of Germantown.
(5)
Kimberley D.

Excellent food. Really enjoyed the tasting menu. Great vegetarian options! Terrific service, will definitely be back.
(5)
Brandon R.

The service was amazing, food was just alright. From so many other restaurants to choose from I probably would be hesitant to go back.
(3)
Jessica T.

Dear Barcelona, Don't you realize that lunchtime during Dine Originals week is the ultimate in restaurant blind dating? That you must be 100% on your A-game for this relationship to go any further? You're enticing me with your inexpensive menu and lunch-hour accessibility. I respond to your temptations by arriving with an empty stomach and a yearning to try something new. Your Dine Originals menu piqued my interest with its choice of appetizer or dessert, plus sandwich and side as well as a drink, for a mere $10. It's clear that you are no gold-digging charlatan, but that you would simply like to get to know me better. You made excellent first impressions with your service, which was courteous and quick. I never felt wanting for anything, except perhaps to continue to sit in your glorious company, you with your warm, inviting design and comfortable seating. Moreover, your appetizer offering was quite pleasing both to me and my palate. The goat cheese and mushroom croquetas were tasty and nicely fried. How did you know that goat cheese was the way to my one, true heart? I was starting to feel those familiar pangs. Not love, not yet. But interest, and dare I say desire, for what was to come next. Ah, but here was where the cracks in your beautiful veneer began to surface. What I suspect may have been your true colors started to peer though. Your bocadillo was disappointing, at best. Oh, the serrano and manchego were tasty, no doubt, but overpowered by the chewy and bland baguette. It's a rookie sandwich mistake, too much bread and not enough middle, but one that can ruin an otherwise promising relationship. And to think, the whole thing could have been saved by a nice flavorful spread or even a strategic toasting of the baguette. It's a pity, I truly thought we were getting somewhere. You could perhaps have recovered with a well-placed side dish, but not only did the giant cold chunks of redskin potato covered in flavorless mayonnaise not win back my heart, it may have ruined any chance we had at something special. You see, a potato salad should be flavorful and tasty, not bland and boring like my grandmother's. And really, there is no better way to derail a blossoming romance than memories of grandma. In all, dear Barcelona, I appreciated the effort. I may decide to give you another chance someday if I'm in the neighborhood and all my old standbys are busy. I hope you know that you have plenty to offer someone. You're great, you're just really not what I need right now. No hard feelings, please. It's not you, it's me. Well, it's probably you. And that potato salad, which I can't seem to erase from my memory. Best of Luck, Jessica
(2)
Ian R.

I went to Barcelona with my Aunt while visiting Columbus. It was a booming happy hour crowd, this place was almost full when we arrived, and had completely filled by the time we got our first drink. We were lucky to get 2 seats at the bar. I ordered the cheese sampler and each cheese came with a paired condiment. It was delicious! I wish we could have eaten an entree but my Aunt and I were bar hopping and we didn't want to waste any time haha. When I make it back up to Columbus I'm gonna have to try some dinner here!
(4)
Lindsay M.

Amazing drink selection with phenomonal tapas to kick of a friday night.
(5)
LeeJee C.

If you like paella, please go to Barcelona immediately!! My boyfriend and I love Spanish food, and we are always on the quest to find the best tapas and paella. Nothing compares to the food at Barcelona.
(5)
Steve S.

Was back in Columbus visiting family and we always set aside a night to try a reputable restaurant. The previous visits included trips to M and Rosendales, both of which were incredible. Knowing that Barcelona has go very long standing reputation for good food, I was excited to experience it. It was good but I just wasn't "wowed". We started with the cheese board which was very good. However, the menu said it would be served with "olive crackers" yet none came with our order. We then moved on to the mussels and Spanish olives. While the mussels were decent, the olives were a HUGE misstep. They tasted like Kroger brand olives, straight from the jar. They would have been sub-par in a bad restaurant. But at Barcelona, they were horrible in comparison to everything else. Not sure why they keep these on the menu. For entrees, I ordered the halibut and my partner got the salmon. My halibut was done perfectly and had a great flavor. Once again, good, but no "wow" factor. My partner, on the other hand, loved his salmon. The combination of cream cheese, salmon, cherries and crabmeat made for a very unique and tasteful dish. I think he would give Barcelona four stars. Service was good. Our waiter, Paul, was very prompt and took care of us. We had a nice, leisurely meal over two hours and never felt rushed. We ended the meal with a very good flan and espresso. For the most part, we had a very good meal. Although the olives really threw us. Barcelona delivers good food and a great atmosphere. But I think other restaurants in Columbus "push the envelope" a bit more.
(3)
Ryan R.

Do yourself a favor and sit on the patio, we sat there for dinner one evening and it's great. We decided to go for the tapas tasting menu, and 3 other tapas dishes, and it was more than enough food for two. Highlights were the grilled baby octopus (pulpo) and the scallops wrapped in ham (vieras con jamÃ³n). And don't forget to order a carafe of sangria!
(4)
Gwen W.

I've wanted to check out more of the "Fine Dining" restaurants lately, thus I figured I'd be here for their happy hour time. However, a few weeks back, I called to ask about the "specials" at this establishment, and the host told be about there 1/2 off tapas menu the first Wednesday of every month. Perfect! We made reservations for a table @ 7 pm, with a preference for the patio (the patio is first come, first serve only), but it had an hour wait when we arrived. Maybe next time! Surprisingly more casual than I expected. Fine-dining menu, but the atmosphere was quite welcoming (not pretentious). The space is large! Not very wide, but quite long (from front to back). Thus, plenty of seating. Our experience started out a tad bit questionable. Our waitress was prompt when coming to our table right away. She was then going to give us a few minutes to peruse the drink menu before coming back. But it took her close to 12 minutes. When she did finally make it back, she sincerely apologized for the hold-up. She was serving an eight-top, while running food, since they were short on staff. Understandable! I got three different tapas - all amazingly good. - Aguacate Relleno: Perfectly ripe avocado quarters. The crab meat was wonderful, too. I could order that tapa all day, every day :p If it comes back around on their menu, I suggest you try it! -Salmorejo: Another excellent plate! The soup was like a cold tomato bisque. Flavor explosion! Fantastic, masked, cucumber flavor. 100% fresh tomato; two thumbs up for that one, too. -Ensalada de Farro: Interesting flavor. The avocado vinaigrette had some tart to it. I was just too full to finish it. PS, this joint changes there THREE separate menus EVERY WEEK!! That is phenomenal. Talk about kitchen talent: kudos to the chef!!
(5)
Fred B.

STILL GREAT...!!! We love Barcelona. The food is great, the sangria, wine and full bar are great, the ambiance is so very cool, the service is excellent, and they have one of the best dining patios in all of Columbus. Great tapas, great entrees, delicious desserts, really good sangria available by the glass or carafe. Barcelona was one of my favorites a decade ago, and it's still great, still fresh and still current.
(5)
Arvid Y.

Initially I visited Barcelona for happy hour and was not very impressed. However, i've subsequently returned twice for dinner and was thoroughly impressed with my dining experiences both times. The atmosphere is intimate and comfortable. They also have a great patio that is packed during warm weather. Another great thing about Barcelona is their live music on Sunday nights. I would actually recommend going on a Sunday night if you're visiting for the first time. The live music (usually jazz) really adds to the dining experience. As far as the food goes, everything has been excellent. They have quite an extensive menu, including 10+ tapas and a multitude of entrees. I enjoyed their avocado aquacate relleno tapas very much. My mom also raved about their Wedge Salad, which was served with candied walnuts and Serrano ham. My go-to dish is their Paella Barcelona, consisting of chicken, chorizo, shrimp, squid, clams and mussels. $30 is a bit steep for paella, but it tastes amazing and the portions are large. They don't skimp on the protein either, so splurging once in a while on a dish like this is okay by me. My mom was enamored by Barcelona and claimed it was one of her favorite dining experiences in recent memory. She also told me to take a girl here. Okay mom...but in all seriousness, Barcelona would be a good date spot (maybe not FIRST date spot). I'll be back soon to check out their patio again.
(4)
Kaoru M.

While German Village is full of amazing restaurants, Barcelona probably is my favorite. Not only is the food here really good, the menu is pretty creative, they offer delicious Spanish wines that I typically don't see elsewhere, the service is top-notch, and the interior is lively yet unobstrusive. You might wonder, "Isn't it odd for a Spanish restaurant to be located in German village?" but whatever, I don't care. Well, maybe I do. Maybe I want Barcelona to be closer to my house in Upper Arlington so I could go more often. I usually like to try different menu items each time I visit that particular restaurant, but at Barcelona, I almost always end up getting their paella. Fortunately, they usually have several different types of paella to choose from. The seafood that they use for their paella is always fresh (well, as fresh as you can get here in landlocked Ohio,) and quite honestly, Barcelona's paella is better than the paella that I've actually had in Spain! We went on a 2 week trip to Spain, France, and Portugal in 2012 and I ate paella in Barcelona (the city), Alicante, Palma Mallorca, and Malaga... but none were as good as Columbus' very own Barcelona (the restaurant). This restaurant, very deservingly, is pretty busy. So be sure to book a reservation a few days ahead of time to guarantee yourself a table on your date of choice!
(5)
Jen R.

Barcelona is AWESOME! I love coming here for a date night or to meet friends for a classy night out. It's a little spendy, but totally worth it. The list of cocktails is unreal and sometimes overwhelming. You will more than likely find at least 5 that you want to try, but if you're indecisive, just go for the Barcelona Manhattan. So tasty. The red sangria is awesome if you want something more refreshing. We came here last night with 4 friends who hadn't been here before. They were all very impressed with the service and ambiance and all of our plates were clean at the end of the night! Our server Mike T. was awesome! He was funny, friendly, attentive, and informative about the menu options. Very very professional and we had fun with him. We started with the cheese plate (all 5 were great), the avocado stuffed with goat cheese, and the patatas brava. A perfect amount of tapas to split before the main event. I tried the Zuzuela for my entree which is a seafood stew. It was amazing. Our friends ordered the filet and veggie paella. Both of those looked fantastic too. If you want a grown up place to go for the evening, definitely consider Barcelona. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Jon F.

An outstanding Columbus experience. I had not been here in many years but really enjoyed coming back. This crowded bistro has great service and great food. The wine list is very good with several off-the-beaten-path selections you should try. A downside is that this place is very loud and not conducive to a quiet conversation. Still tons of fun.
(4)
Daryn L.

I brought my girlfriend to this place for our 4 year anniversary. They do not have a dedicated parking lot as they are nestled very tightly in their surroundings. This is overcome by the fact that they have a valet parking service. I cannot speak for the indoor setting, as we ate out at the patio. It was a tad chilly, but they have heat lamps scattered across the patio. The patio is GORGEOUS! There is lovely music, lush greenery, and a small bubbling fountain. The ambiance is unlike any other I have found. We enjoyed a nice relaxing, intimate conversation. The service was impeccable, and allowed for us to talk without interruption. This kind of eating is not intended to be a quick in and out 45 minute dinner. This service is nearly two hours of light snacking and pleasant conversation with those from your party. The menu apparently changes weekly, so there isn't much of a point discussing heavily our food. Anyways, I had the "Salmon con Cangrejo". This is a lightly breaded salmon served over mashed potatoes with a cranberry jus. The first few bites were pleasant and sweet. Unfortunately, as I continued to eat the salmon, the cranberry jus became overpowering. My girlfriend had Paella Barcelona. This is a large portion of rice, seafood, and chicken. She was quite impressed with the dish, but found it to be oversalted. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone. The ambiance makes for an intimate experience unlike any other. I left feeling as if my soul had been massaged. The food can be a bit over seasoned, but is very well thought out. NOTE: The patio is first come, first serve seating. Reservations will not work to sit there.
(4)
Keri M.

We took in lunch during a recent visit to Columbus... I have to say the whole experience was wonderful. We had a lovely table by the front window, a very attentive and thoughtful waiter, and the food was excellent. On a Spanish theme, we started with the fried calamari, which were perfectly done, not oily at all and quite tasty - honestly, I've he'd better but only back home in NYC. It came with a marinara sauce and also a lemon sauce, which was very different and worked well. Aperitif of choice was an Apple martini, which, I thought, could have been a bit more sweet, but good. Along with the calamari, we also ordered their Spanish olives and peppers, which wee very tasty. Main course, it turned out my friends copied me -lol- and we all had the paiea, the chicken with chorizo. It arrived to our table in a black skillet and steamy and hot.... It was most delicious, the chicken done perfectly and offset by the spice - not too much heat, just enough. An ample lunch portion, and well worth the price. For dessert, the waiter recommended their homemade pistachio cheesecake and it was the perfect choice. Moist, pistachios, cheesy.... What more could you ask for?? All in all I had a wonderful lunch at Barcelona, and I would definitely go back again; in fact I'd love to dine there one evening. And for all that we had, the check for three was quite reasonable.
(5)
Philippe A.

We went when we were in town for business. I was not impressed. The braised ribs were juicy and soft but a little tasteless. The calamari was salty. The drink my wife ordered, something with gin in it, was a flop for us. But kudos for having campo viejo Tempranillo. Overall ok.
(3)
Brittany B.

At first glance, this place seems to be a bit pricey. And I have gotten a little dresses up and went there for a nice birthday dinner with my partner and spent more on a bottle of wine than we normally would. That wine list is worth it, though. There are also many options for eating and drinking here on the cheap - they have discounted wine nights, tapas specials, happy hour, and siesta fiesta. Both the gazpacho and the chilled and spiced peach soup on their lush patio are exactly what I want on a hot and humid day. The ferns and various planters create both shade and privacy at each table, making this one of my favorite patios in Columbus. The goat cheese stuffed avocado and red sangria - with plum brandy - add even more to the experience. So glad this place is walkable to my new place!
(5)
Michael D.

So I've been wanting to try this place for years. Wife calls earlier today and says the sitter agreed to watch the kids late so we could do happy hour. Wife agreed to meet me downtown (I work downtown), so I suggest Barcelona. Based on the high rating on yelp and the pictures of what appears to be a very nice patio - and given the great weather we had today, I figured this was a slam dunk... Well, not so much. Place was super dull. Bar crowd was not very friendly and it just didn't have the energetic vibe you get from a great venue...especially a venue that charges as much as they do for entrees. Additionally, they said happy hour deals weren't available on the patio. Instead, they have a reduced lunch-style menu on the patio. Anyway, we took a look at the happy hour menu and were not really all that impressed. We did order the hummus and it was just ok. Given the less than welcoming surroundings, the less than adequate service, and the high prices for what appeared to be "nothing special food" (we saw what other patrons had ordered and were just like "meh", we got our check and decided to find a better choice for our Tuesday night happy hour.
(2)
Kaylin C.

This place is amazing, me and my boyfriend shared 8 different tapas and it was such a fun experience being able to try so many different flavors. The service was fantastic as well. Get there early if you want patio seating!
(5)
Siv M.

I had the pleasure of dining here with my husband and his family for my mother-in-law's birthday celebration. I loved the ambience and decor of the place; it was packed for a Friday night, which is always a good sign. Our waitress was very friendly and incredibly knowledgeable on the entire menu. I had the braised short rib paella after the waitress recommended it -- it was so delicious and flavorful! I ate the entire dish and left nothing on my skillet! My husband had the scallop dish. At first, he was disappointed in its size, but later into our meal, he mentioned that it was surprisingly filling, and then continued to rave about its unique and yummy flavors! Overall, this place provided a memorable and delicious dining experience for us. Prices are a bit high; therefore, I am only giving it 4 stars. Since it's the only high end Spanish restaurant in the Columbus area, they can get away with charging this much, but I think if everything was $5 cheaper, this place would be perfect! I would definitely come back when I visit my husband's family again!
(4)
Ying X.

Came here for tapas on a Thursday night. The night started off slightly disappointing, but ended up picking up soon afterward and ended on a fairly positive note. We opted to go for valet parking since it was only $5 and the streets were a bit crazy. However, the valet was nowhere to be found, and after waiting for almost 10 minutes, we decided to try circling around the block one more time to see if any spots open up. No luck there, but the valet magically reappeared when we returned, so we dropped off the car and went inside. We were promptly seated, and our server was incredibly friendly. More importantly, she was very thorough with checking in with the chef regarding some dietary restrictions we had, which I really appreciated since I've had problems (not here, but at other places) about this in the past. The only thing that I have a minor complaint about was that towards the end of the night, when she was clearing away our plates, she spilled quite a bit of sauce from one of our dishes, and it almost got on us. Obviously an accident, and she was very apologetic about it, so I'm not too bothered. With regards to food, we ordered the: Almejas con Miso - Clam miso soup. Perhaps the only disappointing dish of the night. The soup itself was so salty that it was impossible to drink. The clams were tasty, but they only give three (and would've done much better in a lighter soup). Albondiga - Lamb and beef meatball. I didn't get to try this because it had some ingredients I can't have, but my friend states that it was very tasty. Cerdo - Grilled pork medallion. Would probably recommend; it's the right blend of savory and sweet and is also quite a generous portion. Costillas - Braished beef short ribs. Fairly standard; very good, but not necessarily unique. Mejillones con Chorizo - Sauteed mussels. My favorite dish of the night. The sauce is extremely savory without being too overwhelming, and the mussels were cooked just right. We ended up dipping a lot of our complimentary bread in this sauce because of just how good it was. Mousse De Caramelo Y Chocolate - Salty caramel and dark chocolate mousse. Didn't really taste the caramel, but the mousse was nice and fluffy. Pretty solid, but nothing to rave about. Tarta De Queso - Orange pistachio cheesecake. Very good level of pistachio flavoring, and the cheesecake itself was very creamy, but it's nothing too special. Overall, not a bad option for tapas, and I definitely enjoyed myself, but it doesn't really stand out to me save for the mussel dish that we ordered. That's probably be the only reason I'd come back.
(4)
Diane M.

I would give Barcelona 5 stars if our server had been a bit friendlier. The tapas are delicious and the portions are great in that they don't leave you grossly full but just satisfied. The patio is a perfect, Romantic environment...the ambiance is unbeatable!
(4)
Woody B.

I went here for a work dinner. I am not from the area so I didn't know what to expect here. Based on my first impression seeing the happy hour, I was impressed. The $4 cava was so tasty! I had a good amount of those. As for the food, I was pleasantly surprised. Some of the items we got were the paella, crab cakes, short rib and roasted potatoes. All the food was solid. We also got an assortment of dessert. I am definitely a sucker for dessert so I of course had a taste of everything. Yumm. The flan, creme brule and biscotti were some of my favorites. Great place for food in drinks in the German district of Ohio. I would come back here.
(4)
Katherine M.

B.E.A.uuutiful patio, with plants and lights and fountains... Really a cool atmosphere - doesn't feel like Columbus. Great romantic setting, or also appropriate for small professional groups. Upscale menu, and everything I've tried has lived up to the hype. Great options for everyone with larger paella dishes down to tasting plates and tapas. Always have a rotating seasonal menu which is usually where I keep my eyes, knowing well I'd be back. Living down the street for about 3 years, my girlfriends and I loved catching retail wine night, which I'm not sure that they do anymore. Instead they have a weekly calendar of tasting events and live music which are also reasons to come to Barcelona instead of the other German Village competition. I'm not as frequent of a visitor anymore that I'm farther into downtown, but the drinks and food always finish under par, and the setting never disappoints. It's a guaranteed option if needing to impress a visitor in town.
(5)
Jillian M.

This review is for their amazing happy hour specials that they offer at the bar only. Weekdays from 4-7pm you can get $4 beer/wine/specialty cocktails and $5 small plates from a selected list. They had a great assortment of beverages, and about 11 or 12 small plates to choose from. My friends and I had a few different plates and drinks, so of what I was able to try, here are the highlights: Small Plates: + Aguacate Rellenos con Queso- avocado stuffed with goat cheese, with a sun-dried tomato drizzle. It was buttery smooth, and let's be honest- goat cheese makes everything better! + Costillas -- BRAISED SHORT RIBS, omg. So tender and juicy, and the sauce they were in was a mushroom/blue cheese marsala of sorts. It was a bit rich, but THAT SAUCE. I wish I had a hunk of bread to soak it up. I restrained myself from tipping up the bowl to my mouth to drink it straight. - The Patatas Bravas were decent, but essentially just a bunch of potato hunks with a tomato sauce. You do get a pretty good quantity of food for the price though. The calamari was pretty standard. The drink list had a great selection of beer and wine, and about 10 drinks that covered your basic types of liquor. I had a highball, which was made with ginger beer. I also had their manhattan, which was served up in a martini glass. Our bartender was very friendly and helpful, and on top of everything without being overbearing. I peeked in at the patio, and people are spot on with their reviews- it looked completely enchanting. I would love to come back here for a special occasion and check out their paella. Their happy hour is a great way to sample what they have to offer without breaking the bank.
(4)
Laura C.

Great work lunch! We all had paella. The service was on point, the atmosphere was lovely and the food was delectable. Yum!
(5)
Ramy E.

Best service in Columbus, hands down! The happy hour is fantastic and the tapas are a can't miss. Go there and you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Brieanna H.

I've always really liked Barcelona, but it's never been my go-to for a big dinner. Usually I'm looking for something new and fancy to try, but those days might be coming to an end. I had the most wonderful experience at Barcelona last week, and during 614 Restaurant Week, no less! First, I must mention that our server was a total delight. She was very excited, and talked up the entire menu, including the Restaurant Week menu. In my experience, this is unusual, as many times I've ordered from the RW menu and I got the distinct impression that the service is not as attentive as it might have been if I had ordered off the regular menu (cough, Rigsby's, cough). I detected none of that, which pleased me a great deal because the RW menu looked delicious. My friend and I each decided to order the RW menu. For the first course, I got the EspÃ¡rragos con JamÃ³n and my friend got the Setas Fritas. Both were good, but his were better. The fritters were lightly fried, and the aioli was a nice compliment. My asparagus was cooked well and the ham was tasty, just not as remarkable as the fritters. Our second courses were Bistec a la Parilla (him) and Camarones (me.) This time, mine was better. The flavors in the shrimp and polenta and onion straws were amazing. And it smelled so good! Just delicious. His Bistec a la Parilla was a good size for a skirt steak and yummy in its own right, but we both liked the shrimp more. Finally, for dessert, he had the Churro Cupcake, and it was good if a little awkward to eat. I ordered the Maple Pecan Blondie, which came with a little ice cream. Yes, yes, yes! It was exactly what I wanted, and a superb finish to a lovely meal. Oh! We also ordered a bottle of wine, a rioja, on our server's recommendation, and it was lovely. I am really surprised at myself for not coming to Barcelona more. The service, the atmosphere, the food, the wine--it was all great. This year, my resolution is to eat at Barcelona more often!
(5)
Cory C.

Unbelievable food. Our server, Kayla, was AMAZING. Super funny, great conversation and recommendations. The tuna, calamari, shrimp, cheese cake, everything was fantastic. Go here!
(5)
Maxwell H.

This is a very special place for me. I grew up in Ohio and a lot of my friends have scattered to the winds. Several to Columbus. So when my best friend and I get the chance to get together this is our spot. Good energy abounds in this Germantown gem. It is foxy and fun but not too pretentious. The environs are moody and earthy. Lots of space abounds so you don't feel on top of the next table. The service has always been top notch. I seem to remember a few charming waiters... Great wine, great food and always a great time catching up with old friends. It is nice to see that Columbus has so many fantastic, world class restaurants these days. Maybe I just notice because I am older now... Regardless...I love this place and you will too. So if you have the extra cash and the love of a fantastic dining experience then you have to check out Barcelona
(5)
Thao T.

I'm a huge fan of tapas, so of course, I was excited to try Barcelona. It had a great atmosphere, warm and fun--though a bit loud. Conversation was difficult, but we went during prime-time Saturday night dining, so it wasn't that big of a deal. Great location, of course, in scenic German Village. We just went with small plates, which were, for the most part, adequate, with a few stand-outs. The calamari was tender and well-cooked; and the stuffed avocado had such good flavor. Some of the plates came out colder than (I guessed) was intended, and lacking in seasoning. We got a bottle of celebratory cava for $20, which is a steal at a restaurant! I had fun there, but I'm not sure I would rate it above some of my other favorites in Columbus.
(3)
Erin I.

The atmosphere at Barcelona is fun, especially for a Columbus restaurant. You definitely want to try this place out, at least once. But, let me tell you - especially coming from someone who lived in Spain - this place is nothing special. You also must truly enjoy seafood to like Barcelona. If you can, go when they are running specials or try some of their appetizers during happy hour!
(3)
Colleen K.

I really want to love Barcelona, and there are some things I do love about it, it's just shy of 4 stars. Fabulous patio and great atmosphere. Strong wine and cocktail list. Great wait staff (some of the bar staff can be a little grumpy, though). And I know the food is of the upmost quality. I just can't ever really find something I really want to order, though! There's just not that one thing (even though the menu changes, I still can't pick one thing) I crave when someone mentions Barcelona. All around a good restaurant choice for a date or girls night out. I think it's just me ;)
(3)
Jonathan S.

Barcelona is a place I go to reward myself. The first time I went with my boyfriend, we were blown away by how delicious the food was, and how great the service was. The dishes are in the $20+ range, and well worth it. Especially memorable was a tapas dish that my bf had ordered: caramelized pork belly. Oh how it just melted on my tongue! I'm a bit of a carnivore, so I always order steak there, and it was always cooked perfectly. My bf always orders fish. Though he enjoys it, I was a bit disappointed in it. Perhaps I am spoiled from having lived on both the east and the west coast where fresh seafood is plentiful.
(4)
Hk K.

Yummmmm........this place seems ok when you enter. we ordered a few tapas: mussels and shrimp and octopus. the shrimp was cooked perfectly and juicy. The mussels seemed a bit overdone, but the garlic butter sauce they nestled on was exquisite. The octopus, not soo much. We had the scallops sans the bacon; OMG. i hate lima beans, but the cooked beans in this dish were scooped off the plate in record time :D. The scallops were perfect, with the sauce surprising you with its savory taste and hints of the sweet (dates) , brilliant!!! Go here and have yourself a mini-adventure
(4)
Melissa H.

I love Barcelona. It's my favorite restaurant in Columbus. I've celebrated a lot of important events/times at Barcelona in the years I lived in Columbus...birthdays, anniversaries, engagement, wedding rehearsal dinner, New Years, etc. Everytime we go, we get excellent service and our waiters always are right on with their recommendations (Michael is our favorite!). I love that Scott, the owner, walks around and talks to the tables...he knows all of the regulars and provides individual attention. I have been to some of the wine and sangria tastings Barcelona offers during the year, and they are wonderfully executed. Plus, a coupon to enjoy dinner afterward is always nice! By far my favorite dish at Barcelona is the farfalle pasta. Even though they change it occasionally, it remains my favorite dish...the bowtie noodles with pesto, pinenuts and chicken is delicious. I'm a fan of the Caesar salad as well, even if I have to use a knife to cut the lettuce into more manageable pieces. I find it interesting that the calamari comes out in a brown paper bag...not quite what I would expect from a place like Barcelona. The scallops are delicious as well, and I sometimes order them as my dinner even though they are listed as an appetizer. I love the wine list at Barcelona, and especially love the special they run on Sundays, where bottles of wine are marked down. I don't think I've ever been there where we didn't drink at least two bottles :) Next time I am in Columbus, Barcelona is going to be my first stop for dinner, as I have not yet found a place as homey and delicious in Phoenix.
(5)
Kiesha J.

I've been to Barcelona twice, both times on New Year's Eve. I always experience a slight heart attack when the bill comes, but it's usually worth it. My only issue is that Barcelona is SO fancy, it's sometimes hard for a picky eater like me to find something on the menu. I always do, but it's usually not the first thing I gravitate towards. But then I find out that first thing has mushrooms, or dijon mustard sauce, or some other addition that I cannot stomach. Also, the white grape martini was FABULOUS! As was the Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake.
(4)
Heather C.

By far one the of the most romantic restaraunts in the city! I love it most when the patio is open!
(4)
Lou C.

Definately a place to visit when in Columbus. It has great atmosphere and the food to go with it. The fried calamari was lightly coated and tender, both accompanying sauces were great, but i preferred the safron vinegar sauce. The meat just flaked off the bone of the braised lamb shanks - and the fig/wine gastrique was outrageous. I had the flan for dessert, and it looked great, but lacked some of the body and taste that it looked like it should have. The staff service is very good too!
(4)
Will N.

The best over priced restaurant in town. The calamari is BY FAR the best in town. When I go, we order an appetizer order for the table, and I order another order for my dinner. The aioli is freshly made, and perfectly accents the flavor of the crisp breading on the calamari. The price on the calamari is actually quite reasonable considering the class and ambiance of the place. Parking can be a challenge - dont park at the grocery across the street, they tow quite vigilently. The valet is only a few bucks and can be worth it if you have already made a loop around the block. I don't like a server who is bothersome, I'm there to spend time with my friends and to enjoy the food. Ive heard complaints about the service, but never experienced it. The only issue I've had with the restaurant is that they occaisionally have a gay choir in to sing. Not what I find appetizing, but to each their own. Going there tonight for a friends dinner, and I will be having a small lunch to save room!
(4)
Becky S.

This place is AWESOME!! I grew up in Columbus but somehow never went to this place. I took my fiance back to visit my parents and took him here for a romantic dinner based on a friend's recommendation. IT WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE. Our waiter was amazingly knowledgeable about all the dishes and the wines. I had the pork chops and they were the most amazingly delicious port chops I've ever tasted. My fiance had a seafood noodle dish and he destroyed it!! We sat outside in the patio and it was beautifully lit, with a very peaceful fountain filled with coy! We loved this place so much - we bought a recipe book!!
(5)
Crystal I.

Lovely atmosphere. Beautiful building and lounge. The food was good. i will return.
(4)
Phat P.

I have been to Barcelona twice now. First time I went there for happy hour and had a wonderful experience. The ajo blanco was really good and refreshing. The pear sangria was tasty and a really nice and sweet twist. I completed that with the fried calamaris and the grilled asparagus both very tasty. They also give you some bread (not a big fan of that bread, a bit too soft for me) but the oil that came with it is really nice. Excited by that first experience, I went back for lunch and was very disappointed at that time... I started with the peach gazpacho which was really not what I expected and really too sweet for a starter, with really no savory taste to it, I actually kept it as a desert. Texture was also very close to smoothie... As a main course I decided to go to the Paella and that was the biggest disappointment. First off, on the menu they say the paella is made with basmati, not a good sign IMHO, but I made some before :) The problem was really the dish itself, the rice was overcooked, but still drenched with water and with no nice crust. I felt the shrimp were a bit undercooked, still raw in the middle, but the worst part is still that really the dish itself really lacked flavor and fell flat. When I think Paella, I think explosion of tastes and flavor in my mouth, and we were so far from that... I would go back for the tapas, but I will stay far and away from the paella...
(3)
Eddie H.

I drove to Columbus to meet a friend who was in town for a business trip and we decided to head here for dinner since we both love Spain and Spanish food. We showed up around 7:30 on a Tuesday night and were quickly seated. The dining room is long and really well decorated. There was interesting art on the walls and the lighting was dim but not dark. The restaurant was about 75% full and had a lively atmosphere. I ordered an Estrella Damm while we looked over the menu and it got delivered to the table next to us which was odd. Other than that hiccup our server was attentive, had opinions and friendly. Since we had never been there before we decided to split both the tapas tasting and an order of the Paella Barcelona. The first half of our tapas tasting came out with 3 cold items; an artichoke, olive, almond mixture, an apple salad on lettuce and a filled pepper. It was all good. Our hot tapas came out along with our paella and included a potato soup, a slice of sourdough with melted cheese and a single slice of chorizo sausage, two pieces of lamb and a skewer with one scallop and shrimp. All of it was very good. The disappointment was the paella. It looked spot on but it wasn't very flavorful. The saffron was lacking, the seafood wasn't as abundant and most cruelly of all the bottom rice wasn't crisp at all. It reminded me more of a slightly Spanish inspired jambalaya than a true paella. My friend ordered the Tres Leches dessert which she ate every bite of and loved. I passed since my inner fat kid made me eat two donuts at work.
(3)
Dia D.

We ordered the Tapas Tasting Menu which was 7 tapas served in 3 courses for $35 per person. The first course included Ceviche de Camarones (shrimp ceviche), Ensalad de Aguacate, and Chorizo y Queso (chorizo and cheese with figs, almonds, and crackers). The second course included Mejillones (mussels), chicken, and chorizo. The third course was pineapple slice with browned sugar on it. In general, I thought that the food was ok, but definitely not the tastiest tapas that I've ever had which may be the result of ordering from the Tasting menu. I liked the first course and the mussels in the second course more than the chicken or the chorizo with potatoes. The food was a 3, but they get an extra star for good service and a nice outdoor patio.
(4)
Tan N.

Barcelona, oh how I wish i enjoyed your food. It's walking distance from our house and it's a great space with a nice backyard patio. It's popular so if we liked it, it would be a good hangout. Instead, we find it overrated and expensive to boot. Definitely other options in Columbus. The tapas and food selection is heavy and do not remind me of the fantastic flavors of Spain in the least. I love Spanish food and I guess I won't get to enjoy it l in Columbus. I am also annoyed by tapas places that use it as an excuse to charge more money for less food without actually serving fresh, inspired servings. They figure drinks are more important and we won't notice? The cocktails weren't amazing and I'd rather have one at Sycamoreor Curio nearby. Also, the seafood here is more of what typically is found in the area: calamari, mussels, scallops and salmon. Easily frozen and thawed, I guess. I had the salmon and it was way overdone. My other pet peeve. If you're into uninspired food that's heavy on cheese, sauce and meat and don't mind paying the prices then it's your kind of spot. Many others agree with you apparently from the ratings I've seen. I'm just not one of them.
(2)
Marni K.

Eh I don't get it. My paella was bland - I mean seriously flavorless - and I think there was only chicken in my chicken and chorizo version. If there was any chorizo, it was really hard to find. I seriously considered adding table salt to make it at least take like something. Paella is my favorite dish so I'm pretty disappointed. Service was good and it's a nice space but it won't be on my return list.
(2)
Divya R.

This probably one of the nicest spots you could dine in Columbus. It was my second time here and previously I had dined on the patio which was beautiful. This time, we sat inside and tried many of the appetizers. The mussels were good and broth was tasty. The garlic shrimp was so perfect the first time that we had to order it again. The croquettes may have been too cheesy for my taste, if they picked a more delicate cheese this would have been a winner. The breading on the calamari was amazing but with they gave some lemon with it. I tried the scallops with bacon which were both great, i just wish they used something besides Lima beans to go with it. I have very high expectations for paella so haven't yet gotten there but maybe its time so I will be back for the seafood one. The ginger walnut Manhattan and the Barcelona Manhattan were great too.
(4)
Diana P.

I like Barcelona. I've been here couple times now and what I would recommend is the scallop dish: vieras. The most delicious scallop dish I've had! Besides that, I've also tried their paellas which people say are good, and yeah, they're okay but not much to comment on that since I'm not really a paella person. I've also had their salmon dish, which was very good as well. It's hard to go wrong with salmon. Overall, a very good place for date nights or special occasions.
(5)
Yan S.

First time here and love it. Salmon was awesome. Great staff. Veggie dish is good too. Will be back. Parking was rough but manageable. Tapas tasting was also delicious!
(5)
Lauren L.

We went during restaurant week so my review is a little dated but I think I can safely say that we enjoyed our meal. The menu overall was really broad, there were a lot of great options. I like starting with restaurant week stuff, though, because if a restaurant doesn't put their best foot forward in a "tasting" type/obviously promotional time, then I tend not to trust them. I have dined at far too many that just slap something traditional on the plate and call it a restaurant week special. This was so not the case with Barcelona! My husband and I had a hard time deciding on our meals. My husband started with the soup while I dove into the fried artichokes. Both were delicious, cooked perfectly and seasoned well. He had the steak while I had the pork for the main course. I love it when the individual elements of a dish meld perfectly into the delightful mouthful that makes you go "YUM" and dive back in for more. Both of us were reluctant to share our meals even though we agreed to let the other "try some." My only disappointment was dessert but I will attribute that to a restaurant week flub. My flan was bland and tasted as if it had been cut from a block. Given what I see on the other Yelp pics, I am excited to go back to try a real dessert there. The wine list, too, was beyond excellent. Oh, and our server couldn't have been nicer, too. Overall, a great date night at a great restaurant !
(4)
Joyce K.

Absolutely my favorite restaurant in the Columbus area. Seasonal menu and great little tapas. Red sangria is a MUST. Service is really friendly and professional, food is delicious and well thought out. Patio in the summer time is great for brunch and nights out.
(5)
Jeff K.

Took my maiden voyage at Barcelona last night for cbus restaurant week. I can't believe this is the first time I've been to this gem. Our server gave us great suggestions and I went with the short rib and scallop paella. Omg. That was by far the best Spanish dish I have ever munched on. I had to stop myself from cramming all of it's deliciousness into my mouth. The rest of the gang ordered off of the restaurant week special menu. Everything looked great and the group raved about the food. Barcelona crushes the competition with great food and outstanding service. We will be back soon!
(5)
Jim U.

It almost sounds counter-intuitive, a Spanish restaurant in German Village? Barcelona is one of my favorite restaurants in town. Come with an open mind and be ready to try new things if you really want a memorable experience. They are known for their Paella which is delicious and served in a very generous portion. Their tapas selection is also fantastic. The calamari is great and the scallops over polenta are worth a taste too. I haven't personally tried dessert since I have been too adventurous trying tapas I couldn't possible have another bite after the paella. Wine selection is excellent too. The wait staff could be a little more friendly/attentive and maybe a little more knowledgeable about the food/wine. Awesome food and a fun atmosphere (especially their gorgeous patio); worth a visit - at least for drinks and apps.
(4)
Craig L.

Barcelona and I have enjoyed many wonderful evenings together. The food is always consistent, the scallops are my favorite in town, and they have one of the most beautiful patios in the city. But, this experience went above and beyond. Now, I expect any restaurant to be happy to help when you say you want to propose to your girlfriend there, but Barcelona's management really did exceed my expectations. Here is how it happened: I called and told the hostess about a week ahead of time that I was going to have some very special requests. She told me to go for it and she would take notes. After making all of them I was told that she would have to have her manager call me back because she couldn't approve all of them. No problem. Next day, after some phone tag, I get back with the manager. He is happy to help me with my requests which were: a patio table (they don't do requests for the patio, ever), prosecco to be brought out immediately after the proposal, flowers to be kept in their fridge that I dropped off then brought out with the prosecco, and, here was the odd one, they agreed to hand out notes that I prepared which told the other patio tables what was going on and asked them to take photos with their camera phones and send them to her number. The requests were only a small part of the success of the evening. The real expertise showed that night. Not only did they save us a patio table, but they saved us THE patio table. Smack dab in the middle. The server we had was fantastic, never giving it away with even an eyebrow. The flowers and prosecco went flawlessly. It was even fun when I went inside to use the restroom and the manager is buzzing about when I was going to do it. The comic relief was much needed. The best part though was that not only did they hand out notes, but they shared more details about our night to other guests. One table bought us our prosecco, one woman brought her a handkerchief, and ever last table, at the moment, at our moment was completely focused on her, on the proposal, on us. The energy from the other tables was so tremendous that it is hard to describe. The topper from management was that the manager who set it up with me stayed late so that he could take photos too with his iPad. He had told me earlier in the week he was going home at 4:30 but he was there till we left nearly 3 hours later. I want to believe that other restaurants would have been as willing to help and pulled it off flawlessly but I do have to wonder. Barcelona's rare combination of management and food excellence is second to none and I would, with as high of a recommendation as I can give, encourage you to patronize them with your business. After the night they delivered to both myself and, especially, my new fiance, they deserve nothing but good things going forward. Thank you Barcelona, for a night worth remembering.
(5)
Ben G.

I have enjoyed my wonderful dinner here with my friends. I'm really like Paella Barcelona, a kind of spanish seafood combination. It was so fresh and tasted awesome. The best spanish restaurant in Columbus.
(5)
Timothy M.

My favorite restaurant in Columbus. The dinner menu is excellent, always a little different from week to week. There is a great value in doing lunch here as well and I must admit it is a weekly guilty pleasure. The staff are the best trained in Columbus and I have never had a bad experience. The Management is professional and attentive. The owner Scott H is often seen table touching any getting feedback from diners. Try the sea scallop dish that seems to always stay on the menu due to extreme popularity. Very hard to go wrong here is you like premium tapas or the best patio in the city to dine.
(5)
Carol C.

This restaurant fits me like a little black dress. Whenever I want to feel a little bit special, I slip into one of Barcelona's curve-hugging booths, and let myself soak in the sexy decor and enjoy some sophisticated dining. For my husband's recent birthday, it was the clear choice for a celebration destination. It was a Monday, and we decided on a lavish lunch rather than a dinner date. We dined inside, as the dog days were in full effect, but the intimate indoor setting balances out the loss of the patio. Red brick walls and elegant glass art pieces back the booths and tables, and warm lighting bounces against mirrors and spills over hardwood floors. It evokes a certain rustic polish, made more authentic with your first bite of crusty house bread. They serve this delicious bread partially sliced, with a cup of olive oil and a little tomato paste. The crust has a chewy crunch, and it's sweetly soft enough to stretch as you pull it apart - it's always a highlight for me, no matter the meal. Our waitress was fast, friendly, and delivered absolutely first-class customer service throughout our long lunch, including replenishing our bread basket twice (a big bonus in my book!). We opted to start with the "Barcelona Tapas Seleccion", which turned out to be a perfect sampling of Spanish inspired appetizers for two. Our "marinated salads" included mouth-watering sauteed mushrooms, a refreshing chopped cucumber and tomato salad, and unfortunately a blend of oily artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers that I suspect came straight from a jar. An assortment of spanish olives favored the green variety, and a few contained pits, but they were wonderful. The hummus was surprisingly tasty as well, and the grilled flatbreads served alongside were perfectly crunchy and covered in smoky paprika. But hands down, the high point was the red potato salad - starchy cubes topped with subtle prosciutto, tart pickled onions, and tangy creme fraiche... cold meat and potatoes never tasted so good! He decided to try the daily special, a fried green tomato BLT with a side of french fries, because he loved the one I'd made at home for him a week before. Home cooking is quite the competition, but their version, served open-faced on toasted ciabatta with a pimiento cheese spread, had all the spicy bite of a true contender. I ordered off of their "Lunch del Dia" menu, an intriguing inexpensive lunch option offering three courses for only $10. My starter salad consisted of spinach, strawberries, creamy chunks of goat cheese, and a citrusy vinaigrette dressing adeptly applied. The side salad of cucumber, tomato, and onion was far too sweet for my tastes, and my crab cake sandwich lacked impact, but overall it was an impressive variety and value. After all that, we were satisfied and bordering on stuffed, but what's a birthday without a dessert? I asked for cappuccino and he ordered an espresso, while he scanned the menu and eventually settled on a chocolate bar. Hot cups of coffee made an ideal ending for a indulgent meal, and the back of the "Barcelona" bar features some pretty farcical and entertaining reading. This was the kind of brunch that was familiar but fantastic, the kind that every birthday boy deserves.
(4)
Ashlee Y.

Amazing food. I don't like to try new places, but my husband made me go. I was pleasantly surprised. I ordered the chicken, he had the pork chop and we left fat and happy. They also provided my mother in law with a free dessert because it was her birthday!
(5)
Tia P.

This place is perfect for romantic dates! the service was absolutely fabulous...they really know how to cater to your needs here. the ambience was relaxing and I believe they have live music on Sundays. (romantic guitar) the food was great as well and the wines are discounted on Sunday's. The outdoor patio is nice and romantic..especially at night. the only thing about this place is you have to park across the street at giant eagle and walk across, but it's no biggie. All in all I would definitely return! :)
(4)
Michael G.

Wow. New chef. New menu. Same great serving staff. Same Top 10 in Columbus. The scallops was especially phenomenal as was the tapas taster plate. We were there on a Sunday night when they sell wine at retail. Comes out to about 30% off the menu list price. Great experience all-around.
(5)
Adam K.

Five star restaurant... Five star server. Make sure you ask for Layla. She was out of this world helpful and energetic. Definitely made our evening (and 11th anniversary) well worth it! We had the Barcelona paella, the tapas special, and three of the cheeses that she recommended, along with a bottle of Gran Coronas Reserva that Layla accuracy recommended as a perfect match for our taste in wine. We had never experienced Spanish wine before, but we told her what we liked otherwise, and she hit the nail on the head. Overall, a wonderful experience on an amazing, hidden patio - our first time at this gem in German Village. We'll definitely be back... And we will definitely request Layla.
(5)
Allison H.

Had a wonderful evening at Barcelona. I really loved everything about this place - the decor, atmosphere, food, service. My boyfriend and I aren't very familiar with Spanish wines, and our waiter Chris provided some excellent advice and suggestions. We started with the JamÃ³n ibÃ©rico, which I have not had in many years due to its unavailability/price. Then shared a couple of tapas - scallops which were cooked perfectly, clam & artichokes in a dreamy curry sauce. We then shared the Paella Barcelona, which was perfect for two after the tapas and ham. I can't wait to go back and try the lunch everyone else seems to be raving about, and dinner again sometime. The patio is sure to be lovely when the weather cooperates in a few months. Note that there is no heater near the valet stand, so if a few people are leaving at the same time, you'll be cold for a few minutes in winter.
(4)
N S.

Against my own advice, went back this past weekend and thoroughly enjoyed myself. It is still not remotely Spanish, except for a few ingredients and item names, but what it has become is a very good restaurant, serving well-prepared food from fresh ingredients in an excellent atmosphere. Weather kept us off the patio but our view looking out on it was almost as good. This place is still pricey and the timing of the dishes can be off sometimes but the care with the plates and the overall execution is very, very good. It is finally living up to its reputation again. Also, the staff is cordial, well-trained, and interested in you enjoying yourself. All in all, I will be glad to be going back. Well done.
(4)
Kathryn W.

We had our Rehearsal Dinner here for 30 of our closest friends and family! We worked with one of the Managers throughout the entire process (Tim). He was always very helpful and easy going, which was wonderful in during a hectic time of wedding planning. The staff during the dinner was very prompt and great throughout the entire evening! The area was semi-private in the back over looking the outdoor patio; which at night is gorgeous. We have been here two other occasions, and had great experiences each time, which led us to come here again and they didn't let us down! We look forward to returning soon!
(4)
Tom W.

Multiple visits and we still enjoy this location. The variety is amazing and the atmosphere is fun...people are having fun here. One observation on a recent visit was that the wine glasses seemed to shrink?
(4)
Tara B.

I absolutely love Barcelona. It's taken me a while to get to the point where I would say it's in my top 5 restaurants in Columbus, but the last few times I've gone it's been consistently awesome. I used to feel like the service was kind of snooty but I haven't had any weird encounters in at least a year; everyone is very friendly and helpful. So to echo all the previous reviewers: the patio is just gorgeous. It's hard to beat on a cool summer evening. The menu is ever-changing of course so there are always new things, but the one thing they never take off the menu is their Vieras (scallops) and you are doing yourself a major disservice if you haven't ordered them at least once. Even if you don't think you really like scallops that much, these will melt your face off. They are big on paella but I am not a fan of it so I can't comment on that but the friends of mine who have gotten it always rave. The wine selection is great, and this is the only restaurant in Columbus that I ask for suggestions. There's a waiter here (I'm like 99% sure it's Matt but for some reason I am having a brain fart) that has fantastic taste and we almost ALWAYS get his opinion on what we should try if we're in the mood for a particular wine but don't know which one to choose. He's literally never suggested a wine that we didn't love. Definitely a restaurant I recommend, and when we have guests in town and want to take them somewhere we know we'll have a good time, this is always one of my suggestions.
(5)
R Q.

My awesome landlords left me a gift card to enjoy my first dinner at Barcelona my first evening as a new resident of Ohio. It was truly enjoyable and memorable. Excellent steak and wine choice made for a terrific experience and a standard for which I will use to compare all future fine dining experiences in Columbus. Thanks for an awesome meal!
(5)
Andrew S.

It's been years since I've eaten here, but we decided to do Mother's Day on Saturday night to avoid the typical Mother's Day nonsense. The restaurant was almost full but the staff still did a great job. Always aware of the table but never intrusive. And this is one of my pet peeves when it comes to dining in Columbus. Most wait people in Columbus have no idea how to properly serve a table. Thank you Tatiana. As for the food, we had 4 appetizers, a soup, 4 entrees and 2 desserts. The appetizers consisted of tuna stuffed peppers, goat cheese stuffed avocados, olives, and Marcona almonds. The olives and almonds were standard tapas bar fare, but the avocados were excellent and the peppers were stuffed with a wonderful olive oil soaked tuna fillet, topped with an aioli infused with smoked paprika - definitely the star of round one. The gazpacho was a bit thicker than most, which I attribute to using a bit more bread in the recipe. Very straight forward tomato flavor finished with an excellent olive oil, cucumber slices and sliced red grapes. Wonderfully refreshing. For the entrees we had a paella, a surf and turf, lamb chops, and crab cakes. Of the 4 the filet and half lobster tail was good, but was clearly overshadowed by the other entrees. 2 double cut lamb chops served exactly medium rare over sweet potato fries and a small arugula salad may have been the best lamb chops I have ever eaten. You literally could have cut this meat with a butter knife. It was salted perfectly (lamb is almost always under salted) and had just enough fat to keep it moist without that sometimes fatty greasy mouth feel. The paella contained short ribs cut from the bone, scallops, and brussels sprouts. A weird sounding combination that came together perfectly. The fattiness of the meat, the sweetness of the scallops, and the bitterness of the sprouts was a wonderful combination. As for the crab cakes, pure crab flavor, Not the filler with some crab thrown in for flavoring. Seared, not overcooked with a orange-dill aioli. Desert was the standard flan and a special chocolate/raspberry/almond brownie like thing that made me very happy. If this is the norm at Barcelona we will be back often.
(5)
L B.

Absolutely love Barcelona. I've been there for lunch, business dinner and social dinner, and on each visit, the food has been phenomenal, the service A1, and the atmosphere just perfect. As a vegan (well, 95%, anyway), it can be tough to find food that excites the palate when eating out, but Barcelona offers plenty of great options. I had the vegetable paella, which was out of this world. It sounds cliche, but there was an explosion of exquisite flavors and textures in my mouth, and I found myself nearly moaning out loud! I sampled my wife's salmon, and as one who hated seafood even before giving up animal byproducts, I would order that dish in a heartbeat. Excellent wine, wonderful atmosphere, world-class service, and a great little jazz trio - all added up to what I can only call An Experience. I've lived in the Columbus area for nearly 35 years, and Barcelona is one of the best restaurants in town. Find a reason to go. You won't regret it!
(5)
Steve M.

New 'Early Bird Specials' fixed price two course meals from 5-6 pm Monday-Friday $25! A ridiculous bargain! Outstanding tapas, specials, and drinks. Very knowledgeable staff. In my view, Columbus' finest dining Outstanding tapas!
(5)
Phil S.

This is one of the best fine dining establishments in Columbus. The patio is beautiful and the staff is friendly. I love both the scallops and the filet. One of the best features is the proximity to Schiller Park. Leave time to go for a stroll either before or after dinner. I don't recommend the small plate specials that they run periodically. I thought they were mediocre and I have heard the same from friends.
(5)
Maggie M.

Very upscale and classy. We went here for my sisters 18th birthday and we had a great time. On the menus they had "happy birthday" on it.. Which added a nice little touch. Thoughtful. We ordered a cheese board and a shrimp appetizer to start off. I would definitely get the cheese board again. For my entrÃ©e I got the scallops. Let me tell you... Delicious. You can't go wrong with ordering them every time. Melt in your mouth I wish we could've been on the patio.. But they said that you have to get there early (around 5 pm) to get a spot out there. Next time!
(4)
Kree A.

I ate here for the first time on Jan 2nd with a party of 8. Our waitress was Dana and she was very patient with all of our questions. Each person had a different entree and everyone loved what they ate. I started with the baked goat cheese with tomato vinaigrette. Frankly I could have just eaten a few of these for my meal and then died and gone to heaven. The goat cheese was mild, the olive oil crackers were well seasoned ( although they were more like crostini), and the vinaigrette was devine. The special that night was sesame crusted tuna over piquillo pepper risotto with baby bok choy, mushrooms, and onions. The tuna was perfectly seared medium rare, and all the flavors combined beautifully. The chef was able to accommodate my garlic sensitivity which was very nice. For dessert I had the crema catalana. It was a little soft but obviously made in house and still delicious. Everything about our meal was perfect. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Nicole O.

Barcelona is one of my favorite places in Columbus - the patio is amazing, their drink selection is awesome, and their menu constantly changes based on whatever they have in the kitchen (which I personally love). We most recently went here for my fiance's 30th birthday dinner with a large party, and it was wonderful. The service was great - not one issue out of 15-20 people, and everyone enjoyed trying each others' small plates. I've never had a mediocre meal here - which is why I will keep coming back!
(4)
Ness S.

It's been several years since we've returned to Barcelona. The last time we were here, the food was quite disappointing, especially the paella. However, we've been hearing good things about it for a while & decided to give it another chance. Besides a slight mixup on the reservation, everything went very smoothly. The service was professional and helpful. There were four of us and we started out with an assortment of five cheeses, and three different dried meats (chorizos). The cheeses were excellent, as were two of the three meats. For the dinner we had an assortment of tapas. Everything was very good, but the shrimps in wine sauce and the avocado with goat cheese especially stood out. The mussels were also very good. My wife ordered a glass of red (excellent) while I got the Caipirinha (was just okay). For dessert we shared the chocolate brownie a la mode, which was every good as well. Overall a much better experience and we are likely to try it again soon.
(4)
Sharmeela S.

Nice place in German Village. Has a large patio and lively atmosphere in general. Was pretty crowded on a Saturday night. Valet parking was available for 5$ otherwise street parking. My favorite part of the meal was the perfect croquettas. The appetizer and drinks were brought quickly but it took over an hour for our entrees to appear. The scallops with lima beans and the lamb w risotto were both very flavorful. High quality food though the wait for the entrees was a bit excessive. The peach sangria was refreshing.
(4)
Toni K.

Some of the best food in town. Chef Hough has a very inventive menu. Went for a wine tasting/dinner so I'm not sure whether everything is on their regular menu. Arugula salad with fresh fruit, marcona almonds, goat cheese and cava vinaigrette was light and tasty. Standouts were the seared tuna and lamb chops. Some of the best we have ever had. Dessert was creative: fig sorbet with chocolate sauce and crispy Serrano ham (bacon essentially). This place was packed on a Thursday 6pm, which means the good people of German Village know what's up. I have never had a bad meal here. Heck, I've never had a less than great meal here.
(5)
Sarah F.

Good food, nice ambiance, enjoyable evening. Service seemed slow (I can appreciate the quality, but 2.5+ hours on a Sunday seems a bit long). Small plates seem to be the way to go.
(4)
R Alex R.

Get the "Tapas" if this is your first time visiting this place. The ambiance and food presentation made me feel as if I was in a four star restaurant. Each sample from the "Tapas" was delicious and made my pallet swoon. I'd like to visit again if I ever return to Columbus.
(5)
Carlin C.

Every experience I've had at Barcelona has been amazing! I've gone with big groups and on dates and it works for either. Their paella is delicious and really filling. If you get a couple of tapas an a dessert, that makes a good meal as well. Very flavor is popping and makes you close your eyes to enjoy it. They also he love music there some nights, which just adds to the classy ambiance. The price is definitely nothing to blink at, but I've never regretted spending that much for such high quality food
(5)
Sean S.

This is, in my opinion, one of the best restaurants in Columbus. The wait staff always seems to be extremely knowledgeable and is always willing to offer suggestions or answer questions. On more than one occasion I received an amuse bouche, compliments of the chef, which is always a tasty, pleasant surprise. The food is always skillfully prepared and delicious. The kitchen is also always open to making adjustments to dishes in order to satisfy the diner's palate. While Barcelona is what I would consider to be an "upscale" dining establishment, the atmosphere is still cozy enough that most people will feel comfortable. To be honest, the only negative thing I have to say about this place is that parking can sometimes be a pain in this German Village location depending on what day/time you go. I enjoy the experience of dining here enough that this is in no way a deterrent. Luckily there is valet.
(5)
Walt S.

Barcelona is a great way of spending your evening out in German Village. I'd heard and read, "Grab a table on the patio if you can". That was my modus operandi for the night and it worked! My night out was with a friend and the two of us arrived at Barcelona about 6:30PM on a Saturday night. Told there might be a wait for a patio table we somehow managed one in under 10 minutes. Labor Day? Likely as I'd heard the patio was a 20 - 30 minute wait requiring a stop at the inside bar. We didn't even get a drink ordered at the bar, which is very nice and large, before being seated. The patio is a slice of heaven with foliage everywhere creating nooks and crannies that make it seem you've got your own little area to dine. The air circulating was great, the temps in the 70s (perfect) and a full dining crowd that wasn't loud. We ordered the TAPAS meal and that night it was vegetarian. There was asparagus soup, bean and onion dip with bread, mushroom caps, coucous, skewers of olives + manchego cheese + peppers. It was delicious. On a whim we ordered some spanish sausage to blend in with tapas - worked like a charm. And dessert was melon balls - exquisite. Our server, Dillon, was good and attentive. Meals served up in under 20 minutes and came in waves as tapas should. I highly recommend a stop by Barcelona for a meal. Even if you're indoors (which looked fun and lively) - I'm certain it will register high on your YELP'ing meter.
(4)
Betsy W.

Made reservations at Barcelona for Christmas Eve dinner about 6 weeks ago. We were completely underwhelmed not only from the table we were given (crammed in right on top of our neighbors) but the meal itself. We did the prix fixe menu along with two items off the regular meal. The prix fixe menu was generally boring and several dishes we had one bite and called it done. The regular menu dishes were better, but none were tasty enough to eat in their entirety....which is a sad statement as the dishes were tapas size. We live in the German Village area and were hoping for a wonderfully tasting Christmas Eve dinner. Didn't happen...not sure we will go back.
(2)
Angela J.

Okay, I used to live in German Village. Barcelona was about a 1/2 a block from me. I went there once about 9 years ago. I wasn't impressed so I never went back. I don't remember why I wasn't impressed but for whatever reason I checked it off my list and moved on, never to return. What a MISTAKE! Now I live in Clintonville. A friend of mine lives in G.V. and suggested yesterday we go to Barcelona. I explained I wasn't impressed but that I guess maybe it's time to give it another try. So VERY happy that I did! I may go every stinking Wednesday from now until the end of time. 1/2 off all tapas?!?! Ok, sold. Especially since every single tapa I shoved in my mouth was so flavorful and savory. The lamb sliders, mozz & tomato, avoacado cheese thing were so scrumptious. I really have to give extra praise to the lamb sliders. I can't even believe this is a tapa because you get two sliders that are pretty decent size. And since it was 1/2 off it was only $5. $5!! I felt like I was robbing them. Anyway, I just want to apologize to Barcelona for ignoring them for so long. Please forgive me. You will be at the forefront of my mind every Wednesday from now on! Also, our server was top notch and the bartender was slammed but whipped up drinks with a smile. It was a great experience!
(5)
Stacia W.

I have never had a bad meal at Barcelona. In fact, they are some of the best meals I have ever had. The patio is amazing. Wine bottles are at cost on Sundays. I always get at least a couple apps, dinner, and dessert. It's expensive, but worth it!
(5)
Monty B.

The scallops were good. Cream based sauce. The paella was better though. Flavorful and a bit spicy. Calamari and short ribs were pretty good. Overall the food was good but we left with a $100 bill for 2 people and we didn't even have alcohol. Too expensive for what it was.
(3)
MeyMey L.

Love Love Love this place !! The scallops were amazing. A little pricey but it was worth it. I would definitely be back.
(5)
Gina J.

I was visiting friends from out of town last weekend and we ventured into Barcelona for a bite to eat. The White Wine Sangria was tasty and the food was great. Our server, on the other hand, was slow and not very attentive. We had to ask several times for different items, refills, etc. In his defense, it was a Saturday night and the place was busy. Other than the slow waiter, I would definitely dine here again next time I am in town.
(4)
Benjamin P.

Met up with some old roommates for dinner here last week and had a great experience. Our server was busy, but continued to check in on us and never seemed too distant. I started off with the Barcelona Manhattan, with cinnamon infused bourbon and it was delicious. Just sweet enough to convince you that you aren't drinking straight liquor - because you are. My favorite part of the meal had to be the hummus. I mean, I know we've all had it, but everything about this hummus is right: Great consistency, bold flavors, and fresh veggies to dip. It's perfect! Can't wait to go back, even if it's just to get that!
(4)
Wenfan C.

Absolutely one of the few finest Spanish restaurants in Columbus! We were so lucky to enjoy not only its remarkable food accomplishment but also its exclusive live music on Sunday evenings. Barcelona is a diamond in German Village; it sits and shines in the history and accumulation of this place. As usual, we had an extra portion of meal with extra joy at Barcelona. We had Sopa de Cangrejo (creamy crab soup; pepper relish; crime fraiche), Vieras (pan seared sea scallops; bacon, mushroom, baby Lima beans, dates, chile flakes, cream), Paella Barcelona, Paella de Mariscos con Curry. And for dessert, we had Specials of the day and Pastel de Chocolate (warm chocolate pudding cake; vanilla ice cream, fresh strawberry). Every single piece of seafood was perfectly and accurately cooked. And various flavors complimented the basis of main ingredients (e.g. beans and dates surprisingly add sweetness into scallops' tenderness making Vieras a complete combination of flavors). To me, natural sweetness is one of the good signs for fine seafood and Barcelona has it all! This place would be a must go if you want good seafood and Paellla in Columbus! Highly recommend Vieras and various Paellas!
(5)
Etienne A.

Amazingly consistent, reliable, delicious, lively. This was our favorite restaurant several years ago, but then we moved away. Just returned after almost 4 years, and it was if we were family members coming home from a long holiday. The subtle variations we had so enjoyed had worked their way through all the menu items. Perfect paella. Exquisite cheeses (be sure to "interview" your waiter if you're not sure). The service is attentive without hovering. Wonderful Spanish cab by the glass. You can get tapas here, but somehow I never want to share what I order! So I'll get one or two tapas as an appetizer, sometimes three or four as a whole meal. You can't go wrong.
(4)
Aaron A.

Barcelona does fine dining a little different than most places in Columbus. The size of the space is much larger than it looks from the outside. The dining room is bright and open and lively, great for people watching. Check out the menu of the day at lunch. Three courses for ten bucks if memory serves me correctly. I had a delicious fried green tomato BLT last time I visited, but I always try something different. I've never had something I didn't like. My one warning is do not order the chocolate bar. It's just a very expensive chocolate bar with so,e extremely pretentious and bossy packaging. Not worth the money. Barcelona is my favorite fine dining spot in Columbus. Four stars.
(4)
Spencer M.

Phenomenal ambiance and great food! You can sit at the bar or eat in the dining room; it's perfect for both. Everything is good, but everything gets better with the Sangria! Highly recommend for first dates or special occasions
(5)
Megan M.

5 stars: Barcelona's lunch. I ordered the scallops with bacon, peas?, and dates and it was killer. The calamari appetizer was pipping hot, and the sauces were tasty- one with some oil/vinegar flair maybe? Will be back any time I am in the area for lunch. So, why 4? I came here for drinks one time and ordered a cheese plate. Notably, if you order a cheese plate here, it's not a plate of cheese. It's a singular piece of cheese, about the size of a quarter. If you get the trio, you get three pieces that are quarter sized- for $15?!?! Crazy.
(4)
Ayesha K.

The location and the atmosphere make you feel as if you are really in Europe. This restaurant being in German village with its cobble stone streets and colonial brick buildings already gives a unique feel to the establishment. The outdoor garden patio is just ridiculously relaxing on a warm summer night. There are lights strung all around, a nice fountain, and shrubbery surrounding the patio, such a wonderfully romantic feel. The cheese board was delicious as was the fish we had. Service was very quick and friendly and I found myself not wanting to leave the restaurant. Great date night or special occasion restaurant!
(5)
Michael Paul M.

Enjoyed an incredible meal last night at the restaurant. Excellent wine and good decor. They were very busy and it was difficult to get out on the patio secondary to the good weather. They were open late and accommodating. Will definitely go back....
(5)
Beth P.

Honestly, a great meal, great server, great drinks, great experience. Our server encouraged me to try the swordfish which was out of this world. I rarely finish an entire meal, but I was using bread to sop up the juices on my plate at the end of the meal. It was amazing. Also, we were celebrating my birthday and the chocolate cake thing I ate was perfectly hot delicious and sweet and filled my chocolate craving. The ambiance was great, it seemed dressy and fun at the same time. We even took the time to tell a manager how great our server was. He seriously rocked. Give Barcelona a try, you will not regret it. They also offer valet :)
(5)
Catherine J.

Woah, another Barcelona review! I went here last night with my parents. I'm hosting a private party here in a few weeks, and we wanted to have dinner and test-drive some wines to possibly serve at the party. Several of the reviews on here mention that the service is snooty. We've had great service both times we've been here, but we also had Shawn both times. He is fantastic. We let him know that we wanted to try some different wines in order to make a selection for our party, and he put together a red and a white flight for us. Apparently this is something the waitstaff will do for anyone-- it's not highly advertised but always available. We knew we wanted a Malbec and also a dry, Spanish white (which we know nothing about), and he made custom flights for both criteria. My favorite thing about Barcelona (besides the patio) is the ever-changing menu. I love that the restaurant always has events, and a new menu. I guess for me it means that if I ever have a "bad" experience there (hasn't happened yet), I will probably continue to go if only because each visit is so unique. This time I got the Tapas Tasting menu... and I was so glad! It had a Peruvian theme-- cuisine from Peru is not something I eat regularly, so it was an adventure. The portions were perfect, and while I felt like I got to taste many items (7 dishes in all!) I didn't feel overly full.
(5)
Amy K.

Husband and I chose this place for our dressier dinner date on a weekend we were in Columbus for the OSU game. We were not disappointed. The atmosphere is nice, the service was friendly and attentive, and the food was very good. They had a one night only pork belly appetizer that was awesome. We also had salads, husband had a very good steak, and I had a pasta that was also good. The drinks were good and the strawberry kiwi infused vodka was so tasty. I recommend it to anyone for a nice date.
(4)
Terry A.

What a great meal! Arrived right on time for our reservation and was seated immediately. So off to a good start! Looked over the wine menu and decided to try a couple of different glasses instead of a bottle. The selection of reds that you could get by the glass was very satisfying including a Tempernillo that was bottled for Barcelona. We tried a couple of tapas and really enjoyed the calamari and the avocados with feta. Then we shared the paella with scallops and short ribs which was outstanding! We have dined here before and will definitely come back again!!
(5)
Cat M.

Wonderful atmosphere and food. Dine out on the patio for an out-of-Columbus experience. Full of lush, tropical-feel plants and flowers, you'll feel as if you've been transported to the other side of the world! Ordered the delicious watermelon sangria which definitely packed an alcoholic punch (in a good way!). Also ordered some tapas, the croquetas were divine with ham and melty Swiss cheese perfectly breaded and lightly fried. The chorizo plate had three different chorizos with Melba rounds and handcrafted mustard. The only really disappointing platter was the seafood paella. With such great tapas, the paella was a let down. Somewhat bland and lifeless, we had to salt it to make it decent. The mango flan dessert was more on par with the tapas. Service was attentive and swift. Overall, a winner, would return to try the other dishes.
(4)
Liz M.

Barcelona is nice, but it has failed to really impress me. The last time I was there (NYE), I found myself only really enjoying my company and my Kettle one martini once I pulled the olives out of it that I asked not to be there in the first place. None of the food has ever really wowed me. Some of their menu items are strangely too simple (and too expensive). I ordered the verde huegos salad ($7) or some word like that. I had never, until that moment, had a salad I didn't like. Congratulations, Barcelona, you win that prize. By altering too many ingredients, the salad failed to create a flavor profile one would expect and in my case, like. My boyfriend ordered the lamb shank which was good, but not $26 good, as I liked the accompaniments better than the main dish. In the end, two cocktails, the salad, and the lamb shank, with tip came to $62. Huh? If you don't like seafood, your menu choices become very limited. If you are a vegetarian, you have 1 entree choice. The service has always been very good, and the owner is a great guy. However, the blah food and high cost steer me away from wanting to go back., even with the beautiful patio. I do think it is a good date spot and maybe on a Monday with half price tapas, it may be a good choice for someone who likes seafood.
(3)
James I.

Overall experience was great. My partner and I had reservations at 1830 and was met by a very friendly hottest who got us to our seat. We noticed the dimmed lights, huge mirrors and modern decor. The serving staff was quick to bring us our water and greet us with their business card. The server was a very professional friendly woman who was able to talk about the food effortlessly. We ordered the Tapas Sampler and the Barcelona Paella. The Tapas Sampler was a good experience to try a bit of everything. It was nothing to get full on, but was a good experience to taste the different foods. Te only complaint we both had was before we finished with the first plate the second plate was already there and we had one more tapa on the plate and was asked if we were finished. We felt a bit rushed. The main entree the Barcelona Paella was delicious. There was plenty of shrimp, chicken, mussels and clams along with a variety of other seafood. It wasn't too spicy and would be acceptable for those who can't take too much hear. The atmosphere was lovely, staff very professional and efficient and the food was of great quality. Highly recommend to couples, meeting with friends or a nice family get together.
(5)
David H.

I needed to make a trip to Columbus for business, and my wife was going along with me. She did some research and made reservations at Barcelona based on good online reviews. We were not disappointed. We arrived a bit early for our reservation time on Monday night, 8/19/2013. While tables were available indoors, my wife had requested a patio table, and we chose to wait. We took a seat at the beautiful bar and were treated like the most important people in the world by our bartender, who went through the ample list of house specialty drinks with us and made recommendations. He even modified the recipe for one of the drinks a bit to accommodate my wife's taste for something a bit less sweet. She had the modified Belvedere Sparkle, and I had the Ginger Walnut Manhattan, which was complex turn from the traditional Manhattan--not sweet, slightly bitter, and lots of flavors made it a perfect pre-dinner drink. We were still working on our cocktails when we were greeted by the hostess, who ushered us to our table at the back of the patio, near the fountain. The patio was full of patrons enjoying the beautiful Ohio evening. The patio is filled with plants and lit by gas lights, with the fountain and pool providing a nice level of white noise to cover the voices of the other diners. We stuck with small plates from the ample menu, although when we go back (and we will), we will have to try one of the entrees or paella. We opened with the Chorizo Picante, a plate of spicy sausage that perked up our palates, along with Queso Idiazabal, a delicious smoky sheep's milk cheese. Next, we had the Gazpacho, a cool blend of tomatoes and cucumber, and the Ensalada de Judias Verde, a wonderful green bean salad with feta and pistachios. I would recommend all of these choices. For the main course, we selected Costillas (short ribs in mushroom sauce), Mejiloones (mussels in an indescribably delicious spicy cream broth with chorizo), Ensalada de Coles de Bruselas (cold Brussels sprouts) and Aguacate Relleno con Queso (avocados with tomato vinaigrette). The short ribs were melt-in-your-mouth tender. The Brussels sprouts were a nice side dish. The avocado was "meh" (our only real disappointment). But the mussels. Oh, the mussels. I awoke later that night in my hotel dreaming of them. My wife asked for extra bread from our wonderful server just for the purpose of soaking up the spicy, creamy broth. I could have eaten myself into a stupor with them. We accompanied everything with a bottle of Zerran, a Spanish Garnacha blend red wine that was a great complement to the meal and a good value. For dessert, we shared lavender apple pie and coffee. I am usually not so effusive with praise for a restaurant, but both my wife and I love Barcelona, and we look forward to the opportunity to eat there again. The service was excellent and the meal was memorable.
(5)
Eriyah F.

When you want a place that will serve you a creative vegan desert instead of the usual fruit plate or sorbet, this place has Pineapple Catalana!!! Omg! Lite and sweet and like pineapple creme brulee with the caramelized coconut cream topping! YUMMY! On the menu, they do an excellent hummus, gazpacho, and additional vegan options upon request. I got the beans and greens with mushrooms and bow tie pasta with pesto and subbed the cheese for marcona almonds! Damn good, it always is.. Clean, great service, great wine selection, beautiful atmosphere (indoor and outdoor) and music, clean bathroom. Always a treat going here.
(5)
Matt W.

I thought I had reviewed Barcelona after a previous dinner there, but I'll be switched if I can find it. Fortunately, I had an opportunity to dine there again (and to my mind, even if you're just dropping in for lunch, you are DINING, not simply eating), and I'm happy to report it's still a fantastic experience. For lunch service, a reservation is still just as helpful as it is for dinner. We walked in, gave our names, and were seated immediately, while a party of equal size who came in without reservations had to wait a few minutes while the staff prepared a table for them. We decided to take advantage of their Dine Originals menu, but also ordered the spicy chickpea hummus with flatbread and vegetables from the Tapas menu. I've been in restaurants that would take the tapas label as an excuse to give out a relatively small plate, yet still charge a hefty price. Not Barcelona - our appetizer was easily two, possibly three cups worth of tasty goodness, with a chunky texture that worked perfectly with the provided dipping vegetables and crispy flatbread. Complimentary bread with a mix of olive oil, dried tomatoes, and chiles made a nice counterpoint to the richness of the hummus, and it was with a mixture of regret and anticipation that we admitted we couldn't finish the hummus if we wanted to have room for lunch (though our server was kind enough to box it up, and I look forward to assaulting the leftovers tomorrow.) With the Dine Originals menu, you had a choice of several sandwiches and a side item - I had to go with the house Chorizo, with the link split and grilled to crispy, spicy goodness, topped with caramelized onions, sliced peppers, and a slice of melted manchego cheese, and a side of Patatas Bravas. The patatas were a taste of Spain in each bite of crispy potato wedges, with a gentle spiciness accented by Spanish paprika and a garlic & tomato aioli. The sandwich itself was satisfyingly spicy, with the thick crusty bread doing a good job of countering the soft melted cheese and the chorizo's residual grease, and despite looking a bit small when you first see it on the plate, it left me sated and happy without feeling overstuffed - the perfect sensation. The service was excellent, with our server taking care of us each step of the way, and the bar area where we were seated is a nice combination of old brick and dark wood against more modern artwork and beautiful glass. It's a bit familiar, a bit nostalgic, a lot classy. I freely admit that I generally feel like Barcelona is a bit outside my normal price range for dinner, but their lunch menu, even without the Dine Originals specials, seems a bit more in line with my budget and I look forward to returning again soon.
(4)
Phil B.

I was back at Barcelona with a friend for dinner; we had the opportunity to the patio (highly reccomend it). The food as always was outstanding; we had a paella and several tapas (short ribs, hummus and calamari). What I really want to call out was the exceptional service; our waiter Dylan was attentive without being intrusive and was exceptionally knowledgeable. The service from Dylan could not have been any better.
(5)
Jack B.

The food and atmosphere at Barcelona are first-rate. We started with salads (arugula salad was particularly yummy), then four tapas (the sauce on the clams was outstanding!), and finished off with raspberry flan. The only downside was wine. The selection is excellent, but the prices ... We settled on a bottle of Michael Pozzan Annabella 5 red blend, an eminently drinkable wine. I'm OK with a 100% markup, but this bottle that retails for $15 was $40 - our only negative in Barcelona experience.
(4)
Rachel W.

I've been to Barcelona twice. Once was about 2 years ago, and then again last week. This last time was much better than the first. The first time I went, I had chicken that wasn't cooked all the way, and our service was terribly slow. This time, the service was still slightly slow, but the food was much better. I had the tasting menu which was full of lots of different bites, some better than others. The crab salad and cantaloupe soup were great, as was the lamb casserole. The sausage croquette that I looked forward to so much was sub-par and the sweet potatoes were bland. The scallop was ok though they are not my favorite. What made the meal was the white sangria. I'm a big fan. Not many places do it well (Barrio and Bodega are both so-so) but this was delicious. Ambiance was good though flies were getting in from the constant opening of the patio doors. Still have to try the patio sometime.
(3)
Robert S.

As you walk into the restaurant, you see the nice decor in the lobby, walls and main dining area. I decided to go for the Tapas Tasting...7 tapas x $30. All the items were made perfectly and delicious: Tuna salad on endive, pinxto (similar to a bruschetta), goat cheese salad, spicy meatball, black bean soup, grilled octopus and grilled asparragus. I was really looking forward to tasting their octopus and that was the one item that disappointed me a bit...it was a bit chewy...not as tender as possible. But overall a winner in German Village.
(4)
Stacey P.

Love the menu! I want everything !
(5)
Paul S.

I hate giving only 3 stars because the service was really great and the food was good, but I can't get over the extremely tacky dÃ©cor. This place needs a facelift.
(3)
Julia T.

I like the ambiance. But. I had the Macaronnes al Horno and it had zero flavor. Maybe something else would have been better but this was a huge waste if calories. My husband had the Bistec and it looked like a pretty fatty cut. I may go back and try something else, but for the price...it may be a long while.
(3)
Mandi D.

The boyfriend and I travelled on our first vacation together to several cities in Europe, and Barcelona was our first stop. When it came time to choose a Valentine's Day dinner locale, Barcelona seemed like the perfect choice--a place I'd been dying to try, as well as an opportunity to recreate a most romantic getaway. There were many elements of Barcelona that reminded us of the cuisine on our trip--the extensive, yet reasonable wine list. The extensive tapas options. And of course, the paella (which is the main reason I wanted to come). I can't speak to whether its truly authentic, as I've only visited the country once. However, the taste was incredible, and I think that ultimately outweighs any element of authenticity. Barcelona is hidden away in the German Village, a picturesque neighborhood of Columbus. We easily found street parking. I enjoyed the casual elegance of the restaurant. Parts of it almost have a tavern like feel, with a lot of wood paneling and a bar in front. The tables are a little crowded together, but I never felt like I was a part of the conversation of the table next to us. Our waiter Sean was courteous and attentive, and provided many suggestions and explanations for first time visitors. The meal started with crusty bread with a side of salsa in oil, very reminiscent of our meals in Spain. We opted for a combination of the tapas flight, 3 courses for $30, and the paella Barcelona, which was $28. The flight is designed to be a meal for one, but sharing of both dishes was the perfect way to experience the whole restaurant. Every dish was well thought out with bold flavors. and ample portions (even in the tapas). Another fine Columbus dining experience that can't be missed.
(5)
Laura H.

Barcelona rocks my world. Valet parked, checked in for our reservation and asked to kill some time at the bar as we were 30 min early. Snagged 2 seats at the bar and was promptly served by the bartendar with 2 glasses of white wine. We selected a white light almost Reisling though naturally it wasn't a German wine. :) Loved it so much we ordered a bottle at dinner. The place was packed on a Saturday night and loud. If you don't like jammed and spirited don't bother - I found it charming. The wait staff was awesome. Very helpful in letting us select options and as always, I prefer and appreciate a server who know exactly how to space out their check ins at our table. FABULOUS dinner, fabulous wine. We had a four cheese spread for our starter, salmon and a lobster ravioli dish then a chocolate bar for dessert. I can't imagine this place in the summer. It's fabulous in the winter! Definitely spring for the valet. Don't hurt yourself by running around for parking - give up your car as it's in good hands and enjoy your night. It's worth it!
(5)
Rachel C.

Necessary disclaimer: I went to Barcelona on a college student's budget, so my friend and I enjoyed a dinner consisting of exactly zero entrees. The following review is based entirely upon several cheeses, two tapas, and two desserts. THE PROS: this avocado and goat cheese tapa that was accompanied with beet and citrus vinaigrette. my friend didn't like it because she felt ripped off paying 8 dollars for half an avocado, and there is definitely some validity to that statement- it wasn't really prepared, it was kind of just assembled. however, the combination of the flavors was absolutely delicious. could i make it at home? probably. would i have thought to do so on my own? no way. we sat on the patio and it was absolute beautiful out. gorgeous restaurant in general. all the food was obviously very tasty. it's a good restaurant. our server was very nice. i always take note of this, because as 18-20 year olds eating out, it is often not the case. i was happy to find that it didn't feel awkward at all to skip the entree. THE CONS: the pricing can be argued on some of the dishes, as per the avocado and goat cheese discussion above. the flan was a little too cinnamon-y. I still ate it, but my dining partner was not a fan. this was particularly irksome because we asked the server what her favorite dessert was and she pointed us to the flan. afterward, she asked how we were enjoying our desserts and my friend commented that she was enjoying hers, but found my flan had a little too much cinnamon. the server then replied that she felt exactly the same way and found it overpowering. it kind of made me doubt my decision to order off her recommendation. she also forgot one of our cheeses, and we had to reorder from someone else, meaning it came at the same time as our tapas. considering that we were at a little two-seater on the patio, it was a bit tough to maneuver. I would definitely go back to Barcelona, but it would take a lot more to get me to veer off the tapas menu and pay for real entrees- the tapas were absolutely good enough to get again, but not great enough to convince me that i need to shell out an extra $30 for the full experience. all in all a lovely restaurant.
(4)
Mack H.

The space itself is very nice. The staff is friendly and helpful. Barcelona has possibly the best patio in the city on a nice evening. But, unfortunately, when it comes to the execution of the food, very little really stood out to me. The menu looks great, and the food on the plate looks great, but the flavor was lacking... For me the plates were under seasoned, and lacking in "punch" or depth. Last evening was my first visit in a fairly long time, and it's not as if I tried the whole menu, so take this review with a grain of salt. I'll visit again and try more items from the menu and if my experience is better next time will be happy to update my review and rating.
(3)
Ciara W.

Cute place in a nice, historic neighborhood. Customer's attire was more casual than i expected. Very good food, although the tapas plates seemed a little over priced for what they were. The wait staff was very knowledgeable and attentive. They canoli with candied bacon was exquisite! GREAT DRINK MENU. Overall i would return again.
(4)
Conrad S.

Scallops were great! Wonderful sauce... great service. Look forward to going again.
(5)
Jane F.

We stepped into Barcelona from the bitter cold into a warm, elegant dining room with tones of gold. We felt assured, relaxed and somehow at home when welcomed by the staff who led us to our table telling us that Paul would be taking care of us. And take care of us he did. Barcelona wisely identifies its cuisine as "reflections of Spain" not as Spanish cuisine. As someone who lived a decade in Spain and frequently travels back there, I could take issue with croquetas that have cheese in them, or some of the treatments of paella, but I won't as it is the taste that matters. The croquetas had a creamy bechamel and were fried perfectly. They made me think of the croquetas my hija makes. We had the Winter Celebration menu and shared everything amongst the three of us giving us all the opportunity of tasting the variety Barcelona offered. The red wines from Spain may be the best selection in town. You can choose from high end to trusty mid-ran ge Rioja, to the proletarian Jumilla that has appeared in the last 5 years or so but is still unknown to most. The beef ribs, the salmon, the potatoes were all delicious. The chocolate mousse pie was outstanding. The one misstep was the arroz con leche. It just didn't work. The rice was undercooked and it needed more creaminess. But so what. The evening was lovely, the service superb, the artwork worth contemplating.
(4)
Sean G.

Only one word comes to mind... AMAZING. From the impeccable service to the joyous attack on the senses, Barcelona exceeds expectations. The staff is professional almost to a fault. The food, perfect. I had calamari, the flat iron steak and a delicious "Barcelona Manhattan." I would recommend this location to anyone. And for godsake, get the Manhattan.
(5)
Connie W.

Exceptional service and a menu that compares to none. We tried the full tapa special and the scallops from the main menu. Everything was great and the presentation great. I would highly recommend. We will be back!
(5)
tiffany w.

Decent food, a bit overpriced in my opinion - the price points made me think I would be eating some fantastic tapas and paella (and i could make love to amazing paella), and it just didn't really hit the mark for me. To be fair, based on what I've heard, and some previous tapas experiences, I went into Barcelona with pretty high expectations. Every aspect of each dish seemed to be missing something, and while the food was prepared well, there were decent wine options, and the service was very attentive... I just couldn't fall in love the way I wanted to. Everything was good, nothing was great, and I enjoyed the small plates more than the main dish. I feel like in mid-ohio there aren't a whole lot of tapas restaurants for Barcelona to compete with, and that higher demand, without an awesome tapas place to compare it to, is why it gets higher ratings and can price it's food a little higher. I agree with Christina C. that the patio is great, but I recommend just sticking to wine and maybe a few small plates. That way you can still enjoy a beautiful evening, but spend less money and experience less disappointment.
(4)
Anna H.

Barcelona is so pretty. I love having lunch here due to the $10 3-course lunch ("Menu del dia"); this is especially nice on the relaxing patio in nice weather. The food is always great. My only complaint is they overdo the gorgonzola in some dishes. It's also nice to dress up and come for dinner on special occasions.
(4)

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Address : 263 E Whittier St
Columbus, OH, 43206
Phone (614) 443-3699
Website https://www.barcelonacolumbus.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 10

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet, Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

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Barcelona

263 E Whittier St, Columbus, OH, 43206

Barcelona Menu

Chorizos, Embutidos y Quesos

Sopas y Ensaladas

Tapas

Raciones

Starters

Entrees

Sides

Healthy Meal suggestions for Barcelona

Chorizos, Embutidos y Quesos

Sopas y Ensaladas

Tapas

Raciones

Starters

Entrees

Sides

Stacey P.

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Erin I.

Emily H.

jane s.

Kris H.

Sean S.

Lord F.

Amy S.

Doug O.

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Julia C.

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Steven H.

AnnE B.

Brian W.

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Ciara W.

Wenfan C.

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Megan M.

Conrad S.

Stacia W.

Monty B.

MeyMey L.

Gina J.

Laura H.

Paul S.

Julia T.

Jane F.

Sean G.

Connie W.

tiffany w.

Anna H.

Mandi D.

James I.

Benjamin P.

Rachel C.

Mack H.

Edy D.

Matt W.

Phil B.

Jack B.

Rachel W.

Robert S.

Terry A.

Cat M.

Liz M.

Michael Paul M.

Beth P.

John W.

John M.

David H.

Eriyah F.

Catherine J.

Amy K.

Tran N.