Barcelona Restaurant & Bar: Upscale Dining in Columbus, Ohio

picture of Barcelona Tapas Tasting

Barcelona Restaurant & Bar offers a unique dining experience of authentic Spanish cuisine in the heart of Columbus, Ohio’s German Village. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner spot in Columbus, or going out with friends and family, Barcelona won’t disappoint. AkronOhioMoms bloggers had the pleasure of visiting Barcelona during our Girls Weekend to Columbus, Ohio and had a fantastic experience.

Barcelona Restaurant & Bar Review

Barcelona Restaurant & Bar Decor

Barcelona is hidden in the historic German Village in Columbus, Ohio.  The home of Barcelona Restaurant & Bar is over 100 years old with many of the picturesque details in place such as the tin ceiling. The totally renovated building is now an oasis of modern meets Old World European decor offering a casual, upscale dining atmosphere. Local artists’ masterpieces adorns the brick dining room walls, as well as an assortment of mirrors, wine displays, and other eclectic combinations.  The local artwork changes periodically, while we were there, the art of Janet Lee Studio was on display. Live music fills the air at varying times weekly.

picture of Barcelona Restaurant & Bar Columbus, Ohio
Barcelona Restaurant & Bar Columbus, Ohio

Barcelona offers indoor seating, bar seating, and outdoor seating to match whatever mood or occasion brings you to Barcelona. Barcelona is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner for two, girls night out, or dinner out with a group of friends. Enjoying delicious food in style and comfort is what Barcelona is all about. During warmer months, check out secret garden patio for lunch and dinner, voted Best Patio in 2010.

Barcelona Restaurant & Bar Food

Barcelona Restaurant & Bar offers an impressive menu selection of authentic Spanish cuisine with plenty of American influences. There is something for every palate from adventurous to traditional. The menu is revised and updated often by Chef Paul to offer the best in authentic Spanish cuisine. I always like to ask the waiter what is the most popular dishes, they usually know best. Our waiter, Paul was attentive and helpful.

Barcelona Tapas Tasting

Paul recommended we try the Tapas Tasting special, which I gladly tried. I love trying new foods and like such a variety of food styles because of it. The Tapas spacial included 7 small plates of delectable treats.  The first course offered was Sopa de Mango, Gambas, and Tosta con Piquillo y Anchoa.

picture of Barcelona Tapas Tasting
Barcelona Tapas Tasting

I’ve never had Sopa de Mango before, nor chilled soup for that matter. I now know that I am missing out. The chilled chipotle mango soup with chipotle spices was the perfect combination of the smoothness of mangos with just the right amount of chipotle spices, chilled and served to perfection. It was so smooth, tasted so fresh, and the thick, creamy texture was just perfect. I really enjoyed it.

If it is shrimp, I’m a fan. The Gambas were large chilled poached shrimp with tarragon,vinaigrette, and citrus aioli. So yummy, I wish there were more than 2!

I’ve never had anchovy until I tried the Tosta con Piquillo y Anchoa. Honestly, I hesitated to taste it. The spicy piquillo pepper, garlic, caper topping, and anchovy were placed on a couple pieces of toasted bread. One bite later and I was a fan of anchovy. What a scrumptious combination after all!

My meal continued on with 4 more plates of food that was served when both Joanna and Beth received their main courses. What a beautiful presentation each plate made to the table.

picture of Barcelona Tapas Tasting in Columbus, Ohio
Barcelona Tapas Tasting in Columbus, Ohio

The Pintxos de Cerdo grilled pork skewers were seasoned just right with garlic, paprika, and  pepper marinade with a honey mustard sauce. They were tender and quite tasty. The Guiso de Gazbanzos con Curry was by far my favorite, which is a bit of a surprise because sometimes curry is too spicy for me. It was a great garbanzo bean stew with the right amount of heat, seasoned with onion, tomato, and black tea. My husband would have loved this stew. The Judias Verdes a la Parilla were grilled greens beans with vanilla cream and topped with Marcona almonds. How I wish the green beans I serve at home tasted so delightful. Finally, the Flan de setas y Queso was a first for me too. It is a mushroom custard with manchego parmesan and fresh herbs. My taste buds were delighted with the manchego parmesan.

Barcelona Casesar Salad and Pollo

Joanna enjoyed a delicious Caesar salad with sourdough croutons, and fresh shaved parmesan.

picture of Barcelona Caesar Salad
Barcelona Caesar Salad

For her main entry, she had the Pollo grilled boneless chicken breast with tequila lime marinade. The chicken was glazed with piquillo and jalapeno pepper and served with manchego potatoes and a tomatillo and sundried tomato salsa. She said it was very good but not spicy enough for her taste.

Barcelona Bistec Chimichurri

Beth ordered the Bistec Chimichurri, grilled prime strip steak with sweet potato hash, grilled asparagus, and chimichurri. The steak was succulent and cooked to perfection. The sweet potato hash was a nice addition, something new to try. The asparagus was cooked al dente as she liked.

picture of Barcelona Bistec Chimichurri
Barcelona Bistec Chimichurri

Barcelona Restaurant & Bar Specials

Barcelona offers daily specials to entice you to try new dishes, at discounted prices. Example of discounts include Un’wine’d Sundays with live music and wine at unbelievable prices, 12/ price Tapas Night, Spanish Night offers 3 course meal for $25, Happy Hour weekdays 5-7, Barcelona After Dark Music Series on Fridays, and Live Music Sundays.

Dine at Barcelona

AkronOhioMoms gives Barcelona 2 thumbs up for service, atmosphere, customer service, and delicious food.

picture of Barcelona Serves Authentic Spanish Cuisine in Columbus, OH
Barcelona Serves Authentic Spanish Cuisine in Columbus, OH

Plan your next date night, girls night, or other gathering at Barcelona in Columbus, Ohio.

Barcelona Restaurant & Bar
263 East Whittier Street
German Village
Columbus, OH 43206
614-444-0539

This was not a paid post. My own opinions were used based on my perceptions and experience. Thank you to Experience Columbus who provided us with the gift card for review.

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Cindy
Founder and Lead Blogger at Akron Ohio Moms
Cindy is the top Akron Blogger with her own take on awesome brands for families, where to vacation for families, a beat on local activities and family fun, a knack for getting moms to share , and a house that is always 2 weeks away from a complete remodel!
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