Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Michelin Stars in the Catalan Capital

By Javier Castillo - June/5/2012

Michelin-Restaurants-Barcelona
I´ve always found N.F Simpson’s quote about eating amusing, “I eat merely to put food out of my mind.”  The truth is I love eating and eating well. I’m sure I’m not alone in this. Let’s be real, we all love the best when it comes to fine dining and our level of expectation is crucial to our enjoyment of food at any establishment. And since most of us aren’t food experts we often rely on the advice or recommendations of friends or family members we trust to have a keen and sophisticated palate. For those who prefer to look to the experts, there is the ubiquitously respected Michelin (Red) Guide the oldest and best-known European hotel and restaurant guide, which awards the Michelin stars. Its star ranking and reviews of restaurants are the most trusted and accepted system for judging restaurants thus becoming the sacred book for sophisticated as well as adventurous food lovers all over the world. As some might know, Tokyo has topped the list the last few years as the city with the most Michelin-starred restaurants with well over 200. Yet I live far from Japan and since I don’t see myself there anytime soon, and even less dining at any of their fine (and certainly pricey) Michelin-starred restaurants, I’ve taken a look closer to home. As of 2012, and according to the Michelin website, there are 17 Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona proper.  I´ve listed them here for convenience and quick referencing. Bon appétit:


1.  Saüc   
Vía Laietana 49 E - 08003 Barcelona 
Menu: 64€/ 114€ - Carte: 60€/75€

2.  Caelis   
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 668 - 08010 Barcelona
Menu: 60€/ 110€ - Carte: 75€/102€

3.  Moments   
Passeig de Gràcia 38-40 - 08007 Barcelona
Menu: 59€/ 125€ - Carte: 90€/110€

4.  Gaig   
Calle Aragó 214 - 08011 Barcelona 
Menu: 82€/ 105€ - Carte: 62€/83€

5.  Cinc Sentits   
Calle Aribau 58 E - 08011 Barcelona
Menu: (set menu only) 59€/ 79€

6.  Lasarte   
Calle Mallorca 259 - 08008 Barcelona
Menu: 70€/ 115€ - Carte: 85€/105€

7.  Comerç 24   
Calle Comerç 24 - 08003 La Barceloneta
Menu: 84€/ 106€ Carte approx.: 75€

8.  Hofmann   
La Granada del Penedès 14-16 - 08006 Barcelona
Carte: 46€/72€

9.  Moo   
Calle Rosselló 265 - 08008 Barcelona 
Menu: 55€/ 100€ - Carte: 40€/60€

10.  Manairó   
Calle Diputació 424 - 08013 Barcelona
Menu: 58€/ 72€ - Carte: 55€/74€

11.  Alkimia   
Calle Indústria 79 - 08025 Barcelona
Menu: 65€/ 84€ Carte approx.: 65€

12.  Hisop   
Passatge de Marimon 9 - 08021 Barcelona
Menu: 25€/ 48€ - Carte: 54€/60€

13.  Enoteca   
Calle Marina 19 - 08005 Barcelona
Menu: 105€ - Carte: 67€/91€

14.  Via Veneto   
Calle Ganduxer 10 - 08021 Barcelona
Menu: 125€ - Carte: 57€/74€

15.  Dos Cielos   
Calle Pere IV-272 - 08005 Barcelona
Menu: 93€ - Carte: 77€/94€

16.  Àbac   
Avenida del Tibidabo 1 - 08022 Barcelona
Menu: 125€/ 150€ - Carte: 84€/115€

17.  Neichel   
Calle Beltran i Rózpide 1 - 08034 Barcelona 
Menu: 75€/ 90€ - Carte: 57€/80€