Âme - French - Mediterranean Delight
Âme is quite the newcomer: it opened in December but for me it was love at first sight. So much so, that I consider it the best new restaurant in Barcelona in 2023.
Âme, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Joey Attieh and Pachi Rodriguez (both from much-loved Albé, read my review here) knock it out of the park with their French-Mediterranean cuisine that leaves no one indifferent. I was incredibly excited to visit it, and it most certainly did not disappoint: it even exceeded any expectation I had.
Âme, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
The restaurant is stripped bare and it’s stunning: you don’t find many spaces like this in Barcelona. It creates a calm throughout, and goes perfectly in line with all the other details such as the design of the menu and the tableware.
Appetizers at Âme, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
You can choose between a tasting menu (highly recommended), or a la carte. The tasting menu is a beautiful journey through comforting dishes made with skill, technique, and creativity. I love the surprising pause for bread in the middle of it all: the whipped bone-marrow butter is insane, as is the Valrhona chocolate foie that both come with the fresh bread, together with a tasty French cheese.
Scallops at Âme, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
You’ll find lots of local produce, that wonderful French touch, and a perfect little nod to the Middle-East with exciting spices that we know and love from Albé, but that might go unnoticed if you didn’t connect the dots. The wine list boats cool local and French wines; make sure to pair your dishes with these gems. You would also be insane to pass on that sticky toffee pudding for dessert, just saying.
Âme, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Âme, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
There are many reasons to love Âme: the creativity, the friendly service we know from Albé, the beautiful space, and the exciting, even touching, experience. There’s nothing quite like it.
C/ de Londres, 91, 08036 Barcelona (Eixample Esquerra).
