Bar Noe - Exciting and Approachable

Eixample Esquerra

Jun 4

Written By Maria

Sometimes I remember exactly why Barcelona is so amazing when it comes to food. The city manages to attract fantastic culinary talent, and Bar Noe is a great example of this.

Bar Noe Barcelona — *Bar Noe, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.*

Björn Küssner, from the north of Germany, has a stellar curriculum from top-notch restaurants around the world. He has now settled down in Barcelona, opening Bar Noe, where he together with partner-in-crime Mireia Bigorra offer mind-blowing dishes made with lots of creativity and passion, but in an approachable manner for curious patrons.

The name of Bar Noe stems from Mireia’s grandfather. He used to run his bar in Les Encants; a casual but very successful venture. It has since closed, but the old sign is still visible in the back of the restaurant.

The decoration is cozy and minimalist, not an easy combo to nail, is it? But they’ve made it lovely: a few tables in the front and bar stools in the back which is great when you want to admire the chef in action.

The menu consists of a few small bites, dishes to share, and a few larger plates. I am particularly fond of dishes that simply mention the heroes: octopus/potato/chili, to name an example. This always makes me intrigued, and gives a little hint of exciting things to come.

On our first visit, we went for the home-made sourdough served with a lovely tangy mix called Conserva Noe. Next up was an addictive mix of smoked mackerel (which I adore!), creme fraiche and capers, served with chips.

The shimeji mushroom in a wonderfully light tempura came with a mustard dip, a nod to the chef’s experience in Japan. A perfect contrast to this was a fresh mix of snow peas, jalapeño, and cucumber, and brought us to the finale: a beautiful pasta dish made with cavatelli (a type of pasta made without egg) with seafood and mustard greens.

I was very curious about the dessert, and wanted to try the most unusual one: basil in five different formats. So fascinating, and so delicious! Bar Noe also has a great selection of wines, Mireia will help you pick the best ones for each dish.

For me, it was love at first sight with Bar Noe. Affordable and casual but yet so creative and approachable!

Bar Noe, C. de Villarroel, 227, 08036 Barcelona (Eixample Esquerra).

For Wine LoversDate NightSomething Different