A Galician restaurant that first opened its doors in 1986 in La Campana, close to Gran Via 2, was taken over in August 2020 by Xavi Alba Castello, general manager in the El Barri group (Tickets, Bodega 1900, etc.) together with a partner. I had a very good hunch about this place and was excited to try it.

*Bodega Pasaje 1986 Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.*

Bodega Pasaje did not disappoint. The restaurant has an air of forgotten times, which adds to its charm. It is located somewhat hidden away, in a passageway close to Gran Via. A terrace spreads out on the street, and the sun hits the restaurant through the large windows.

There is plenty of space here, divided into two floors. In a corner, you can see a wood-fire Josper, and hams are hanging from the ceiling. Even though there’s lots of room, it still manages to be very charming.

There are two different menus to choose from, depending on the time you arrive. Bodega Pasaje opens every day, early in the morning, and closes its doors at 17h. The closing time indicates that this is a perfect place for a good sobremesa.

There is a great morning menu for those of us who love a glass of (home-made) vermouth and a few dishes to share. The lunch menu is slightly longer and more elaborate. Expect seasonal produce and high-quality ingredients. Comfort food at its finest.

The staff is comprised of many ex-Tickets and Bodega 1900 employees, and you will be very well taken care of. Even the food has a nudge to Bodega 1900, but with a more “democratic” feel: here everyone can come and have an excellent meal for a fair price, and if you want to splurge with an expensive bottle of wine or a piece of wagyu meat, that is also an option.

We started off with home-made vermouth (delicious!) and some gildas, the best way to start a meal. We continued with chicharrón inspired by the famous Casa Manteca in Cadiz. It was magnificent, with a crispy touch and lemon peel to balance the meat. We continued with an Ensaladilla Rusa, Suculent-style, with a very surprising crunch.

The next dish was a traditional fried egg dish, but with salty, garlicky seasonal mushrooms and string potatoes. Delicious. If you are a fan of pork feet, don’t miss the terrine with butifarra negra or a traditional cap i pota. The jewel of the crown in our meal was, without a doubt, the filled squid that came in a creamy sauce with dry sherry.

You know when a place is really good when you look at the menu, and you want to choose everything. Here every dish has its surprising quirk, using ingredients that are seasonal and of the best quality. Bodega Pasaje is one for the top lists.

Bodega Pasaje 1986, Galeries La Campana, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 162, Local 32 Interior, 08038 Barcelona.

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