I love restaurants that make you feel like you’ve found something special. Brugarol is hidden on a narrow street in the Gothic Quarter and you could easily walk past it without noticing, and it feels like you’ve discovered a secret when you arrive.

Brugarol Barcelona — *Brugarol, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.*

The space is tiny with just 21 seats. From almost every seat, you can see the chefs working. If you sit on the stools right by the kitchen, it feels like you’re practically part of the service, watching the precision, the plating, and the focus. It adds something unique to the whole experience.

It’s Small, But It Feels Big

Brugarol calls itself a tapas bar with the soul of a Japanese izakaya, and that description truly makes sense once you’re there.

The dishes are refined but nothing feels forced or stiff in any way. The Japanese inspiration is clear, but it doesn’t feel like fusion for the sake of it. The flavors are clean, the technique is careful, and the presentation is genuinely beautiful (several of the ceramics are made by a local artist, Cara Janelle, who provides her work to Michelin-star restaurants around the world).

The presentation is stunning. Each plate arrives carefully arranged, but still inviting. It’s beautiful without becoming too delicate.

A Connection to Product

Most of the ingredients come from Brugarol in Palamós, in the Empordà region. That connection to their own land isn’t something you just read on the menu, you can actually feel and taste it in the cooking.

There’s a strong sense of seasonality, and the sea-and-mountain influence typical of that region comes through naturally. It doesn’t feel like a concept, but a strong foundation.

The wine selection is also very well chosen, with bottles that complement the food. It’s the kind of place where you trust the recommendations from the team.

Brugarol, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.

The Experience

Brugarol isn’t loud, or flashy, it’s focused and exciting.

Because there are so few tables, the whole experience feels special. You notice all the small details. It’s a restaurant where the setting, the ingredients, and the cooking all align.

If you’re looking for something intimate in the Gothic Quarter that still feels serious about food, this is a very strong choice. It’s a wonderful treat that’s pays homage to everything local, and it’s a truly memorable experience.

Brugarol, Carrer de Salomó ben Adret, 10, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona.

If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona and want to experience more places like this, I share my favorite restaurants, wine bars and local food spots inside my curated guides. You can browse them in my shop below.

Featured