La Xarxa - Top-Notch Quality and Honest Cooking
Grupo Varela has always stood out for its quality and honest cooking, and that’s also the case with its restaurant in Plaça Molina, La Xarxa. If you’re a fan of Bodega La Puntual (read my post here), l’Estupendu, or Casa Varela, you know you’ll love this one too.
La Xarxa, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
La Xarxa, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
La Xarxa has a beautiful, cozy space with several different dining rooms and a bustling kitchen in between, as well as a spacious terrace outside on the plaza. You can enjoy sitting outside any time of the year and still be comfortable.
Oysters and wine at La Xarxa, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Crab at La Xarxa, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
The menu here is filled with seasonal specialties, such as fresh artichokes and peas (from Maresme, known for the best peas) when in season. Seafood is abundant on the menu, offering options like oysters and beautifully presented crab. Fresh fish and seafood are always in abundance here. The wine list is excellent, and the staff is happy to assist you in selecting a wine to pair perfectly with your meal.
Anchovies at La Xarxa, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Asparagus at La Xarxa, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Don’t miss out on the simplest of classics such as the anchovies. Paired with the crispy pan con tomate, it’s pure perfection. I adore good anchovies, and these ones come with a tasty vinaigrette. In the photo above, you can also see wonderful white asparagus with lime zest and mayonnaise, and just thinking about them gives me goosebumps.
Chef Carlos Allué at La Xarxa, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience
You’ll also find some unexpected surprises on the menu, such as the delicious shrimp tacos. Friendly chef Carlos Allué knows what he’s doing and has added a playful touch to his creations. If you happen to be visiting during artichoke season, make sure to order the artichoke in a foie sauce; it absolutely melts in the mouth.
Artichoke in a foie gras sauce at La Xarxa, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Maresme peas at La Xarxa, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
The Maresme peas are also something else altogether. Served with morcilla and egg, the flavor of the fresh peas is an explosion for the taste buds. I love how the plates are just like your grandmother’s; it perfectly reflects the values here.
Meatballs and black chanterelle at La Xarxa, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Torrija at La Xarxa, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Although it might be difficult, you need to save room for dessert. The cheesecake is mind-blowing: it’s very soft inside and perfect for sharing. I’m usually not one for torrija, but to be honest, theirs is the best one I’ve ever had. It’s exactly as delicious as it looks..!
La Xarxa is a perfect bet for when you are craving good quality local food with the best ingredients. It’s also ideal for when you have out-of-town guests visiting and want to take them somewhere not touristy but still representing local gastronomy. Grupo Varela never fails; they take good food, great wines, and excellent service very seriously.
La Xarxa, Plaça de Molina, 2, 08006 Barcelona (Sarrià-Sant Gervasi)
