Planta Baja: A Neighborhood Restaurant with a Story
There are hotel restaurants, and then there are restaurants that happen to be inside a hotel.
Planta Baja belongs firmly in the second category.
Located inside Hotel Primero Primera in Barcelona's residential Sarrià neighborhood, Planta Baja has managed something that many hotel restaurants strive for but rarely achieve: becoming a place where locals love to gather. On any given day you'll find neighbors stopping by for coffee, friends catching up over lunch, families meeting for dinner, professionals sharing a team meal, or colleagues unwinding with a cocktail after work.
Part of the charm comes from the building itself. Hotel Primero Primera is family-owned and occupies what was once a family home. The property has been lovingly maintained over the years, and that attention to detail is evident throughout. The rooms are all slightly different, and the atmosphere feels warm and personal rather than corporate. I highly recommend it for a staycation, especially in the summer when you can enjoy their pool.
Planta Baja restaurant, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
The restaurant occupies the ground floor of the hotel. The main dining room centers around an open kitchen, allowing guests to watch the team at work as seasonal Mediterranean dishes and rice plates are prepared throughout the day.
Planta Baja restaurant, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Planta Baja restaurant, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
The menu changes with the seasons and focuses on quality ingredients, making it a place you can return to often. Chef Jorge Aranda is highly skilled and always surprises with his creations.
My current personal favorites are the paella/rice dish (with cuttlefish and crayfish), the new seasonal grilled cod loin on a Santa Pau bean stew and sautéed baby courgette (a stunning dish, see above!) and the classic grilled beef tenderloin with parmentier potatoes and foie gras. The red prawn carpaccio with kimchi mayonnaise, pickled shallot, radish and lime is also on my top list. There’s also smaller, tapas-style dishes to share if you prefer.
Planta Baja restaurant, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
Beyond the main dining room, there is also a cozy lounge-like space filled with family heirlooms, comfortable armchairs, and thoughtful decorative details. It's the sort of room that really makes you want to stay a little longer, whether you're having coffee, meeting a friend, or having a little aperitif.
The terrace at Planta Baja restaurant in summer, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
The terrace at Planta Baja restaurant in winter, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
The terrace is another reason many locals keep coming back. Unlike many outdoor dining spaces, it works beautifully throughout the year. During the cooler months, blankets, winter sunshine, and a sheltered setting make it surprisingly comfortable for lunch outdoors. In warmer weather, vines provide welcome shade and create one of the most pleasant terraces in the neighborhood.
Planta Baja restaurant, Barcelona. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
For larger gatherings, Planta Baja also has a beautiful private dining room that is lovely for celebrations, family events, or business lunches.
If you’re looking for a relaxed and charming neighborhood restaurant with excellent food and a welcoming atmosphere, Planta Baja is one of those places that you’ll come back to.
In a Nutshell
What: Seasonal Mediterranean cuisine, rice dishes, cocktails, and all-day dining.
Where: Inside Hotel Primero Primera, Sarrià.
Don't miss: The terrace, the open kitchen, and the cozy side room filled with family history.
Good for: Coffee meetings, family lunches, dinners with friends, team meals, and larger group celebrations.
Planta Baja, Carrer del Dr. Carulla, 27, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08017 Barcelona.
