cal pep

Our first real post in this blog could not be about another place in Barcelona either than Cal Pep.

Firstly, what could be a better introduction than having a cue before opening hours everyday in its door?

For our own luck, that door is just around the corner...

Anyway, the cue is easily forgotten once you start being served, seated in the bar.

They do have a few tables, but don't count on them unless you reserve days or weeks in advance. Even if the place looks like just a bar, the food is "gastronomic restaurant level".

Starting from the house white wine (Sumarroca, Alt Penedès), which is a great value... 

(The glass has poor quality, though, unless you go for a more expensive bottle.)

Talking about what really matters: the food is simply great. 

Every time we've been there, food has always been super fresh and carefully prepared. Our favorites:

The best tortilla in town, with creamy interior and topped with subtle alioli.

Trifásico (deep-fried squid, small flounder and shrimps) is as dry (not oily) as it must be, allowing the perception of differences in taste among the 3 ingredients. Do not ask for lemon. We swear they will be offended.

Also deep-fried, the artichokes are another must.

Almejas con jamon (clams with iberian ham) and chipirones con garbanzos (baby squid with chickpeas) hot-pots have both amazing combination of the main ingredients with their own juice, as sauce.

And there is much more... tuna tartar, butifarra con foie (pork meat and foie-gras sausage), rape, prawns, mussels... whatever they suggest and you feel like... go for it.

But, be aware, there is no printed menu or price list.

By experience, we expect to pay around 80 euros (40/pax). 

Unless we order gambas de Palamós (prawns from Palamós), which are charged by weight and are quite expensive, raising the bill, but adding a unique flavor to an always pleasant meal.

Cal Pep - plaça de les olles, 8 - barcelona