Opera Samfaina Manairó

Carmesí

Restaurante Carmesi - Barcelona

Restaurante Carmesi - Barcelona

Carmesi - Barcelona

Carmesi - Barcelona

Carmesi - Barcelona

Carmesi - Barcelona

Carmesi - Barcelona

Carmesi - Barcelona

Carmesi - Barcelona

Carmesi - Barcelona

Carmesi - Barcelona

Carmesi - Barcelona

Carmesi - Barcelona

Carmesi - Barcelona

Relaxed neighbourhood vibes and healthy home-cooking

Poblesec has garnered a gleaming reputation over the last few years and is now a fully-fledged “foodie hub”. But although on the surface it may appear that dining here is either about eating cheap and cheerful pinchos or wildly expensive Michelin-starred gastronomy, if you dig a little deeper you’ll be rewarded with all sorts of interesting establishments that fit nicely somewhere in between.

 

Restaurante Carmesí is the perfect example. Its unshowy, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it facade houses a cosy little restaurant and occupies a prime piece of Carrer Blai real estate. Harking back to the neighbourhood’s gold old days as an unsung hero, this light and airy space feels very much like a place for locals, not in an exclusive or unfriendly sort of way, but in a way that feels like its main customer-base is not made up of sangria-scuppered tourists. No, Carmesí is for locals, a go-to type of place where you can always count on quality home-cooking made with quality ingredients.

 

Inside, the ambience is warm and relaxed with colourful vintage furniture and a brassy, “Paris Cafe” type soundtrack. The bar occupies the entire length of one wall and morphs halfway along into an open-fronted kitchen. The cooks can be seen at work, whipping up what might be best described as Mediterranean market cuisine with international (specifically Greek) influences. But beyond being fresh and delicious, Carmesí is known for using organic produce to create healthy dishes that are packed with flavour.

 

Start with a couple of squidgy little croquettes made with spinach, feta and gorgonzola, or one of the fresh and perfectly-dressed salads which are elevated with the likes of feta, walnuts, mango, pear and parmesan. Main course dishes range from wok-cooked wonders to hearty risottos and tartines. My vegetarian +1 very much enjoyed a generous feast of grilled courgettes stuffed with basmati rice and parmesan served with a green salad and punchy olive tapenade. I devoured the homemade lamb burger (off the specials menu), which was moist and succulent and enhanced with a wedge of grilled aubergine and a feta cheese salad. A balanced but gratifying dish, ideal for the morning after la fiesta.

 

A solid selection of Spanish wines make for a complete dining experience and the chunky homemade cakes round off the experience nicely.

 

Conclusion:

 

When you’ve had enough of shallow foodie trends and hipster pretences, Carmesí is the antidote. Here it’s all about honest (and healthy) cooking, real food made with quality ingredients. Laid-back vibes and sensible prices will have you running back for more.

 

 

Ben Holbrook

http://www.driftwoodjournals.com/

Carmesí

Carrer de Blai, 28, 08004 Barcelona, Spain

Area: Poble Sec
Website: Restaurante Carmesi - Barcelona
Opening hours: Mon-Thur 6pm-11:30pm, Fri & Sat 11pm-1am, Sun 11am-11:30pm
Prices: 20€
Phone: 659 04 83 94
Metro/Bus: Paral-lel
Barcelona metro map
Last comment
great for price
jules (15 Feb 2017 - 08:38)
Love this palce for great quality foods and good pricing. A good choice for sure!
Add a new comment View comments

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Last comments

Frinniella - 28 Sep 2023 - 07:50
I really do recommend a visit.
We don't talk enough about this palace, which is really very beautiful... Unfortunately, the façade was being restored at the time of our visit but the interior is simply magical. The price is a bit high, but like many monuments and museums in Barcelona, it's worth it.
Dnila - 27 Sep 2023 - 08:00
I would have loved to have seen some corridas
No more bullfights for years... sad... I think José Tomas was the last to fight here for a memorable bullfight... This place has the merit of still existing for shows.It's an impressive building that could hold up to 24,000 people. Rather well preserved, admission costs €6.
oLi - 27 Sep 2023 - 08:00
for the lovely view of Barcelona
A lovely view of Barcelona and its port, but no real interest in the design of the building, which remains a military defence building.
happy Ludo - 26 Sep 2023 - 07:32
An oasis of peace in Barcelona
Monasteri Sant Pau del Camp is an oasis of peace in Barcelona, a marvellous little cloister (look for the frog at the foot of one of the original pillars). You are transported back in time in this little monastery of El Raval which once stood in the fields outside the walls of Barcelona, hence its name ... one of the wonders of Barcelona.
Manda - 26 Sep 2023 - 07:32
thanks for the tip
thank you for all this information, so we went there. A wonderful market with all the local products but not the tourists.
Gty2023 - 24 Sep 2023 - 21:40
great local market
Covered market. Very pleasant with the smell of flowers at the entrance. There are tables and chairs in the aisles so you can eat there. Coffee and potato tortillas available.
Sue - 24 Sep 2023 - 21:38
Best interior shop of Barcelona
I came across the most incredible store i have seen in a long time and I have been living im Barcelona for over 20 years. It’s called Pachulí Interior & Lifestyle and is situated in El Born. It’s a bit hidden which is a shame cause I think everyone should experience this authenticity and unique place. Just go and check it out already!!
JeanJean - 22 Sep 2023 - 07:26
free and it's well worth a visit.
A fine venue for free photo exhibitions on La Rambla, in a peaceful setting away from the hustle and bustle of this grand avenue. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or an amateur, it's well worth a visit.

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1 comment

  1. great for price - jules (15 Feb 2017 - 08:38)

    Love this palce for great quality foods and good pricing. A good choice for sure!

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