Paxta, Barcelona

This was the best meal we had in Barcelona, and one of the most memorable meals that I have had, period.  This is a Adria brothers place, and it is everything that you could hope for from them.

My spouse was very patient with me leading up to this meal.  I kept saying that I thought the 20-course version of the menu (90 €) would be plenty, and that it was not necessary to consider the 30-course version (120 €), and he said 'let's just see how we feel'.  It was a very successful strategy, it turned out--I was so enamored with the table we were seated at, and the ambiance, that I quickly changed my mind.  We were going for the whole menu--including the Sake Pairing.  It was an excellent decision.  The courses were quite


small and we were by no means overstuffed at meals end--the courses are also paced nicely--and it turns out they take that part very seriously.  Our wait staff were attentive and kind, but they made it very clear that if we needed a bathroom break, they needed at least a two course notice.

The small plates are inspired by the Nikkei cuisine of the Japanese who migrated to Peru about a century ago: fresh fish combined with corn, ají peppers, yuca, potatoes and, in Pakta’s case, a host of creative flourishes — algae from around the world, flavorful flower petals, succinct wild herbs and bursting soy “caviar” bubbles.
There was a rhythm between the Japanese and the Peruvian inspired courses that was refreshing, and the two causas that we had were absolutely fantastic.  This is a very special place that is not to be missed if you are in the neighborhood, and are lucky neough to score a reservation.