Barcelona Restaurant: Traditional Spanish Cuisine in Columbus
Opened in 1996, Columbus' Barcelona Restaurant is located in the city's historic German Village. The building in which the restaurant operates was built more than a century ago in 1895 and originally housed a brew pub that was famous for its German bratwurst sausages. Today, Barcelona Restaurant is Columbus' premiere Spanish eatery, and still boasts much of the original carpentry, including the solid oak bar, which is the focal point of the establishment. Voted among the top 10 restaurants in the city by the Columbus Dispatch, there is no denying that Barcelona is a local favorite.
The authentic Spanish paella is Barcelona Restaurant's claim to fame. The original Paella Barcelona features basmati rice, chicken, spicy chorizo, plump shrimp, savory clams, squid, mussels, sofrito, red peppers and sweet peas, while the Paella de Mariscos features calasparra rice with saffron and white wine reduction, prawns, lump crab meat, mussels, clams, salmon, peppers and sweet peas. This traditional Spanish dish is a favorite among all who visit Barcelona Restaurant.
In addition to the paella, Barcelona offers a wide variety of other Spanish cuisine. Tapas (small plates) include items like Almendras Marcona (olive oil-roasted almonds); Pintxos de Setas (bruschetta of mushrooms boiled in sherry and sheep's milk cheese); humus with grilled flatbread and smoked paprika oil; and Salmon Ahumado (smoked salmon with capers, peppers and herb cream).
Other famous Barcelona entrees include Zarzuela (striped bass, lobster, scallops, mussels, potato puree, and a saffron tomato broth); Cordero (braised lamb shank with roasted eggplant and bell pepper relish, Torta del Casar mashers and mushroom ragout); Lomo Alto (garlic-rubbed ribeye steak with potatoes, peppers and onions); and Solomillo (house-cut beef tenderloin, potato and leek puree, braised kale, blue cheese and bacon butter).
Business dress is required at Barcelona Restaurant, and reservations are strongly encouraged. To make reservations, call (614) 443-3699.
- by LeeAnn Mullen, Columbus Reporter for HelloMetro
(Click to leave a message)
LeeAnn MullenLeeAnn Mullen is a freelance journalist from Cleveland, Ohio. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism is currently furthering her education by studying for an additional degree in information systems management. Mullen has written for several Cleveland-area newspapers, online publications and dozens of private clients. Her topics of specialty include health, technology and travel.
