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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Babula Bar 1937
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
A journey of culinary fusion paired with excellent classic cocktails. An informal food offering with plenty of surprises with many delicious dishes for sharing, with a focus on raw food, including tastes from Russia through to southern Europe, Southeast Asia and South America. HIGHLIGHT: The name Babula is the term of endearment its owner Leo Chechelnitskiy affectionately calls his grandmother. Here clients will be treated with the same warm and helpful service that Leo learned from her, and with a table full of good food, of course! INTERIOR: Babula Bar is a cheerful place, with an hedonistic spirit and cared atmosphere
Features
CUISINES
Mediterranean, European, Spanish, Fusion
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours, Drinks
Special Diets
Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Full Bar
Gift Cards Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Wheelchair Accessible
Location
La Dreta de l'Eixample
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4.8
1,927 reviews
Excellent
1,754
Very good
85
Average
45
Poor
29
Terrible
15
These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
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Larkus86
Kimberton291 contributions
Oct 2024 • friends
We got off to a stilted beginning, made a reservation (they have a 2 hour dining policy), but when we arrived we were told we could only have 90 minutes. We were seated at a table inside under the harshest halogen lights in the world. The only lighting “hot spot” in the restaurant. We ordered drinks and about 11 different tapas dishes and then the vibe changed. We were told we could stay the full 2 hours, the lights were dimmed, I don’t know what happened culturally, but I guess when they figured out we were fully committed to enjoying a good meal and drinks - they relaxed so we were able to relax.
The space is super cool. The people were incredibly nice (once whatever vibe we walked into that needed to change, changed). Everyone really seemed to be enjoying themselves. The food was very unusual and wonderfully prepared and creativity served.
The only weird thing was when they brought the check (which was over 300 euros), the waitress REALLY pressured us to tip. It was one of only two restaurants that did this during our 9 day stay. They didn’t do it to the locals, so I have to think they singled us out as Americans. The one of us that paid, caved and tipped.
It was the only thing that left a bad taste in our mouths. (Pun intended)
Written 24 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andres rubio
Barcelona406 contributions
Mar 2024 • friends
It is the second time we have gone to this restaurant and I reiterate that the food is very good, with good service and good price. They explain things to you with kindness and sympathy - The monkfish and the creamy and delicious dessert of Catalan cream that they flambe for you on site are very delicious. The only drawback for the group we were going with (4 people) was the prices of the wines, in my humble opinion very expensive. Thanks for everything .
Written 1 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leonid Chechelnitskiy
¡Hola andisarubper!
Estamos encantados de saber que tu experiencia con nosotros superó las expectativas nuevamente. Hacemos todo lo posible por diferenciarnos y nuestros platos lo dicen todo por nosotros. Agradecemos tu comentario y tus recomendaciones. ¡Te esperamos pronto! El equipo Babula Bar 1937
Written 9 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sunshine20827032289
1 contribution
July 2024 • couples
As soon as you enter the premises you are involved in a welcoming atmosphere that already promises a special experience. From the first contact with the workers they ensure that this promise is not deflated. Making use of a mixture of elegance and closeness the waiters guide you through a journey that the kitchen takes care of charting through its elaborations.
Automatically translated
Written 3 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leonid Chechelnitskiy
¡Hola Sunshine20827032289!
Muchas gracias por tu valoración. Nos alegra mucho saber que hemos cumplido tus expectativas en esta experiencia gastronómica. Es un placer para nosotros ofrecer la mejor comida y los mejores cócteles a nuestros clientes y nos alegra que este compromiso se haya visto reflejado en su visita. ¡Esperamos verlos pronto compartiendo una vez más con nosotros! Equipo de Babula Bar 1937
Written 22 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
zoegarban
Barcelona48 contributions
Nov 2023 • family
I think this is the third time I've commented on Babula, a restaurant I've always fawned over, as well as perhaps the fifteenth time I've been there.
I have always been very devoted to this restaurant, but the last time I noticed gestures that I didn't like. I believe that clients, whatever they ask for, must be taken care of and pampered in detail. It was very noticeable that we did not order according to what was expected, and they decided not to serve us as a table that asks for more. Sometimes people aren't that hungry.
I love Babula for the environment, the attention and, of course, the food, but one can spend as much as €200 on a dinner for two people, as well as €80 on a meal for three, and it shouldn't be a problem.
I was really disappointed to see how they brought all the dishes at the same time, without differentiating between hot and cold, first and second, and the insistence on ordering a bottle of wine that we didn't fancy.
Maybe I always had good experiences for asking for what was expected. The last time, I really didn't like it because of the treatment. I am left with the feeling that I should go only if I am willing to eat a lot, order cocktails and a bottle of wine.
Written 15 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linette H
Barcelona3 contributions
Oct 2023 • family
It's the first time and the last.
What they make are very minimalist tapas, I'm not saying they aren't good but the price is excessive.
The service was correct at the beginning but then the dishes came out of order at the wrong time and we never managed to have a dish all at the same time.
Very poorly served.
Written 10 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leonid Chechelnitskiy
¡Hola Resort122919!
Agradecemos tu impresiones sobre nuestra comida, por esto queremos comentarte que el concepto de Babula Bar 1937 son platillos para compartir y disfrutar, realizados con materias primas seleccionadas de manera rigurosa para que reflejen la mejor calidad y que puedan ser transformados en alta gastronomía, que es la cocina que nos caracteriza y que va de la mano de nuestra atmósfera hedonista.
Esperamos servirte de nuevo en el futuro y que tus expectativas se puedan mejorar.
Equipo de Babula Bar 1937
Written 17 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nitacalm
Barcelona19 contributions
July 2023 • couples
Super experience! The dinner has been brutal, including the preparation of the dishes and the service! Àlex you are very top and thank you for your sympathy and good work! The corn chips with truffled cheddar are the best and the cheese cake with Catalan cream coverage! THERE'S NO TOMORROW!!!
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leonid Chechelnitskiy
¡Hola Nitacalm86!
Nos llena de gran satisfacción leer tu reseña. Hacemos todo lo posible por diferenciarnos y nuestros platos lo dicen todo por nosotros. Agradecemos tu comentario y tu recomendación. ¡Te esperamos pronto! El equipo Babula Bar 1937
Written 28 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Antje W
2 contributions
Sept 2024 • couples
Best Food, best Service, best Cocktails and Entertainment...
That's what we told the waiter and that's what we mean!
We sat at the bar because we didn't get a table without a reservation. It was the best seat you can ever have. On the one hand, you could see everything and had wonderful entertainment from the great bartenders, who were very attentive alongside the waiters.
Even special drink requests were fulfilled and surprises were mixed and ingrediants explained.
The food was a dream, pleasant tapas portions, unique in flavour and beautifully presented for the occasion. There are exceptional tapas there, you have to know that, but if you let yourself in for it, it's a flavour experience. In terms of quality, it's the best we've ever eaten anywhere. And we mean that seriously.
Tapas plates were served one by one, that way you could eat with patience and no rush.
I had the drink "sin nombre". Try it, it's very tasty!!!!
Many thanks for a great evening, we'll be back and will recommend you to others!
Written 19 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leonid Chechelnitskiy
Hi 947antjew,
Thank you for your incredible review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your experience and that our team provided such an attentive service. It’s fantastic to know that our tapas and cocktails exceeded your expectations and that you appreciated the pacing of the dishes. We're especially glad you loved the "sin nombre" drink—it's a favorite! Thank you for recommending us, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for another memorable evening!
Written 22 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brad H
Weston279 contributions
Sept 2024 • couples
We had a wonderful experience at this higher end tapas restaurant. The food was amazing. This is not your regular tapas place - this place offers "fancier" and more upmarket food, it is inventive, well-prepared, well-presented and delicious. It clearly caters to tourists and not locals. The prices in the 8-18 euro price point but you get high quality food and the portions (for small plates) are generous and meant for sharing. They have really nice cocktail and wine offerings. The crema catalana cheesecake was the best dessert I had all year. We would recommend it highly
Written 8 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leonid Chechelnitskiy
Hi N4563KAbradh,
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're delighted to hear that you had a wonderful experience and enjoyed our inventive tapas. We take pride in offering high-quality food that’s beautifully prepared and presented. It's great to know that you appreciated our cocktail and wine selection, as well as the crema catalana cheesecake—it’s a favorite for many! Thank you for recommending us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable meal!
Written 22 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
torontotraveller939
Toronto97 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
My wife and I had dinner at Babula on our last night in Barcelona. It is a beautiful and intimate restaurant around the corner from the Majestic Hotel. We had a tapas dinner which was outstanding. Each course which we selected from the menu was very attractively served and was delicious. Both the food and the charming and attentive service was the best we experienced in Barcelona.
Written 21 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leonid Chechelnitskiy
Hi torontotraveller939!
Thank you very much for your feedback. We are glad to know that you enjoy the food and that you had a great experience at Babula Bar 1937. We will be delighted to see you again soon.
Written 22 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ronald E
Bolsward207 contributions
Feb 2024 • couples
No reservations, the restaurant will be full and the service announced that the four of us could still eat. We were given 90 minutes for that. No problem for us, we were happy that there was room for us. And what a place, Grandmother's regular table in the back. Absolutely great, nice atmosphere and with a direct view of the kitchen.
We sat down for a "real" meal and the staff quickly noticed. Apparently space was found in the reservation agenda and the table was ours for the rest of the evening. That was nice, let's first enjoy delicious cocktails.
Babula's cuisine, with gastronomic influences from all over the world, is this restaurant's way of getting closer to all those grandmothers we honor every day. That's nicely said.
The menu reflects the fusion of different cultures and culinary traditions, giving rise to unique "mestizo dishes", always with seasonal and local products. Actually inspired by the cooking skills of the grandmothers of this world.
Long story short, we opted for the service to put together a tasty menu for us from all kinds of different dishes from the menu. We also shared these dishes with each other. It wasn't cheap, ha ha, but it was certainly tasty food.
In short, this location is definitely recommended.
Written 20 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maryc5249
Williamsburg91 contributions
Sept 2024 • couples
Absolutely terrific tapas and impeccable service - friendly, timely and considerate. They serve truly innovative tapas - we tried scallops, beef tatani, patas bravas, and a terrific corn tortilla with pork dish (essentially Spanish nachos). Lots of raw fish options were available too. Topped it off with Crema Catalan cheesecake. Their flavors are unique and melt in your mouth. Still thinking of our wonderful experience a day later. Don't hesitate, just go!
Written 12 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Silviasweet
Pordenone200 contributions
Nov 2023 • family
Very nice place, soft lights and well-made drinks. The guys at the counter are very good and professional.
I recommend the dish with fois gras, croaker and octopus, for each dish we were recommended the perfect matching wine.
If I return to Barcelona it will be the first restaurant I return to!
Written 10 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leonid Chechelnitskiy
¡Hola Silviasweet!
Muchas gracias por tu comentario. Nos alegra saber que disfrutaste de nuestros cócteles emblemáticos y de toda la experiencia Babula Bar 1937 de la mano de la atmósfera hedonista que acompaña nuestra oferta gastronómica para crear un momento singular.¡Esperamos verte pronto!
Written 17 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marloes G
Utrecht17 contributions
June 2024 • friends
Had a wonderful evening with great tapas. It is a not very large restaurant with a very cozy homely atmosphere. We had not made a reservation and there was no table left, but we were able to sit at the bar. Dinner and a show. The cocktails were made in front of us and the bartenders were very good at this. The tapas were delicious, it was recommended that the two of us share about 8 snacks. Even though the dishes are small to medium, we were quite full. The flavors were delicious and very well thought out. If we ever go to Barcelona again, we will definitely come back here.
Written 7 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leonid Chechelnitskiy
Hello Marloes0612!
Thank you very much for your feedback. We are happy to know our food and cocktails exceeded your expectations and that you enjoyed the whole Babula Bar 1937 experience. We will be delighted to see you again soon.
Written 13 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alison S
2 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
We had such a fabulous fine dining experience here! The food was exquisite and we tried wonderful dishes that we’ll probably never have the chance to taste again (unless we go back to Babula). The cocktails on offer were equally as good. We really appreciated the staff’s knowledge on every dish, and their attention to detail was spot on. It also had a great atmosphere. I would highly recommend this place for a memorable evening.
Written 28 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SteveHawke
Caerphilly11 contributions
Aug 2022 • none
I had booked a table in advance for my wife's 50th birthday, and asked for a nice table on the booking form to help celebrate her birthday.
When we arrived we were taken to a small table right at the back of the restaurant next to the kitchen. So the restaurant either didn't read the reservation, or simply ignored it.
We placed our food order (3 tapas dishes each) and then had to wait for around an hour before any of the meat or fish dishes arrived. We just had bread and Patatas Bravas to eat for the first hour, and received no apology or explanation for the slow service.
I must say that when the meat & fish dishes eventually arrived they were very tasty, and looked amazing - the beef stew, and duck cannelloni were superb.
The reason I'd booked this restaurant was because it looked from the website and reviews like an ideal place to go for a celebration meal. However, our experience was the opposite, and what should have been a very special birthday celebration was unfortunately spoiled by the disappointing level of customer service we received here. Such a shame.
Written 20 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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