Very well located in Passeig de Gràciathe chicest street in Barcelona, the Mandarin Oriental is an elegant and imposing hotel, which attracts attention from its historic façade. I had already stayed there a few years ago, but on my last trip to the city, I was invited to have lunch at the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona restaurant!
?Book your hotel in Barcelona here at the best price.
The Mandarin Oriental Barcelona restaurant
The location and design of the hotel
Asian chain hotels always have a privileged location, and in Barcelona it couldn’t be any different! After all, it is almost opposite Gaudí’s monuments, such as Casa Batlló. The Mandarin Oriental has maintained its original bank facade, built in the first half of the last century.
+Where to eat in Barcelona
are you going to travel abroad?
Buy your travel insurance here, tested and approved by us!
Know more
It has a bold design, by Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola, which contrasts with the typical Asian touches of the MO chain. The hotel has two restaurants and three bars, two of which are currently closed (due to the winter) and will only reopen in April 2019: Mimosa Garden, in the gardens, and Terrat, on the rooftop. In addition, a Mexican pop-up restaurant was created and will remain open until January 2019.
+Boquería, Barcelona’s historic market
White Restaurant
My lunch was at Blanc, which is one floor below the lobby, but you can see it from above, through a huge white grille, all perforated in mosaics. Beautiful! In fact, the environment is well lit, which makes everything even more stunning. The Blanc restaurant is run by super chef Carme Ruscalleda, who has no less than 7 Michelin stars on his CV. In fact, it is currently the only woman in the world having been awarded 3 stars and twice 2 stars by the Michelin Guide.
+The 10 most beautiful squares in the world
The menu
Blanc s gastronomyand focuses on modern Catalan cuisine, based on natural and seasonal ingredients, with Asian touches, as chef Carme also has a 2-star restaurant in Tokyo. O its aim is to offer a gourmet sensorial experience with modern dishes and classic Spanish tapas.
+3 gastronomic markets in Madrid
The menu, seasonal, changes according to seasonal ingredients, and started with “Salmorejo”, shrimps and olives in tribute to Picasso, a typical cold soup from southern Spain with prawns and olives. Then fish with banana chutney and avocado and a meat with seasonal figs. To conclude, a very unusual dessert with a beautiful presentation, the Chocolate and olives. Additionally, the restaurant is also open for breakfast and dinner.
+Discover the real Casa de Papel from the Spanish series, in Madrid
The other restaurant at MO Barcelona is Moments, offering Catalan cuisine, also by chef Carme Ruscalleda, with her son Raül Balam, and awarded 2 Michelin stars. In other words, in gastronomic terms, Mandarin Oriental Barcelona does not disappoint!
Therefore, even if you are not staying there, it is worth having lunch or dinner at one of chef Carme Ruscalleda’s restaurants, or perhaps stopping for a drink at one of the bars. I recommend!
By Renata Araújo
Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date with exclusive news
that can transform your routine!
