Mana 75: Barcelona’s Paella and Rice Showpiece by the Sea
Maná 75 has been a standout destination for paella and Mediterranean cuisine in Barcelona since opening its doors in April 2017. Located in the vibrant Barceloneta district, just steps from the sea and the iconic W Hotel, this spacious, light-filled restaurant is renowned for its open kitchen, round tables for sharing, and a menu that celebrates the best of local rice dishes and Mediterranean flavors.
Mana 75 Menu List and Pricing
The heart of Maná 75’s menu is its impressive selection of paellas and rice dishes, all cooked in full view of diners on a spectacular 19-paella pan bar. There are at least nine varieties of paella, including:
- Classic “arroz del señorito”
- Chicken and shrimp paella with green asparagus
- Seafood fideuà (noodles instead of rice)
- Vegetable paella
- Black rice (arroz negro)
- Lobster, monkfish, and seafood paella
Prices for paellas and rice dishes range from about €16.40 for the vegetable paella to €29 for the luxurious lobster and seafood option. Starters reflect Mediterranean and global influences, such as Japanese mussels with ginger and coriander (€11) and a trio of ceviche with passion fruit (€21). Desserts are crafted by top local pastry chefs, featuring highlights like mango custard and handmade lemon pie.
The average meal price is around €35 per person, making Maná 75 accessible for both special occasions and casual group gatherings.
Atmosphere and Experience
Designed by the Tutull Sorensen studio, Maná 75 offers a bright, colorful, and relaxed environment with a Mediterranean vibe. The restaurant is divided into three main areas: a chill-out reception, a lounge with large round tables and direct views of the open kitchen, and a spacious outdoor terrace perfect for summer nights. The open kitchen and bar, with 19 paella pans, create a unique spectacle for diners and foster a communal, festive atmosphere.
Google Reviews and Reputation
Maná 75 enjoys a stellar reputation, with high praise for its authentic paellas, attentive service, and welcoming ambiance. Over 70% of local customers return, a testament to its consistent quality and appeal. Reviewers highlight the freshness of ingredients, the generous portions, and the lively yet comfortable setting, making it a favorite for families, friends, and large groups.
Mana 75 Summary
Maná 75 stands as one of Barcelona’s premier destinations for paella and Mediterranean cuisine. Since 2017, it has combined culinary excellence with a stunning open kitchen, vibrant design, and a warm, communal spirit. Whether you’re seeking the city’s best rice dishes or a memorable meal by the sea, Maná 75 delivers an authentic taste of Barcelona’s Mediterranean lifestyle.
Enigma: Barcelona’s Most Mysterious and Innovative Dining Experience
Enigma, the brainchild of acclaimed chef Albert Adrià, opened in Barcelona’s L’Eixample district in 2017 and has since become one of the city’s most enigmatic and talked-about restaurants. Known for its avant-garde approach and theatrical presentation, Enigma offers a dining experience that blurs the boundaries between art and gastronomy, drawing inspiration from Adrià’s legendary work at elBulli.
Enigma Menu List and Pricing
Enigma is famed for its ever-evolving tasting menu, which currently features around 20 to 25 intricately crafted dishes that change monthly to reflect the freshest seasonal ingredients. Standout creations have included persimmon kimchi with yuzu sorbet, koji marshmallow with caviar, squid and caviar, Wagyu and foie gras, and inventive desserts like milk and strawberries or Earl Grey and lemon. The menu is kept secret until the end of the meal, heightening the sense of discovery and surprise.
The tasting menu is priced at approximately $240 per person (about €220), with optional wine pairings available for an additional fee. The experience typically lasts several hours and is designed to fully immerse guests in Adrià’s creative vision.
Atmosphere and Setting
Enigma’s interior is as striking as its cuisine, designed by RCR Arquitectes to evoke a futuristic, dreamlike environment. The space features a cloud-like ceiling made of stainless-steel mesh, shifting backlighting, and pearlescent walls, creating a cocooned, otherworldly atmosphere. Originally, the dining journey moved guests through multiple rooms, but the current format serves the entire experience in a single, dramatic dining room.
Google Reviews and Reputation
Enigma holds a Michelin star and enjoys a strong reputation among both critics and guests. Reviews praise the restaurant’s innovative dishes, immersive atmosphere, and the sense of theatricality that pervades every aspect of the meal. The restaurant is also noted for its exclusivity—entry requires a secret code, and seating is limited, making reservations highly coveted. High-profile guests, including PSG superstar Lionel Messi, have been known to frequent Enigma, further cementing its status as a destination for culinary adventurers.
Enigma Summary
Enigma stands at the cutting edge of Barcelona’s fine dining scene. Since its opening in 2017, Albert Adrià has transformed the restaurant into a temple of creativity, where each visit offers a new and unpredictable journey through taste, texture, and presentation. With its monthly-changing tasting menu, immersive design, and Michelin-starred pedigree, Enigma promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking the extraordinary in gastronomy.
Alkimia: Where Catalan Tradition Meets Culinary Innovation in Barcelona
Alkimia is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Barcelona, celebrated for its modern approach to Catalan cuisine under the leadership of chef Jordi Vilà. Originally opened in 2002, Alkimia relocated in 2016 to the main floor of the historic Moritz brewery on Ronda Sant Antoni, blending modernist architecture with contemporary design for a unique dining atmosphere.
Alkimia Menu List and Pricing
Alkimia offers two distinct dining experiences:
- Alkimia (Gourmet Experience):
This tasting menu delves deep into the roots and evolution of Catalan gastronomy, featuring dishes such as escudella (a traditional Catalan stew), seafood, game, and creative desserts. The menu changes seasonally to showcase the freshest local produce, with a strong focus on fish, seafood, and ingredients sourced from small Catalan producers and the restaurant’s own garden.
- Alkimia Unplugged (Casual Experience):
A more informal space with daily specials and straightforward recipes, allowing guests to enjoy high-quality Catalan cuisine in a relaxed setting. The “Unplugged” menu emphasizes exceptional raw ingredients, from organic veal to fresh vegetables and wild mushrooms, often prepared on a barbecue grill.
Pricing for the main tasting menu is typically around €150–€180 per person, with wine pairings available at an additional cost. The more casual Unplugged menu offers à la carte options at lower prices, making Alkimia accessible for different occasions.
Google Reviews and Reputation
Alkimia holds a strong reputation among diners and critics alike. It consistently receives praise for its innovative yet grounded take on Catalan cuisine, the quality of its ingredients, and the intimate, stylish setting. The restaurant maintains a Michelin star and has been recognized with multiple awards, including three Repsol Suns and accolades from the Macarfi Guide as the best restaurant in Barcelona. Guest reviews highlight the attentive service, creative dishes, and the open kitchen that adds to the overall experience.
Alkimia Summary
Alkimia stands as a benchmark for contemporary Catalan dining in Barcelona. Since its inception in 2002 and its bold reinvention in 2016, chef Jordi Vilà has crafted a culinary journey that honors tradition while embracing innovation. With its dual dining concepts, seasonally evolving menus, and commitment to local sourcing, Alkimia offers a memorable gastronomic experience that continues to impress both locals and visitors seeking the essence of modern Catalan cuisine.
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