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Barcelona › Barri Gòtic › Grill Room Bar Thonet
Grill Room Bar ThonetB+Worth Trying
Carrer dels Escudellers, 8, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
· Restaurant, Mediterranean restaurant, Tapas bar
· 4.4/5 Google (1528 reviews)
Reservations
Historic Catalan tapas spot near Plaça Reial delivering tasty classics like croquettes, bravas, octopus, and oxtail with lively service and ambiance; value can swing on weight-priced items and specials—ask prices first.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Grill Room Bar Thonet delivers competitive quality with strong food quality anchored by exceptional octopus, croquettes, and oxtail, paired with friendly, attentive service. However, inconsistent execution—charred rice edges and occasional service stalls—prevents grade A territory. The historic Gothic Quarter setting with warm ambiance makes it worth seeking when nearby, though it functions as a charming neighborhood stop rather than a destination.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and historic, all wood, mirrors, and a gentle buzz from the open kitchen near Plaça Reial. Servers guide you through tapas and vermouths, and one guest noted the team was friendly and attentive. A diner summed it up: "Every plate hit the spot, especially the croquettes and oxtail." The cooking leans classic Catalan with a few elevated touches—think tender grilled octopus, patatas bravas with a house twist, cod fritters, and slow-cooked oxtail. Rice dishes can arrive with extra char on the edges, which some love and others find overdone, so align expectations. Pricing is fair on listed items, but confirm quotes on market fish or aged steaks to avoid surprises. Families do fine here thanks to kid-pleasing staples like croquettes, tortilla, bravas, and a macaroni gratin. Veg-forward tapas and gluten-free tags help, though vegan choices are thin. If little ones prefer simple flavors, stick to the omelette, bravas, and grilled veg while adults branch out.
At a Glance
- Historic interior with open kitchen and warm vibe
- Standout octopus, croquettes, bravas, and oxtail
- Rice dishes sometimes overly charred on the edges
- Portion sizes can feel small for price depending on order
- Confirm prices for market fish and weight-priced steaks
What Sets It Apart
- historic_space_with_character
- strong_seafood_plates
- open_kitchen_showcase
What People Love
- The nostalgic, beautiful room
- Tender, flavorful grilled octopus
- Crisp, creamy croquettes and house bravas
- Attentive guidance pacing the tapas
- A relaxed, unhurried meal near Plaça Reial
Points of Concern
- Rice dishes can run charred on the sides; some diners dislike this
- Reports of staggered courses and occasional slow pacing
- One-off issues: salty mussels; plastic fragment incident
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (short generic raves, templated owner replies) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€32-46 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a shareable set: bravas, croquettes, escalivada, cod fritters, then one main to split
- Pescatarians: octopus, razor clams, mussels marinara, burrata salad
- Vegetarian path: pan con tomate, bravas, escalivada, burrata, macaroni gratin
Perfect For
- A cozy Gothic Quarter dinner after sightseeing
- Sharing classic Catalan tapas with friends
- Casual date night with vermouth and small plates
- Solo meal at the bar watching the kitchen
Location Insights
Area: Bustling Gothic Quarter lane near Plaça Reial and La Rambla; tourist-heavy with mix of locals, historic interiors and nightlife.
Safety: Busy, well-trodden tourist zone; petty-theft risk typical of Ramblas area, generally safe with heavy foot traffic.
Nearby: Steps from Plaça Reial, La Rambla, shops, bars; convenient for sightseeing and evening strolls.
Barri GòticBarri Gòtic is characterized by narrow winding streets, historic architecture, and a lively atmosphere with numerous cafes, tapas bars, and restaurants. It attracts a diverse crowd including tourists exploring the Gothic Quarter and locals enjoying the vibrant dining and nightlife scene.
Plaça ReialPlaça Reial is a popular square within Barri Gòtic known for its lively nightlife, outdoor terraces, and a concentration of bars and restaurants, making it a hotspot for evening socializing and dining.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday13:00–16:00, 07:30–23:00
Tuesday13:00–16:00, 07:30–23:00
Wednesday13:00–16:00, 07:30–23:00
Thursday13:00–16:00, 07:30–23:00
Friday13:00–16:00, 07:30–23:00
Saturday13:00–16:00, 07:30–23:00
Sunday13:00–16:00, 07:30–23:00
Available: Reservations
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