'Original and delicious': The Barcelona bar revered for its patatas bravas

Patatas bravas are the star tapa, an essential element in most Spanish bars. Their simplicity doesn't make them boring, because with a little creativity they can be transformed into something innovative for the palate without losing their essence. An example of this is the patatas bravas known as Bárbaras at Le Petit bar-café, a hidden gem in the l'Esquerra de l'Eixample district of Barcelona.

Located at number 136 on Calàbria Street, this small and cozy spot is decorated in the style of a Parisian café. Although from the outside it looks like a pastry shop, and, in fact, they make delicious pastries, Le Petit serves some of the tastiest and most original patatas bravas in the Catalan capital.

The "Barbarian" potatoes (€6 per serving) arose from the innovative spirit of Rafael de Abreu, owner of Le Petit, and his team: "After working in other places and trying various patatas bravas, we found them a bit boring because they always had the same sauce," explains Rafael. So, when he opened his own business, he decided to create his own recipe, in which "it was essential that the sauce be homemade." After several attempts, they found the sauce they were looking for: "Not too spicy and with a touch of sweetness."

Secret sauce

Some of the sauce's ingredients are a secret, though Rafael gives us a few hints: "To give it that spicy kick, we use kimchi. We also add sun-dried tomatoes and honey." This already delicious sauce is complemented by chistorra sausage, crispy onions, and Parmesan cheese. That's where the tapa gets its name, because that combination, as Rafael says, "seemed absolutely fantastic to us."

The potatoes, the base of the tapa, are "simply spectacular: crispy on the outside and tender on the inside," according to Víctor D. a customer who reviewed the dish on Google. Other users comment that "the patatas bravas are very original, different, delicious... some of the best in Barcelona," that "they have a touch that distinguishes them from the rest," and that they are "exquisite."

To accompany the patatas Bárbaras, Le Petit offers other savory dishes worth trying, such as Burgos black pudding, with goat cheese and honey on crystal bread, salmon tartare, or croquettes. And to drink, their excellent vermouth is a must.