Barcelona: Where not to Eat

Not all restaurants - or all things, for that matter- are created equal. There are so many wonderful places to eat in Barcelona, I'd hate for any unsuspecting tourist to repeat my mistakes on their trip to the Spanish port city. With that in mind, I've compiled a list of eateries that have somehow distinguished themselves as sub-par; whether it's the food, service or atmosphere (or all of the above) that are lacking, I'd suggest avoiding the restaurants on this list if you can help it.

When in Barcelona, avoid eating at...

Fresc Co.           18 locations in Barcelona

There is nothing inherently wrong with the concept behind the Fresc Co. chain; they aim to serve fresh food at affordable prices in a buffet-style setting. In fact, Fresc Co. was immediately popular open its opening only a few years ago. Unfortunately, it's that popularity that caused its quality to go downhill. Fresc Co. simply expanded too quickly. The restaurants are everywhere. If you visit a busy location, you might be lucky enough to find that the food is actually fresh. Everything starts out that way. But because this is a buffet, uneaten food sits out until it is eaten. And with eighteen locations in Barcelona, a lot of food goes uneaten. Some of the locations are suffering so acutely from the rapid expansion that they turn off their ice cream machines to save power unless a customer asks for ice cream. (Anyone with half a brain can see the flaw in this plan, as ice cream must remain chilled at all times.) Be aware: just because you see this restaurant everywhere you go doesn't mean it's a safe place to eat.

Salsitas            (M) Liceu

Disclaimer: I have never eaten at this restaurant myself. That said, I included it on the list because I have read so many online reviews detailing both verbal and threatened physical abuse by staff against patrons who have questioned wrong orders or extra charges on their bill. Stay away.

Brasserie Flo Barcelona           (M) Urquinaona

This restaurant is owned by Groupe Flo, who also operate Le Boeuf sur le Toit, which I regard as by far the worst restaurant in Paris. Groupe Flo can be counted on to offer snotty service and over-priced, poor-quality local cuisine in an atmosphere that is shabbily maintained at best. Needless to say, their establishments are a haven for tourists, and likely the reason why so many North Americans think the French are rude. You would be better of eating at McDonald's than wasting your Euros here.