I will always dine at Cuines Santa Caterina

whenever I visit Barcelona, Spain. Located in Mercat de Santa Caterina, Cuines Santa Caterina offers international travellers and locals more than the usual Catalan cuisines. From Thai green curry chicken with rice for the Asian food fans to the vegetarian dishes to the health-conscious individuals, there is something for everyone at Cuines Santa Caterina. With four open-concept kitchens, this restaurant is able to whip up Asian, Mediterranean, Italian and vegetarian dishes to satisfy almost any hunger pangs. To me, I consider this to be one of the best restaurants in Barcelona – good value and quality.

The interior decoration is minimalistic and it reminds me of a school canteen, of course, a much nicer school canteen. On one side of the restaurant is an entire wall of shelves arranged with local products such as olive oil and vinegar. At the back of the restaurant is a wall lined with pots of aromatic herbs. This Ikea-looking restaurant is a testament to common saying, food tastes better when it’s freshest. The food is so good that the restaurant is packed most of the time.

The restaurant uses the freshest produce and minimal seasoning for its food. The Grilled Razor-shell is sensational. It’s seasoned with a blend of diced parsley and olive oil, and grilled to perfection. The Grilled Calamari with Asparagus is done similarly with olive oil and salt.

The use of different herbs such as rosemary and thyme also gives the poultry chicken much fragrance and taste. Although the side is slightly dry on the sides, the chicken is still moist in the center and tender. I love the Catalan Sausage with Small Beans and Foie Gras. The sausage is perfectly seasoned and not overly salty. The foie gras is well executed as well. But nothing beats the seafood. The Grilled Turbot with Sautéed Vegetables is detectable. The fish is fresh and the meat has a firm texture. It is grilled with olive oil and lightly seasoned with sea salt. The Monkfish with Romesco and Clams is heavenly. Cooked in a rich and dense Romesco sauce, the monkfish is packed with flavour and outrageously good.

Cuines Santa Caterina is a great restaurant with something for everyone in the family, and definitely deserves repeat visits.

Cuines Santa Caterina
Av. Francesc Cambo, 16, 08002 Barcelona, Spain