Paco Alcalde, founded in 1921 is a hidden gem in Barceloneta. We walked into the restaurant, and the first room was full of Catalan families (no young kids). The restaurant had traditonal blue, white and yellow spanish tiles running half way up all the walls, white table clothes and wooden tables. I felt that the restaurant would be good right when we sat down. The service at the beginning was a tad slow but after we ordered everything ran smoothly.
I am not a huge fan of calamares in fried battar as an appetizer but Paco Alcalde surprised me, they were cooked perfectly, crispy, fantastic batter, soft chewy texture and they were not too greasy. Their pan con tomate, on huge pieces of wood oven bread, lacked oil and salt.. (which was easy to solve) and ended up being delicious. Other items we had for appetizers are not really mentionable so I will leave it at that. The black fideua, had a thicker al dente noodle (with homemade ali oli) which I adored. The special seafood paella was one of the more flavourful and best paellas I have had in a long time. I didn't try the fish but from what I gather from the people at my table it was delicious. Only one person got dessert, profiteroles, similar to donuts with homemade cream in the middle with hot dark chocolate sauce poured over it. I didnt try it not a huge fan of sweets but it looked good!
One of my favourite things about this restaurant is that you do not have to order the paellas and fideuas for 2 people. If you want a paella, and your friend wants something else. No problem. The bill came to 30€ per person which was well worth it. Oh and btw NON smoking!! such a plus.
Paco Alcalde
c/almirall aixada 12
93 221 5026
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Thanks for this heads up Lila! It's always good to know about a good place for rice that doesn't insist on the 2 person rule! I like your writing style...and love the advice! I can't wait for the next installment!! abrazos, bcnbabe!
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