Vivanda

"We had dinner for two at Vivanda in Barcelona, a place that takes Catalan cuisine and regional ingredients seriously — and succeeds beautifully. We started with a round of appetizers: pa amb tomàquet, patatas bravas, and croquetes de pernil. The appetizers were a standout, especially the patatas bravas, which were exceptional in both texture and flavor. For starters, we tried the pumpkin soup (cappuccino), Catalan-style roast beef, and grilled pumpkin with goat cheese. The roast beef was excellent — tender, subtly seasoned, and surprisingly refined. The grilled pumpkin with goat cheese was a delightful surprise, not least because of the cheese’s unusual texture, which was new to us and worked wonderfully with the dish. For the main course, we shared the classic Catalan stew mar i muntanya. It was solid and comforting, though it didn’t quite reach the level of the outstanding dishes that came before it. We finished with a crema catalana, which made for a fantastic final note — smooth, aromatic, and perfectly balanced. The atmosphere at Vivanda is warm and inviting, with a friendly service team. At times the staff seemed a bit stretched due to many simultaneous orders, which led to the occasional lack of coordination, but their kindness and effort made up for it. The outdoor seating area is heated and pleasant, and it’s easy to imagine it becoming a highlight during the warmer months. Vivanda is a lovely place to explore Catalan flavors with a strong regional focus — especially if you appreciate exceptional appetizers and a cozy setting."