Bar Pinotxo
Mercat de la Boqueria
Carrer la Rambla 89
08002 Barcelona
Spain
TripAdvisor

Bar Pinotxo was another popular and highly recommended spot at La Boqueria. Again the wait times were reported to be lengthy but we got a table after about 15 minutes. Unlike the other bar eateries at La Boqueria, Bar Pinotxo actually has two high top tables adjacent to its counter space, which we felt fortunate to get seats at. We weren’t given any menus and just picked from a list of recommended specials from the waiter.

Chickpeas with Blood Sausage
This is what Bar Pinotxo is known for. I can’t say I loved them, but they weren’t bad. Surprisingly the blood sausage didn’t add as much flavor as one would have expected. It was just a dish that became a little tiring and dry to eat after 5 or so bites, but I think you could say that about most chickpea dishes right?

Mushroom Croquettes
Croquettes in Spain are a bit more soft and homogenous than what I’m used to. The difference in texture was certainly no detraction from the wonderful umami flavor of deep earthy mushrooms. This was definitely a top bite for the trip. We probably should have ordered more.

Bellon Oysters
Oysters in this part of the world are SALTY and they don’t seem to keen to dress them up with any lemon, mignonette, let alone cocktail sauce and horseradish. So I definitely would have enjoyed them better with something to cut the oceanic salinity.

Scampi con ajo
Pure. Simple. Sweet. Not particularly meaty being on the smaller side.

Lamb Chops milanese
These were the smallest scrappiest lamb chops I’ve ever eaten. They were just ok.

Beef stew
Not bad but certainly something I could make at home, if not a better version of it. Glad we only ordered a half portion.

I’m not sure if our experience would have been better sitting at the counter where we could see what fresh seafood and vegetables were available. Assuming our waiter was offering the best items, I’d say I was disappointed by Bar Pinotxo. The only standout items were the mushroom croquettes. At least our meal was not too pricey relatively speaking, 40€ for two.

10 – You NEED to eat here
9 – Awesome
8 – Very good
7 – Good
6 – OK
5 – Average
4 – Not bad
3 – Not good
2 – Terrible
1 – Do NOT eat here