The newly opened Crudo Bar accepts customers on Gran Via de les cortes street near Barcelona’s well-known Passeig de Gracia avenue. Multiple blocks of walking exist if you want to escape the standard restaurant fare of microwaved Paella or Bocadillo sandwiches. Passing by Crudo Bar became the perfect moment for me since “Crudo” stands for “raw” in Spanish and drew my attention. The recently built Crudo Bar features a modern design with an upper level balcony that provides bar visibility beneath. The Crudo concept really stands out as its own distinctive concept. My exploration into fresh seafood as a culinary concept proved to be a successful first experience because it surpassed my unformed expectations.
So where do I start? Seafood fans need only glance at the next option. Quality stands as the main concern for Crudo styles so the excellent selection becomes apparent immediately in each mouthful. I paired the Ceviche with Red Tuna in a coconut sauce which bypassed traditional preparation methods yet won my approval with its spotlight on superior produce ingredients. Patatas Bravas became my choice because it represents the local Catalan dining tradition. Once more the restaurant impresses me through their creative approach combined with their signature methods. On this hot summer day following a hectic work week I found happiness when I learned their German Ale was locally bottled inside Valencia’s Flagship restaurant. The bottle’s “hecho con agua de mar” label about salt water brewing caught my attention since I’d never sampled beverages like this but I welcome trying new things hence one Crudo Ale was mine. Don’t worry about the salt water flavors because this ale brings out hoppy notes while eliminating bitter undertones; you have to taste it to discover the unique texture and flavor change. Since moving to Spain I have developed a habit of ordering the signature dessert Torrija de Chocolate because trust me you must try it right now as soon as possible. From my experience this stands as the best beer I’ve ever tasted. You probably need a sleepless night to guarantee the existence of its greatness since this Spanish toast creation consists of homemade chocolate sauce over mouth watering ice cream on top of French toast-style bread. I cannot stop craving it during my slumber.
Living here in Spain for a while I always order Torrija de Chocolate as today’s abandon all plans to try this decadent dessert. You must experience Spain. In my opinion this tops all the chocolate desserts I’ve ever eaten. The creation stands as a work of art that covers a Spanish-style Mexican toast with homemade ice cream and melted chocolate from scratch – it stays in my thoughts during nighttime.
The daily lunch special Menu Del Dia costs 13.50E for deliver high-quality dining. The choices include a duck ham salad with potatoes and artichokes or fresh croquetas or the light option of a Salmorejo cold tomato soup with Iberico Jamon bits delivered in tiny portions. Choose from the delicious Paella style seafood rice with fresh ingredients while remembering the seafood quality or enjoy Tataki Tuna served with sautéed vegetables or experience the irresistible Entrana steak with a dipping sauce of chimichurri if you still have room to pick a dessert. Customers receive bread and beverage for 13.50 which is a perfect deal. For groups larger than 10 individuals you need to book a big table in the mezzanine area where a set menu priced at 23E per person ensures a complete dining experience.
Excellent service created an amazing experience during our visit there. A new establishment with its contemporary style presents a city view onto Gran Via de les corts. Experience this unique dining experience that features excellent food along with our innovative eating concept. Your new perspective will become obvious upon departure. Happy hour features customized cocktails at 5E offered between 6PM – 8PM while house-made beers can be enjoyed by all guests though my next try is planned.
Thank you very much to the team at Crudo bar.
Luke Paull