Arola

Arola Restaurant Review:

Hidden away on a private sun terrace at the Hotel Arts Barcelona and with views over the sea, Arola delivers creative adaptations of classic Mediterranean dishes from chef Sergi Arola. He draws on his culinary heritage --- trained by both Ferran Adrià and Pierre Gagnaire --- and the region’s seasonal produce. An easygoing vibe and live DJs generate an ideal space for informal dining. Start with a vermouth apéritif before diving into a selection of tapas such as Iberian pork with Idiazábal cheese, apple, pistachios and chilli, and flame-roasted eggplant with olives and pine nuts. If you can’t make up your mind, simply order the six-tapas menu and let the culinary team design a custom experience. From the main dishes, try the lobster with saffron and citrus; beef tartare from the nearby town of Girona; and marinated mackerel with candied ginger oil, all of which capture the essence of the Mediterranean while showcasing Arola’s skill and passion. An extensive wine list offers the finest and most exciting wines from Catalonia and the various wine regions of Spain. Make sure to explore the array of cava wines, which are sourced from the local Penedès wineries. Finish with the fresh and simple desserts from the ‘help yourself dessert display,’ with sweets that include crema Catalana and gourmet cheesecake served with forest fruits and white chocolate. And while you loiter a little longer and let the sunshine, funky grooves and sweeping views sink in, have a flick through the all-encompassing cocktail menu, which proposes mixology concoctions like the ‘Hush Lush’ --- vodka with strawberry, lime, kumquats, rosemary and sage.