Take a Look at the Spanish Tapas at Barcelona on East Passyunk

Spanish wine and tapas spot Barcelona from Barteca Restaurant Group is open on East Passyunk in a corner spot that had been clothing shop A Man’s Image. The restaurant, at 1709 E. Passyunk Avenue, is a sizable addition to the neighborhood, with seats for almost 200 in the dining room and at a large bar, plus a roomy patio enclosed by greenery. The hours are still being finalized; it’s open for dinner for now. Senior VP Adam Halberg had said there wouldn’t be a big announcement or grand opening party in order to give the staff time to settle in and let neighbors be among the first to check out the space, and the start of service was quiet as promised.

Connecticut-based Barteca owns 13 Barcelonas up and down the East Coast. This is the first Pennsylvania location — an out-of-towner surrounded by made-in-Philly eateries like Laurel, Bing Bing Dim Sum, and Townsend. Halberg told Eater the goal is to have it feel like a natural fit on Philly’s hottest restaurant strip and draw from East Passyunk’s energy.

Hillary Messman

Running the kitchen is chef Paras Shah, who’s coming from Barcelona’s New Haven location. His Spanish cooking experience includes time at el Bulli and Echaurren. The menu, tailored to the Philly location, includes a section of charcuterie and cheeses, a long list of tapas, and a handful of bigger plates made to be shared, including seafood and vegetable paellas. To drink, there’s a full bar and a Spain-focused wine list with around 450 bottles.

Hillary Messman

Take a look at the food:

Hillary Messman

Hillary Messman

Hillary Messman

Hillary Messman