Bodega La Puntual - El Born, Barcelona

The rather unassuming entrance to Bodega la Puntual 

Carrer de Montcada 22,

08003 El Born

Barcelona

Tucked away in the El Born district lies the gem of a tapas bar and restaurant, the Bodega La  Puntual. I can wax lyrical about this all day, but the food there is simply, excellent. For the price of about EU 40 for 2 persons, you can dine very comfortably with 5 tapas and a couple of vermouths. 

We tried the following 'house specials' which were in a word fantastic. We came back for a 2nd round the following night, it was that good !. Spain is famous for its Iberico 'black pig' (they take about 2 years to rear, and then they are slaughtered and the meat is cured for up to 5 years! ) and the ham is really exceptional. Do try the following specials :

* Bellota cured ham hand cut   EU 16.70 for about a dozen slices

* Iberian cured ham croquette  EU 2.00 (for 2)

* Rice with Iberian pork

* Vermouth 

* Bodega Salad

* Coca bread with tomato 

Coca Bread with tomato and the Croquette 

Dinner is anytime from 7pm onwards although the Catalans like to dine later. I would rate this 4.5 stars out of 5 for the taste, 4 stars for the service, 4.5 stars for the ambience and overall satisfaction 4.5 stars out of 5.

Fried potatoes with spicy sauce

Will we go there if we are ever next in Barcelona, definately ! The vermouth while very dry is sweet and the Rice with Iberian Pork dish is something to remind us of home. Salt content is definately on the high side, so it is best to treat ourselves to gems like these only once every few years.