When you ask a Barcelona local where to get a fine paella, most would suggest Kaiku. To begin with, note its location a few meters from the sea and its terrace , where you can wear sunglasses in the middle of January , as usual in this town. The interior of the property decorated like a Basque fishermen’s tavern , and there is so much natural light coming through the windows that that lamps are hardly necessary. But if anything distinguishes this restaurant from the rest of the local area it is the menu created by Chef Hug Pla Cortès, who, like a good Majorcan Catalan, well understood the concept of “surf and turf” . No fine andalusian squid or lobster stew , but scallops in minyan sauce, delta mini razor-clams, anemones with mango aioli, or a selection of rice dishes which are succulent and surprisingly light. The fish market 200 meters provides local fish to which they pair delicious creams always thickened with rice or potato flour. During the spring, you will find fresh ingredients from their own garden in Mas Nou, like tempura zucchini flower, stuffed tomatoes, or salad dishes. Once, someone lamented the lack of variety in the wine . But to be clear, it is not for lack of judgment or knowledge, but rather the opposite. Kaiku makers are well aware of their clientele and offer a limited selection of wines simply adjusted to demand and what fits harmoniously with the natural flavors that you find in every dish. Special mention to the resident baker , Roger Masdesiol for his Desserts

Kaiku

Style: Inventive Mediterranean Cuisine
Price: between € 35-45
Plaza del Mar , 1 ( Barcelona).
Area: La Barceloneta .
Reservation Tel : 932 219 082
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 13-15:30 h . Open evenings by reservation for groups of over 20 people .
Closed: Monday , August and one week during Christmas

Text: JW

Photos: Lita Bosch

Translation: Brett Piron