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Abrassame

Friendly cuisine

By Brian Gallagher 28.03.13

The stunning 360 degree elevated view of Barcelona located under the dome of the Las Arenas shopping centre is a daunting context to open a gastronomic restaurant. Mari Carmen Ramírez and José Guerrero are up to the task, together with chef Philipe Bonastre the food is unsurprisingly characterised by grilled meat and fish dishes together with market fresh Mediterranean cuisine. The service, philosophy and interior are reminiscent of being invited to dinner in a friend’s home, one with a passion for food. Originally from a background in the Catalan textile industry the couple have dabbled in the hospitality business in the past before totally immersing themselves into Barcelona’s competitive restaurant sector.

The interior design by Basque designer Manel Ybargüengoitía mixes familiar textures (trencadis used on the floor and the walls), cutting edge materials, unexpected light sources and a clever use of space in order to create a highly contemporary and pleasant interior. At the heart of the interior design project is an island kitchen with counter in Corian ©, externally a metal mesh canopy protects diners on an extensive terrace that can double as a nightclub when required.

  • View of the kitchen island

  • Monkfish and toung garlic

    The food at Abrassame reflects the preoccupations of the owners (and the play on words suggested by the name, a la brassa in Spanish means grilled, abrassar means ti hug) to provide familiar cuisine which reflects the quality nature of the ingredients. Sourced from the Boquería and the Maresme the approach is uncomplicated letting the raw materials do all the work. Some of the food preparation is carried out at the island servery with some counter seating provided incorporated. Stand out dishes on the menu include the Monkfish served with young Garlic, the selection of fresh seafood tapas together with their house special hamburgers; McFoie, McNebraska and McBuey. The desserts also have a home made quality about them and include fresh fruit and healthy options. Rather like the sensation of having had dinner at a friend’s house the sensation after leaving Abrassame is one of being well fed and well looked after.

  • Grilled cod

  • Tempura Prawns in Romesco sauce

  • 'Llavaneras' Coca bread

  • Tuna fish Tataki

  • Tuna fish Tartare

  • The restuarant includes private rooms for diners

  • The surrounding terrace, one of Barcelona's most spectacular

  • Interior design that is both very elegant, modern and very Barcelona