b-guided > Barcelona

b-served Gastronomy

Sumac & Mambo

Eastern Mediterranean cuisine

By Brian Gallagher 30.06.21

With all the variety of cuisines that Barcelona has to offer it’s surprising that there aren’t more Eastern Mediterranean restaurants. The flavours of Libya, Iran and beyond like their western counterpart have a definite character, one that is inspired by the unique variety of foods available there. Renowned for its dishes where herbs and spices are combined with Mediterranean fruits like plums, quince, apricots and pomegranate served with meat and other vegetables.  Persian cooking is however just one of the attractions of Sumac & Mambo, the latest addition to a collection of great restaurants on C/ Enric Granados.

There is a powerful playful ingredient to Sumac & Mambo, like the name Sumac inspired by the mambo recordings of Yma Sumac the famous Peruvian opera singer. An eclectic music selection and the upbeat waiting staff create a sense of joy. Another of the more playful sides of Sumac & Mambo is visible from the entrance, a beer tasting bar counter with a back-lit signage that lists the 15 varieties of beer available on tap. The idea is to pair the dishes with different beers, and even for anyone who is not a great fan of beer you are guaranteed to find something appealing. The resident bartender, a beer sommelier is the ideal person to consult for the uninitiated.

  • Sumac & Mambo

     

    The food menu is divided into dishes for sharing and main courses. Be warned the helpings are generous, and the food is rich so it’s probably best to start slowly and see how you get on. The grilled dishes are the highlight at Sumac & Mambo, amongst the mains are the ‘Koobideh’Espeto de ternera, served with Basmati rice, the Kebab as well as a selection of fresh fish and seafood. The starters which are ideal for sharing include typical dishes representing Eastern Mediterranean cuisine with varied textures and flavours, including: Creamy Goat’s cheese, Naan pizza, Cous-Cous croquettes, Pumpkin hummus. There is also a good selection of side dishes like the grilled Corn cob, Naan bread and Sumac salad.

  • Sumac & Mambo
  • Sumac & Mambo

    The interior space is beautifully decorated and cannot really be appreciated till you go right inside to the rear area. The lower ceiling at the front with its banquette seating and stools opens up to the open plan kitchen with a taller ceiling and a large dining area. Bright colours and fabrics together with wicker cane chairs and screens create a welcoming and attractive place to spend time. One of the walls includes a floor to ceiling pair of stunning mosaics with figurative portraits.   

  • Sumac & Mambo