Walter Ponce
La Balabusta (often searched as Labalabusta) is an Israeli restaurant on Carrer del Rosselló in Barcelona’s Eixample, mixing Middle Eastern cooking with Mediterranean ingredients. It is the restaurant of Israeli chef Ronit Stern, who has created a space that feels both exciting and welcoming, whether you are drawn in by the grill, the lively room or the handmade bread fresh from the oven.
The name is Yiddish for the woman who runs a household with confidence and generosity, and that spirit shows in how the food arrives: plenty of it, made for sharing.
A blend of cultures on the plate
Rather than trying to replicate Tel Aviv’s food scene, La Balabusta brings Middle Eastern flavours together with Barcelona’s local ingredients and traditions. The result is food that feels familiar yet different. The chef’s cooking draws on Sephardic, Ashkenazi and North African influences, and the restaurant has been listed in the Michelin Guide.
The kitchen is known for bold, veggie-friendly dishes, crispy fried plates and slow-cooked meats that arrive on simple trays lined with baking parchment: casual yet refined. The menu mixes small plates and larger dishes, so it works best when you share.
La Balabusta menu: the dishes we tried
During my visit, I tried some standout dishes that captured the restaurant’s identity.
Fried feta millefeuille with chilli honey, sesame and citrus
A masterclass in contrast: crispy and flaky outside, creamy and salty inside. The feta is stacked in delicate layers, fried and topped with sweet chilli honey and sesame seeds, while the citrus cuts through the richness. If you love sweet and savoury together, this is a must-order.
Barbecue chicken skewers, baby potatoes, sage and lemon
Charred, juicy and full of flavour, these chicken skewers were a highlight. The smoky, slightly crispy outside gave way to tender, well-seasoned meat, served with roasted baby potatoes, fresh sage and a squeeze of lemon. Hearty yet balanced, and the simplicity let the cooking shine.
Grilled broccoli, tahini and chilli sauce
Grilled vegetables can be as satisfying as a main course when done right. The broccoli was deeply charred, bringing out its sweetness, while the tahini added a creamy, nutty richness and the chilli sauce just enough heat. It is the kind of dish that makes you wonder why you don’t eat more broccoli.
Handmade bread: the unspoken star
Before the main dishes, we were served handmade bread: soft inside with a slightly chewy crust. With olive oil, dips or on its own, it was a simple but essential part of the meal. Bread this good is reason enough to visit.
Drinks to match
The drinks list is as thoughtful as the food. A standout was the Campari Night, with Campari, orange and tarragon. The bitterness was balanced by the citrus and the fresh herbal notes of the tarragon: refreshing and a good match for the bold flavours.
The atmosphere
Walking in, you feel the energy straight away. The restaurant is bright and spacious, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light, and it sits on a corner in the Eixample, a neighbourhood known for modernist architecture and good restaurants.
The walls are deliberately distressed, giving a rustic yet stylish feel. Instead of a formally laid table, cutlery is placed in the middle of the table so you serve yourself, a small detail that adds to the casual, communal mood. From the open kitchen you hear the sizzling pans and the clatter of aluminium trays, which makes you feel part of something lively and real.
La Balabusta reviews: is it worth it?
My rating is four stars across the board: service, food, location, price and portions. Here is why it is worth adding to your Barcelona list:
A different take on Israeli cuisine: not a straight copy of Middle Eastern food, but a blend of local and international influences.
Made for sharing: the menu suits groups, so it is ideal for an evening out with friends or family.
Quality ingredients: from the vegetables to the meats, the emphasis on quality is clear.
A lively, social room: the buzz, the open kitchen and the mix of locals and travellers make it fun and casual.
Where is La Balabusta? Address and getting there
Address: Carrer del Rosselló 180, 08008 Barcelona, in the Eixample.
The closest metro is Diagonal (lines L3 and L5), a short walk away, and the area is also well served by the FGC trains and buses along Balmes and Diagonal. Opening times change by day and season, so check current hours before you go, and book ahead for dinner.
Cuisine: Israeli and Middle Eastern with Mediterranean influences.
Best for: dinner with friends, casual dates or a fun night out.
If you like vegetable-led cooking, also read my review of The Green Spot, and for more ideas see my 50 favourite restaurants in Barcelona.
Final thoughts
Dining at La Balabusta is a journey through flavours that surprises and satisfies. From the crispy fried feta millefeuille to the smoky grilled broccoli, every dish is cooked with intention, and the balance between Israeli traditions and Barcelona’s local produce makes it special. If you love bold, well-executed food in a room that feels effortlessly cool, it is a restaurant you won’t want to miss.
FAQ
What is on the La Balabusta menu? Shared Israeli and Middle Eastern plates: fried feta millefeuille with chilli honey, grilled broccoli with tahini, barbecue chicken skewers, handmade bread and cocktails such as the Campari Night.
Is Labalabusta the same as La Balabusta? Yes. The restaurant is often written as one word, Labalabusta, and you will find it under both spellings.
Is La Balabusta a good Israeli restaurant in Barcelona? I rated it four stars for food, service and value. It blends Israeli cooking with local Mediterranean produce rather than copying Tel Aviv.
Do I need a reservation? It is recommended, especially for dinner, as it tends to fill up.
Are there vegetarian options? Yes. Dishes like the grilled broccoli with tahini and the fried feta millefeuille are vegetarian-friendly.
What is the best dish to try? If you can only pick one, go for the fried feta millefeuille: crispy, creamy and full of flavour.
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