Walter Ponce
In Barcelona, when you discover a new place, not only must the food be excellent, but the proposal must provide ‘something’ different.
Bar Omar has found the formula for success: a fun proposal on the menu, good service and a charismatic chef (and a good resume behind him).
With a timeless name and made up of two words, I was attracted by the illuminated sign that presides over the door of your kitchen. Bar Omar, is a place that has been open for more than 4 years and has zero pretensions, where the only condition for those who attend is: have a good time while enjoying eating and drinking.
I was received by Omar, the chef and owner of the premises who tells us about the interior design concept of the restaurant. Although for those who have already been, you will know what I am talking about, and it is that the idea of this chef was to create an environment in which people would feel at home, a place that would welcome you as soon as you walked through the door. And from there is the use of wood, cement and that industrial touch that make Bar Omar a very characteristic place where its kitchen is open to diners.
At Bar Omar they have a direct and easy proposal where you can breathe good vibes and in which you can savour small dishes made with quality products, but with a higher execution point than their menu may seem.
As is the case with their roasted peasant chicken croquettes, which with just the first bite we know that they are not just simple croquettes. And what about its bravas, a show served on a plate.
Bar Omar’s menu varies every 4 or 5 months, depending on the season, so if you haven’t visited them in a long time you will find new and tasty dishes to discover.
To accompany all these delicacies, they have several natural wines which will create an unbeatable combination.
I like Bar Omar for surprises such as the aforementioned brioche or boneless chicken wings, tandoori or roasted pumpkin with tofu mayonnaise, Parmesan and beet greens, and for executing with excellence a classic repertoire that includes a steak tartare without fear of spicy and with fresh herb butter, the creamy omelette, as well as the sausage from the pot that it incorporates, the mussels with vicious sauces that change according to the menu.
He has a well elaborated at wine menu with certainly a great selection of white, red and sparkling wines. Ask him for recommendation for the perfect maridage.
Bar Omar Address: Dirección: Carrer d’Amigó, 34, 08021 Barcelona
Bar Omar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baromarbcn
About the Neighbourhood
Bar Omar sits in the upper part of the city, around Sant Gervasi-Galvany, just above Avinguda Diagonal. This is a mostly residential area with elegant buildings, small shops and plenty of local restaurants, and it feels very different from the busy tourist streets of the centre. Many of the city’s most interesting neighbourhood restaurants are found in this part of Barcelona, cooking for a loyal local crowd.
What Is a “Bistro de Barrio”?
In recent years Barcelona has seen a wave of small, relaxed neighbourhood restaurants run by chefs with experience in fine dining. The idea is simple: high-quality products and careful technique, served in an informal setting with sharing plates, a short menu that changes with the seasons and a good list of wines. Bar Omar fits right into this style, with an open kitchen and a menu built around classic bar dishes taken a step further.
Dishes Worth Knowing
- Croquetas: A staple of every Spanish bar. A great croqueta should be crispy outside and creamy inside, with a filling that tastes of the main ingredient.
- Patatas bravas: Fried potatoes with a spicy sauce, and in Barcelona often with allioli as well. Every bar has its own recipe.
- Steak tartare: Hand-cut raw beef seasoned at the table or in the kitchen, often with mustard, capers and spices.
- Tortilla: The Spanish omelette, which many places serve slightly runny in the centre.
- Mussels: A Mediterranean classic, here served with changing sauces.
About Natural Wine
Natural wines are made with minimal intervention: grapes grown without synthetic chemicals, fermented with native yeasts and bottled with little or no added sulphites. They can taste fresher, cloudier or more unusual than conventional wines, which is part of their appeal. Catalonia has become one of the most active regions in Europe for natural wine, with small producers in the Penedès, the Empordà, the Conca de Barberà and the Terra Alta. If you are curious, ask the staff to suggest a glass that fits the dishes you order.
Tips for Your Visit
- Book ahead, as small neighbourhood restaurants can fill up quickly, especially at weekends.
- Check current hours before you go. Many restaurants in Barcelona close on Sundays or Mondays and during part of August.
- Order several dishes to share so you can try more of the menu.
- Ask about the current menu. Since the dishes change every few months, some items mentioned above may not be available.
- Dinner is late in Spain. Most locals sit down from around 9 pm.
How to Get There
The nearest public transport options are the FGC stations at Muntaner and Sant Gervasi, plus several bus lines along Diagonal, Muntaner and Balmes. From the centre, a taxi takes around 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. Confirm the exact address on the restaurant’s Instagram before you go.
What to Do Nearby
- Turó Park: A small, elegant garden, perfect for a walk.
- Mercat de Galvany: A beautiful early 20th-century market hall with local produce.
- Shopping around Diagonal: Fashion and design stores along Avinguda Diagonal and nearby streets.
FAQ
What kind of food does Bar Omar serve? Small sharing plates based on quality products, mixing Catalan and Mediterranean classics with creative touches.
Does the menu change? Yes, the menu changes roughly every four or five months, following the seasons.
Does Bar Omar have natural wines? Yes, the wine list includes natural wines as well as a selection of whites, reds and sparkling wines.
Do I need a reservation? It is recommended, especially for weekend dinners.
Is it good for a casual dinner? Yes. The relaxed setting and sharing plates make it ideal for an informal meal.
