Walter Ponce
Service: **★★★★★│**Food: **★★★★★│**Location: ★★★★★│ Price: **★★★★│**Portions: ★★★★★
L’Olivé is a classic Catalan and Mediterranean restaurant on Carrer de Balmes in Barcelona’s Eixample, a few minutes’ walk from Plaça Universitat. It serves Mediterranean and Catalan cooking built on good products: seafood, rice dishes, grilled meat and homemade desserts. My personal experience at this restaurant has been exceptional, and I highly recommend it.
I’ve consistently been suggesting this restaurant to friends visiting Barcelona, and they’ve always left extremely satisfied. It has been my “go to” restaurant for many years and I am a big fan of their cuisine and service.
About Restaurant L’Olivé
Since 1984, L’Olivé has been serving fresh and contemporary cuisine without interpreters. The menu offers a wide variety of seafood and land-based dishes, focusing on good products and their correct handling. The chef, César Pastor, is in charge of the gastronomic proposal, and everything, including desserts, is homemade.
The interior is a combination of traditional and modern touches, with large rooms and careful decoration by the studio of Lázaro Rosa-Violán. It is a perfect place for any type of celebration. Upon entering, there is a small lounge area with a bar and sofas, ideal for a cocktail or a drink before or after dinner.
There is an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs craft each dish. The dining area is split into two sections. One has hexagonal tiled floors, shelves with jugs and a striking olive tree as the centrepiece. The other has a more traditional feel, with countryside and nature paintings on well-lit walls and rustic wooden floors.
The wine list is impressive, with over 125 references, national and international, from exclusive Priorats to prestigious Bordeaux or Burgundy.
L’Olivé menu: what to order
These are the dishes I have ordered over two visits. The menu changes over time, so use the official menu link below for the current version.
My 2023 visit
I began with starters to share. The Cantabrian anchovies were fresh and tender, while the bellota ham croquettes were perfectly crispy and creamy. The Padrón peppers were good but lacked uniqueness, unlike the intense duck terrine with sweet apple and strawberries.
The true star was the mellow deboned oxtail with mashed potatoes. The meat was incredibly tender, and the sauce showed patience and expertise in its preparation. The comforting “grandma style” mashed potatoes complemented the dish perfectly.
The highlight was the hand-cut Ox Steak Tartar, which I saw being prepared in the open kitchen. I chose the mild version, and the combination of flavours with the egg yolk and pepper was exquisite.
Next came the grilled octopus with Iberian bacon and parmentier, a burst of flavours with the hidden Iberian bacon as a delightful touch. The last hot dish was the grilled red tuna tataki with foie poêlé, an explosion of umami with a rich meat juice gravy. I finished with the house cheesecake, super creamy and homemade.
My 2024 visit
I kicked off with the creamy cod fritters, delightful little bites packed with flavour, followed by the fresh burratina with tomatoes, a refreshing start. For the main course I had the seafood and fish paella (without shells): a generous portion, bursting with seafood and cooked to perfection. To round off the meal, a slice of cheesecake and an espresso.
My visit was as wonderful as ever. The atmosphere was cozy, the service impeccable and the food outstanding. It’s no wonder this restaurant remains a favourite of mine.
Where is L’Olivé? Address and getting there
Address L’Olivé: Carrer de Balmes, 47, 08007 Barcelona
The restaurant is in the Eixample, between Plaça Universitat and Passeig de Gràcia, close to Rambla de Catalunya and the modernist buildings of Passeig de Gràcia, such as Casa Batlló. The nearest metro stations are Universitat (L1 and L2) and Passeig de Gràcia (L2, L3 and L4), and the FGC station Provença is also close.
Website Restaurant L’Olivé: https://restaurantlolive.com/es/el-restaurante/
Menu Restaurant L’Olivé: https://restaurantlolive.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/LOLIVE-ENG_web.pdf
Instagram L’Olivé: https://www.instagram.com/lolive_bcn/
Is L’Olivé worth it?
For me, yes. L’Olivé stands out as a must-visit in Barcelona for anyone who loves top-notch Mediterranean and Catalan dishes. It is central and easy to reach by public transport, and whether you’re celebrating with friends, family or colleagues, I highly recommend it. The pricing is fair and in line with similar restaurants in the city, neither cheap nor excessively expensive, and the service is consistently exceptional.
If you are in the same part of the Eixample and want something more casual, Paco Meralgo is a lively tapas bar nearby. For more ideas, see my list of where to eat in Barcelona.
Tips for your visit
- Book ahead, especially for dinner and weekends.
- Eat at Spanish hours. Lunch usually starts from around 13:30 and dinner from around 20:30 or later.
- Share starters. A few plates for the table is a good way to try more of the menu.
- Ask about the wine list. Catalonia has excellent wine regions, such as Priorat and Penedès.
Menus, prices and opening hours change, so check the restaurant’s website before you go.
More photos
FAQ
Where is Restaurant L’Olivé in Barcelona? At Carrer de Balmes 47, in the Eixample district near Plaça Universitat. It is often searched as “Lolive” or “L Olive” Barcelona.
What is on the L’Olivé menu? Mediterranean and Catalan cuisine: seafood, rice dishes such as paella, meat dishes like oxtail and steak tartare, and homemade desserts.
What are the reviews of Restaurant L’Olivé like? My own review is five stars for service, food, location and portions. It has been my go-to restaurant in Barcelona for years.
Since when has L’Olivé been open? The restaurant has been serving guests since 1984.
Is it good for celebrations? Yes. The large rooms and lounge bar make it a popular choice for groups and special occasions.
Do I need a reservation? It is recommended, especially for dinner and at weekends.
