Walter Ponce
Barcelona has no shortage of seafood restaurants, but most of them look towards the Mediterranean. Sr. Ceviche, on Carrer de Trafalgar 74 (08010), looks across the Atlantic instead, to the coasts of Latin America. It sits in the Sant Pere area of Ciutat Vella, a few minutes from the Arc de Triomf, and it is one of the most reviewed Latin American restaurants in the city.
What is ceviche?
Ceviche is a dish of raw fish or seafood “cooked” in citrus juice, usually lime. The acid changes the texture of the fish, turning it firm and opaque, while it stays fresh and bright. It is most closely associated with Peru, where it is considered a national dish, but versions are found all along the Pacific coast of Latin America, from Mexico to Ecuador and Chile.
A classic Peruvian ceviche mixes fish with lime, red onion, chilli, salt and coriander. The marinade left in the bowl is called leche de tigre (“tiger’s milk”), and it is so popular that it is often served on its own as a drink or shot. Modern ceviche bars play with the formula, adding fruits, flowers, coconut or plant-based versions.
What we ordered
- Several ceviche bowls, including a hibiscus-flower ceviche and a vegan ceviche from the menu.
- Marinated plantain (plátano macho) bites topped with radish and avocado cream.
- Fresh lemonade-style drinks.
The place
The dining room has a nautical theme, with fishing nets and oars as decoration, a nod to the seafood on the menu. Seats by the windows look out onto the street, which makes them a favourite for people-watching.
What’s on the menu
Ceviche is the main reason to come, but the menu covers more of Latin America:
- Ceviches in several styles, including flower-based and vegan versions.
- A trilogy of ceviches, a good way to try three styles at once.
- Encocado, a seafood stew cooked in coconut milk, typical of the Pacific coast of Ecuador and Colombia.
- Tacos, for something more casual.
- Tres leches, a sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk, popular across Latin America.
- Spicy margaritas and other drinks.
What is plátano macho?
Plátano macho is the Spanish name for the large cooking plantain. Unlike a sweet banana, it is starchy and is usually fried, boiled or baked before eating. Across Latin America and the Caribbean it is served in many forms, from crispy tostones (twice-fried slices) to sweet, caramelised maduros, and it often appears as a side to seafood.
How to order
- Start with a trilogy if it is your first time, to compare different ceviches.
- Add something warm. Encocado or tacos balance the cold, citrusy dishes.
- Try a non-fish option. Vegan and flower-based ceviches show how flexible the dish can be.
- Ask about spice. Ceviche often comes with chilli, and staff can tell you which dishes are hotter.
- Finish with tres leches for a classic Latin American dessert.
Good to know
- Location: Carrer de Trafalgar 74, 08010, near Arc de Triomf.
- Cuisine: Latin American seafood, with vegan options.
- Language: staff speak several languages, which helps if you don’t speak Spanish.
- Seats: window seats are popular, so ask for one if you like watching the street.
- Salt: a few reviewers find some dishes on the salty side, so mention it if you are sensitive.
About Sant Pere and the Arc de Triomf
Carrer de Trafalgar runs along the edge of Sant Pere, part of the district of Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera in Ciutat Vella, Barcelona’s old town. It is a lively mix of old streets, small shops and bars, slightly less touristy than the Gothic Quarter.
The Arc de Triomf, at the top of Passeig de Lluís Companys, was built as the main entrance to the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exhibition. Its red-brick arch leads down a wide promenade towards the Parc de la Ciutadella.
Nearby places worth combining with a meal here:
- Palau de la Música Catalana, the modernist concert hall, a short walk away.
- Mercat de Santa Caterina, with its colourful wavy roof.
- El Born, for bars, boutiques and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar.
- Parc de la Ciutadella, for a walk before or after eating.
Getting there
- Arc de Triomf (metro line L1, plus Rodalies trains): a few minutes on foot.
- Urquinaona (metro lines L1 and L4): also within walking distance.
- From Plaça de Catalunya, it is an easy walk east through the old town.
Best time to visit
Ceviche is a natural choice for warm days, and Barcelona’s long summers suit it well. Popular restaurants in this area fill up in the evenings and at weekends, so it is worth booking ahead, especially if you want a window seat. Lunch on a weekday is usually calmer.
What Google reviewers say
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 7,868 reviews (October 2026).
Ceviche is by far the most mentioned dish, followed by the encocado coconut seafood stew and the trilogy of ceviches. Reviewers also praise the tacos, the tres leches and the spicy margaritas. Many highlight the friendly, multilingual staff, and the window seats are a favourite for people-watching. The critical notes come from a few diners who find some dishes salty.
Verdict
My rating: 2 out of 5. Its Google score is outstanding, but Sr. Ceviche did not convince me. If ceviche is what you are after, it is an easy option near Arc de Triomf; just go in with measured expectations.
FAQ
Where is Sr. Ceviche in Barcelona? At Carrer de Trafalgar 74 (08010), in Sant Pere, a few minutes from the Arc de Triomf.
What kind of food does Sr. Ceviche serve? Latin American seafood, with ceviche as the speciality, plus encocado, tacos and desserts like tres leches.
Does Sr. Ceviche have vegan options? Yes, the menu includes a vegan ceviche.
What should I order at Sr. Ceviche? A trilogy of ceviches is a good start. Reviewers also recommend the encocado, the tacos, the tres leches and the spicy margaritas.
Do you need to book Sr. Ceviche? It is a good idea in the evenings and at weekends, especially if you want a window seat.
What is the nearest metro station to Sr. Ceviche? Arc de Triomf (L1) is a few minutes on foot, and Urquinaona (L1, L4) is also close.
