Pintxo Pote

Pintxo Pote is the most traditional tapas style restaurant I’ve encountered that instantly transports me back to Barcelona.

Practically every restaurant in Barcelona offers countless tapas, many of them coming from a can. Americans may find this disgusting, but in Europe, food packaging and quality standards are of much higher caliber. Personally, I love razor clams and octopus that come from a can!

Of the cooked tapas, my favorites were:

• Grilled Octopus

  • Amazing char on it while still being ridiculousy tender. Oh, and that sauce? Get outta here! I might as well have licked the damn plate.

• Seared scallops

  • Perfectly seared on the outside, and so tender on the inside, my heart melts just thinking about it.

A close second, but not to be discounted:

• Blistered Shishito Peppers

  • Fried spicy salty goodness. Enough said!

• Pan Seared Mushrooms

  • Wild mixed mushrooms finished with a quality salt are incredily popular in Barcelona for good reason. Mushrooms are the gift that keeps on giving. There are so many variations of mushrooms that provide a variety of textures, flavors and countless ways to cook them!

• Sauteed Shrimp

  • Gambas a la Ajilo was a go-to dish of mine in Spain, and always a must-order if I see it on around the Bay Area. Garlic, oil and shrimp? Ummm yes, please.

• Sauteed Meatballs

  • It’s rare I encounter a meatball I don’t love, and this was no different. This was a classic dish that I found incredibly comforting.

If you’re willing to try their jarred/canned tapas (note that these come salty and are meant to be enjoyed with bread), Pintxo Pote usually offers:

• Olives

• Anchovies

• Sardines

• Mussels

Pintxo Pote has a healthy mix of traditional cold tapas and made to order fully cooked dishes as well. Whether you are feeling adventurous or want something more familiar, there is something for everyone here. Also, do yourself a favor and order a bottle of one of their Tempranillos!