Innovative Mediterranean cooking, biodynamic wines and cool-but-casual vibes in the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.
A bonafide thoroughbred, Cometa Pla was created by the same team behind Barcelona’s fabled Bar del Pla and Restaurante Pla.
But unlike its predecessors, this new arrival forgoes the traditional flavours of Spain’s historical cookbook in favour of lighter and healthier dishes. There’s also plenty for vegetarians and vegans to get excited about.
The Vibe
Relaxed and informal. The décor is simple but stylish, with bulky wooden furniture that looks like it was made from old barn house beams. Quirky lighting fills the space with a homely golden glow.
The shelves are lined with colourful bottles of wine and there are boxes of the stuff stacked up in every available space. It’s feels a bit like you’re dining in a wine cellar.
Staff are friendly and know the menu and wines inside out. Nothing hoity-toity about the service. No pretences here.
The Food
Cometa Pla is all about quality organic produce, which chef Guiseppe Padula sources from local producers.
Try the signature ‘tatin de cebolla’, an interesting juxtaposition of smooth and salty ‘burrata’ cream cheese foam contrasted with a sweet and crunchy roasted onion, before moving onto organic braised lamb served over a bed of bulgur wheat and fennel purée, and swordfish tatami with citrus and seaweed (my personal favourite).
Vegetarian? How does grilled eggplant with smoked tofu and nori sound?
The creativity continues with desserts like peach pie with matcha green tea cake and lychees, palate scouringly sharp deconstructed lemon merengue, and the boozy pisco sour sorbet.
The Wine
The wine menu features a strong selection of natural, organic and biodynamic wines from boutique Catalan wineries.
Try the white from the L’Apical winery in the nearby Penédes region for a reintroduction to what Catalunya’s legendary Macabeu grape can do.
If you haven’t tried biodynamic wines before then rest assured that they are every bit as refined as “normal” wines.
Cometa Pla is probably one of the best places in Barcelona to taste and learn about this new breed of wines as the staff are all trained sommeliers and are more than happy to put a wine paring menu together to accompany your meal.
If you’d rather order a bottle, don’t be afraid to ask for a few tasters before you commit to one bottle.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for tapas beyond ‘bravas, croquettes and pimientos’, and interesting Catalan wines, Cometa Pla should most definitely be on your list.
Prices are more than reasonable and every dish is approached with flair and creativity. Staff are knowledgeable and obviously care a great deal about what they are doing here.
Top marks all the way.
Make it Happen
Address: Carrer del Cometa, 5, 08002
Neighbourhood: Gotico
Website: www.cometapla.cat
Open: Tuesday to Thursday 1–4PM, 7–11PM, Friday and Saturday 1–4PM, 7–11PM
Average Price Per Person: €20-€30
Nearest Metro: Jaume I
