Barcelona's Independent Review Website

Al Passatore
Click here to view map Click here to launch website Despite the delicious universality of the cuisine, Barcelona is not the best place in the world for Italian restaurants, and especially not pizza for that matter - the horrors of telepizza should be not sampled by those with a weak heart (or stomach). The local Al Passatore chain of restaurants, however, provides decent, affordable food at locations across the centre of town. The décor and atmosphere of the restaurants is nothing to write home about. Token efforts at creating an authentic Italian atmosphere, wicker wine cradles, etc. are slightly overshadowed by ugly interiors, large air conditioning pipes and poor decoration. Of the three restaurants, the most attractive is the larger of the two on Pla del Palau, which really is a bit of an improvement on the others but does not have the outside terrace of it's neighbour. It might seem that this damning assessment of the interiors would be the death knell to the review but I really don’t think so. Al Passatore is cheap and food wise you get a pretty good deal for your money. The pizzas, priced between €6-8 are excellent. The base is crisp on the outside and soft within, there is plenty of tomato sauce (a must for a good pizza in my book) and a wide selection of toppings (with over 35 different pizzas). They also have a very cheap menu del dia (just €6.90 on weekdays, €9.90 weekends) with two menus offering either a small pizza and salad or a three course selection of pasta, meat and salad dishes with desert, plus there’s a drink included with each menu. When I have eaten the non-pizza option it has been substantial and filling with a less than exciting desert but generally good value for money. In my opinion, Al Passatore’s weakest point is their pasta dishes. They do the basics ok, decent spaghetti Bolognese etc, but more sophisticated dishes - as well as risottos and rice dishes - are rather stodgy and bland. Overall though the chain offers good value for money and mainly tasty food and- as their website exclaims - you can “fill like in Italy!”

Address:

Pla del Palau, 8,
08003

Area:

Born

Nearest Metro:

Barceloneta
Jaume I

Opening times:

Daily 1pm-12am

Price range:

€10 pp

Food types:

Italian
Menu Del Dia