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Cantina Machito
Click here to view map Click here to launch website Talked of as the best Mexican in Barcelona, Cantina Machito is in an elegant location, has a brilliant dining space with an interesting and authentic décor and is so popular that you really have to go early if you want any chance of getting a table as they don't accept reservations. So does it live up to the hype? For a long time now I’ve been very happy with my discovery of Las Mañanitas which is still my favourite for great quality homemade tex-mex cuisine, but Cantina Machito with its much stricter Mexican fare intrigued me. After I’d taken in the funky décor, the first thing that impressed me about the place was the drinks list. Fresh and frozen Margaritas, Mexican beers, tequilas and most intriguing a mixed beer and margarita concoction which basically ends up tasting like an extremely tasty and refreshing shandy, with a kick, at only €2.90 for close to a pint. We got down to the serious business of ordering our food, assisted by the menu’s lively stories of the origins of each dish. As I said before, the dishes on offer are not your straight up typical selection that you get in most Mexican restaurants. Cantina Machito’s menu is much purer and the north American influence is altogether removed. There is a heavier focus on queso fundido (melted cheese with a variety of fillings) mole, (savoury chocolate sauce) and Mexican soups. However there are some staple favourites like enchiladas, tacos and nachos if you’re hesitant to try something new. Portions are certainly substantial, my enchilada Suiza (filled with chicken rice and vegetables) took up the plate and was covered with blocks of cheese, sour cream, onions and a sea of red salsa. Like most of the dishes, it cost around €10 and was almost enough in itself to fill me. I really liked the combination of flavours whilst my partner’s Chiliquile was a far less inspiring mix of onions, tacos, beans and guacamole. The tomato salsa that came with it was a little mild, as was all the food I tried there so clearly this is still Mexican food designed for Catalans. The nachos we had were good but why must it cost €8 for a plate of chips, cheese and guacamole? The decoration throughout the restaurant is fantastic with overblown shrines to the virgin, Mariachi hats and dolls, colourful bunting and strange Metal hanging sculptures. Service was a little disappointing and after the initial ten minutes of special attention we were forgotten about as the restaurant became busier so that we never received our requested dessert menu and so trotted off home. Overall I’d say it’s worth a try but for me Las Mañanitas reigns supreme!

Address:

Carrer de Torrijos 47, 08012

Area:

Gracia

Nearest Metro:

Fontana
Joanic

Opening times:

Daily:1-4:30pm, 7pm-1:30am

Price range:

€15-20pp

Food types:

Mexican