You’ll maybe see a few strolling by but you won’t see or hear many tourists in Casa Albert – they’re all too busy spending their money in the nearby overpriced trendy bars and restaurants. For about the same price of a starter (€7.50 incl.tax) at a nearby ‘name’ restaurant you can sit yourself at a table in the small square just around the corner from the grand church of Santa Maria and enjoy a three-course lunch complete with bread, water and a bottle of table wine. This unassuming restaurant-bar serves locals good, cheap traditional wholesome food. You’ll have a choice of five or six first courses and five or six second courses and a selection of desserts (including homemade chocolate mousse). You won’t have to make a reservation, you won’t have to join a line, and you won’t have to pay a supplement to eat on the terrace. Probably the best lunchtime deal you’ll find in the old part of the city (Barrio Gotico and El Born). It’s not fancy but it’s friendly, and the waiter and waitress will speak English if you need help. A good place to eat and drink while watching the world go by. ¡Buen provecho! Please be aware Casa Albert closes at 15:30 and is not open in the evening. Details about this spot (Show on map).jpg)
Image by Haarland Sinclair
Casa Albert | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants (Catalan-Spanish) | Mon – Fri lunch menu € 7.50
Plaça de les Olles 4 | El Borne | +34933191040
Mon – Fri 08:00 – 15:30
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Casa Albert – Big Value in Tiny Square
Tags: Barcelona, Bars, casa albert, cheap, El Borne, local, Restaurants, Snacks, square, traditional.
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Hi Ate, thanks for stopping by and sharing your tips on Casa Albert. Regards
Hello,
I was just looking for a spot to recommend Casa Albert we stumbled upon this tiny spot in April this year. With the sun passing over our heads, and the little terrace in between buildings that were casting shades, we only needed to replace our chairs now and then and had the four of us great tasting and cheap meals in the early spring sun. During lunch periods I would not reccomend sitting inside though, after al the locals have their lunch the place is a mess. I suppose they clean after these luncheon rush hours.
(from The Netherlands)
Hey Bill, Just wanted to let you know that your recommendations for Barcelona really enhanced our first visit to the city. Your recommendation for Casa Albert encouraged us to explore the Borne area – both the area and Casa Albert were excellent. We were staying close to La Flauta, so checked that out too and enjoyed it so much that we went back twice! Thanks for sharing your good experiences with the rest of us. It makes a difference.
Hi Emma & Colin and Charlie, thanks for calling by and leaving a comment. Very glad you enjoyed lunch at the very welcoming Casa Albert. Must go there next time you visit, just to see if it is still as good.
All the best, regards.
Hiya Bill, we just wanted to say (somewhat belatedly) how much we enjoyed eating out at the ‘Casa Albert’. It felt like we experienced a truly authentic Catalan lunch. The waitress was very helpful and accommodating. She could speak English too, brilliant as our Catalan is non – existent; we were made to feel very welcome. Great traditional food and a great place to lose a couple of hours chilling with your lunch. Very child friendly and our little boy still treasures the ‘Casa Albert’ pen which the waitress kindly gave him a souvenir.
Hi Dean, thanks for stopping by and posting your comments. Glad you enjoyed the experience. I was last there in January with a family of friends from the UK – and can confirm it’s a friendly spot for kids. The nine-year old boy in our group didn’t want anything off the menú del dia so, at his request, they prepared him hamburger, egg and fries, with lashings of tomato ketchup – for the same price. One happy kid and a happy, relaxed family. Even though the locals were keeping the single waitress busy nothing was too much trouble – bringing extra wine and bread when asked (at no extra cost)- and, after asking for the check, serving all the grown ups coffee (at no extra cost) and giving the boy a lollipop and a funky biro and some paper so he could doodle while his parents relaxed. very family friendly.
Thanks Dean, regards, Bill Sinclair
Bill, it was just as you said: friendly place in a beautiful little square, with good food at good prices. We were definitely the only tourists at Casa Albert when we ate there. Honestly, they looked a little shocked to see me walk in with my wife and kids! But, they were so very gracious, and sat us outside at our request. Our waitress spoke enough English to help us understand the menu. There were 6 first courses and 6 second courses to choose from. Our first course choices included a very hearty chicken soup with noodles, paella and potatoes with aioli. For the second course we chose a steak with fries, and baked hake. Everything was very fresh and tasty, and included bread, bottled water and wine! All for less than 8 Euro. What a deal, and we felt as though we were enjoying lunch as locals do. Thanks for the recommendation!
Hi Joseph, thanks for stopping by. Yes, you’re right, the place has recently had a make over, and yes, the food wasn’t as good then then as it is now. I was going to mention the fact but I thought visitors do not really need to know that – only know that NOW it is a fairly good, cheap place to enjoy lunch in one of the busiest tourist areas of the city. Maybe I should edit references to ‘years’. Thanks.
This place has just been reformed in the past 6 months or so and is now somewhat acceptable. Before the reform, it was one of the filthiest bars around, fine for a quick drink or to buy tobacco but to eat???? No way!! It was most certainly authentic, that can not be denied.