La Rosa del Raval: Reasonably priced Mexican food in colourful and unusual surroundings
La Rosa del Raval is an unusualy decorated Mexican restaurant offering reasonably priced, simple, tasty food.
La Rosa del Raval’s decor
La Rosa del Raval is a sort of Latino kitsch temple, but even though the Mexican identity of the restaurant is clearly established it is still unmistakably a Barcelona restaurant. The result is coherent, modern and pleasant.
This makes La Rosa del Raval a unique and fun place that seems to be somewhere between Cancun and Barcelona, which is a pretty nice mix.
Atmosphere at La Rosa del Raval
All the tables here are lively with conversations and laughter, and the atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly.
The restaurant is very popular so we advise you to get there early to eat, as this will prevent you having to wait for a free table. Although if that should happen you should definitely have a drink at the bar while you wait.
The good news for those on small budgets is that the starter or main course prices range between 5 and 10 euros.
Starters
Although the decor might be Barcelona-Mexico, the food is 100% Mexican.
As a starter you can try nachos with guacamole, stuffed peppers with melted cheese or even a ceviche (fish cooked in lime juice) with mango, ginger and avocado.
And if you’re not the adventurous type you can still feast on the ample chicken or pawn salads.
Main courses
Next you will mainly choose from a range of tortilla dishes.
For those with a large appetite there are enchiladas, preferable to the burritos, served well but a little dry.
Smaller stomachs will love the quesadillas, little cornflour pancakes with meat and cheese. I advise you to go for the one with pineapple-marinaded chicken (the quesadillas gringas), it’s a winner!
And if you appreciate a rich, fragrant and tasty dish, go for the fajitas of beef, chicken or prawns. Served on a sizzling hot plate, the aroma alone will make your mouth water.
Desserts
For dessert, La Rosa del Raval offers a chocolate fondant cake, a dulce de leche pancake, and a white chocolate pistachio mousse.
A sweet end to your meal should cost you around 5 or 6 euros.
Mojitos and margaritas
One of the attractions of La Rosa del Raval is in the mojitos and margaritas for 3.50 euros.
Although they’re not made exclusively from fresh ingredients, I always enjoy them, particularly the summer fruits mojito, which goes great with the quesadillas gringas!
If you want to check out the competition’s mojitos you should try the ones at Rabipelao bar.
On everything La Rosa del Raval wins.
