There are some restaurants which become fashionable, which appear on all the lists and which everyone talks about. Then there are restaurants which aren't as well known, they go unnoticed, but have been open for years, have their regular clientele and where you eat well and without complications. One such restaurant is the one we'd like to present to you this week. It's called Ferrum and it's been open for 12 years. Respect!
The restaurant is located in Barcelona's Eixample neighbourhood, specifically on the corner of carrer Còrsega and carrer Girona. It's not particularly big, it can seat some 40 people split, the great majority, between small two-person tables. The decoration is sober but elegant: stone walls, a high ceiling with Catalan vaulting, wooden floor, nice lighting, tables with tablecloths and eclectic red chairs. In short, a good place to go as a couple or with a smaller group of friends.
Juan Carlos, an ex-sommelier from Galicia, is one of the owners of Ferrum. He's in charge of the day-to-day running of the restaurant and can been seen attending to diners and coordinating the kitchen for the service to be quick. The gastronomic offerings, which he's planned with his faithful team, can vary based on what looks good in the market in the morning with local, seasonal products, cooked to respect their flavour and essence.
We're convinced that, whoever you take, from your grandmother to your brother-in-law, they'll find something on the extensive menu that takes their fancy. It's split between starters (6-12€; £5-11, $7-13), fish dishes (13-21€; £11-18, $14-25) and meat dishes (12-21€; £11-18, $13-25). Something we especially liked was the "half portion" option for the great majority of the dishes. Very interesting for a lighter supper, or if you want to look after your figure with the holiday season approaching! The wine menu is also long, with non-commercial choices and suitable for all budgets.
Filet de vaca gallega (Fillet of Galician beef)
Croquetes de pernil i bacallà (Ham and cod croquettes)
During our visit, we order half portions of a range of dishes. All of them at the same level according to our criteria. Regardless, we think that, when you go, you have to try the following:
The Ous Ferrum (Ferrum eggs), because they've been on the menu for 11 years, will leave you wanting some bread to mop up the juices and are the restaurant's signature dish. The Tataki de tonyina (Tuna tataki), because although you can find it on many menus, we liked the salty-sweet touch from combining the fish with the caramelised onion. The Peus de porc (Pigs trotters), because they are well sealed on the grill and the pine nut sauce was great. Finally, the Lemon pie, because the base was crunchy and the lemon curd was very well-balanced between sweet and sharp.
Ous Ferrum
Tataki de tonyina
Peus de porc
Lemon pie
In short, it's one of those places a little off the radar, but well known for its midday menu by locals and the occasional lost tourist. You'll eat well, can take anyway, the atmosphere is friendly and you'll be well served. What more do you want?
| Score | ||
|---|---|---|
| Food | Wine | |
| 67 | 68 | |
| Service | Premises | |
| 69 | 69 | |
| Price | Miguelín Stars | |
| 35€ (£31, $41) | ||
| Per person: 4/5 dishes to share + glass of wine. Midday menu 14.50€ | ||
Where is Ferrum?
Address: C/ Còrsega, 400, 08037 Barcelona
Telephone: (+34) 934 57 76 10
Opening hours: From Monday to Saturday from 1pm to 4pm and from 8:30pm to 11:30pm. Sundays shut.
Website: www.restaurantferrum.cat