Have you ever wondered where to find the absolute best chicken in Barcelona? Look no further than A Pluma – a gourmet chicken place that’s turned the humble bird into a culinary masterpiece. I recently had the chance to visit this little gem, and I just HAD to share my experience with you all!
What Makes A Pluma So Special?
A Pluma isn’t your average chicken joint. Located in the charming Sarrià neighborhood of Barcelona, this tiny restaurant has created quite a buzz in the city’s competitive food scene. And after tasting their chicken, I totally understand why!
Founded by chef Eugeni de Diego (who previously worked at the legendary elBulli under Ferran Adrià), A Pluma focuses on one thing: making the most delicious rotisserie chicken you’ve ever tasted. But don’t let the simple concept fool you – the execution is anything but basic.
The name “A pluma” refers to a special cut of chicken breast that still has its skin and cartilage attached. This cut is prized for its juiciness, and Chef de Diego knows exactly how to prepare it to perfection
The Secret Behind That Amazing Chicken
So what’s their secret? Here’s what makes their chicken so special
- Special cooking method – De Diego cooks the chickens for two hours over vegetal charcoal at high temperature in a Josper oven
- Perfect texture – The result is chicken with incredibly crispy skin and juicy, tender meat
- Smoky flavor – The charcoal imparts an intense, smoky flavor that’s absolutely addictive
- Quality ingredients – Only the finest local ingredients make it onto your plate
- Technical precision – The same level of seriousness and skill as a Michelin-starred restaurant
When I bit into that first piece of chicken, I was blown away. The skin was crackling crispy, while the meat underneath remained incredibly moist. And the FLAVOR! Smoky, herby, and intensely chicken-y in the best possible way.
The Full A Pluma Experience
Walking into A Pluma’s tiny dining room on Carrer Santaló, you immediately know you’re somewhere special. With only about 25 seats between the indoor and outdoor space, it feels intimate and exclusive.
One of the first things I noticed was the open kitchen where you can watch Chef de Diego and his team at work. There’s something really special about seeing the care that goes into preparing each dish.
The menu is refreshingly simple – just a few chicken dishes, sides, desserts, and drinks. The star is obviously the rotisserie chicken, which comes with different sauce options like curry and mole. When it arrives at your table, it’s beautifully presented – bronzed chicken with sauce artfully drizzled on top.
Some of my fellow diners went full caveman mode, eating the chicken with their hands to get every last morsel. Others (like me) explored the sides, which range from classics like patatas bravas to more unique dishes like their amazing tomato salad with fresh peeled tomatoes.
And don’t even get me started on dessert! The roasted pineapple is a must-try – roasted and spiced fresh pineapple dressed with honey and mint. It’s the perfect sweet ending to a savory meal.
Why Foodies Are Obsessed With A Pluma
There’s a reason A Pluma has earned such a glowing reputation in Barcelona. Here’s why food lovers can’t get enough:
The Chicken
This ain’t your mama’s rotisserie chicken (unless your mama is a culinary genius). From sourcing to cooking techniques, it’s simply some of the best chicken you’ll ever eat.
Creative Sides
The sides might seem simple, but they’re prepared with incredible skill and showcase high-quality ingredients that perfectly complement the main event.
Attention to Detail
Everything at A Pluma shows meticulous attention, from ingredient sourcing to the beautiful plating of each dish.
Great Value
For about €20-30 per person, you can enjoy a truly exceptional meal – a bargain considering the quality and experience.
Intimate Setting
The tiny dining room creates a fun, intimate atmosphere. It feels like Chef de Diego is cooking just for you!
A Pluma’s Growing Popularity
Since opening in 2014, A Pluma has become one of the hottest tables in Barcelona. The restaurant has tried to balance staying small and maintaining quality while meeting high demand.
Good news for chicken lovers – they’ve expanded to a second location in Barcelona’s Raval neighborhood! They also offer takeaway service if you want to enjoy that amazing chicken at home or in your hotel room.
But the original A Pluma still maintains its intimate charm. Be warned though – getting a table usually requires booking well in advance, especially on weekends. Trust me, it’s worth planning ahead for!
Planning Your A Pluma Visit
If you’re headed to Barcelona and want to experience this chicken paradise, here are my tips:
- Book Early – Try to reserve at least 2 weeks ahead, even more for weekends
- Consider Off-Peak Times – Try opening time at 12:30pm or late weeknights for better walk-in chances
- Try Both Locations – Check out the Raval location if Sarrià is fully booked
- Don’t Skip the Sides – The chicken is amazing, but the sides are stellar too
- Takeaway Option – If you can’t get a table, call ahead for takeaway
- Make a Night of It – Enjoy drinks and tapas in Sarrià before your reservation
Where To Find A Pluma
A Pluma now has two locations in Barcelona:
Original Location (Sarrià):
Santaló 39
08021 Barcelona
Phone: 93 499 88 64
Second Location (Gràcia):
Carrer Gran de Gràcia 7
08006 Barcelona
Phone: 93 023 03 92
You can also follow them on Instagram (@a_pluma) or Facebook (@APLUMACHICKEN) for mouth-watering photos and updates. For questions, email them at [email protected].
What Others Are Saying
Don’t just take my word for it – A Pluma has received rave reviews from numerous publications:
- Timeout praised “A Pluma The Chicken Gourmet Place”
- Bon Viveur wrote about “A Pluma, cuando el pollo conoció lo gourmet” (when chicken met gourmet)
- La Vanguardia described their dishes as “Preparaciones sencillas pero impecables” (simple but impeccable preparations)
- La información called it “Un ejemplo más de como se pueden reinventar con éxito conceptos que parecían agotados” (another example of how seemingly exhausted concepts can be successfully reinvented)
My Final Thoughts
A Pluma has completely changed my perspective on what chicken can be. Chef Eugeni de Diego has taken something familiar and elevated it to an art form. The combination of perfectly cooked chicken, creative sides, and intimate setting creates a dining experience that’s truly special.
If you’re in Barcelona, making time for A Pluma should be a priority – especially if you’re a food lover. Just remember to book well in advance! The hardest part will be deciding whether to be civilized and use your utensils or to pick up that chicken with your hands to ensure you don’t miss a single delicious bite.
We’ve all had roast chicken before, but trust me when I say – you haven’t REALLY had chicken until you’ve had it at A Pluma. It’s that good.
If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more foodie tips and hidden gems like A Pluma. Your taste buds will thank you!
Why Freebirds Has an Avid Fanbase
With its laidback California roots and emphasis on individuality, Freebirds has earned an avid following over the decades. Fans love being able to fully customize their Tex-Mex experience.
Some key reasons Freebirds has such loyal customers:
- Fresh, quality ingredients – Freebirds uses high-quality ingredients prepared in-house daily like queso, beans, salsas, and tortillas.
- Customizable options – With so many ingredients and unlimited combinations, you can craft your perfect meal every time.
- Unique flavors – Signature sauces, queso, and proteins like pollo asado create a standout Freebirds taste.
- Generous portions – Burritos and bowls are stuffed full with your chosen ingredients and flavors.
- Reasonable prices – Considering the portions and quality, Freebirds offers great value for the cost.
- Fun atmosphere – Lively, colorful decor and upbeat music create a vibrant, casual Freebirds vibe.
The brand has a reputation for encouraging customers to let their freak flag fly and make each meal exactly how they want it. That appeals to its young, hungry fanbase seeking their own unique culinary experience.
What Makes Freebirds Unique?
The heart of Freebirds is its build-your-own burrito and bowl concept. Guests can choose from over 20 ingredients to fully customize their meal exactly to their liking.
Some signature ingredients that set Freebirds apart include:
- Tortillas baked in-house daily – Freshly baked tortillas make a difference you can taste. Customers can choose from flour, wheat, spinach, and corn tortillas.
- Signature sauces – Freebirds has seven signature sauces ranging from cool ranch to fiery habanero. They add a flavor punch to every bite.
- Mexican rice and beans – Freebirds uses flavorful Mexican rice and pinto or black beans slow-cooked from scratch in all its burritos and bowls.
- Queso – Smooth, creamy queso can be added to any order or enjoyed on its own with chips for dipping.
- Pollo Asado – Marinated, fire-grilled chicken adds hearty protein to burritos and bowls.
Freebirds also serves Tex-Mex with more unusual ingredients, such as quinoa, jackfruit, and ghost pepper sauce. People with special dietary needs can choose from dishes like avocado tortillas and cauliflower rice.
This variety allows customers to get exactly the flavors they crave and adjust spice levels to their tastes. Whether you like mild or super-hot, Freebirds has you covered.
While the burritos and bowls make up the bulk of Freebirds’ menu, the chain has some other standout items as well:
Freebirds nachos come with freshly fried chips, beans, queso, pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream. You can order them with meat or vegetables. They make the ultimate sharable appetizer.
Tacos come in crispy or soft corn tortillas topped with meat, lettuce, pico de gallo, and cheese. Tacos are a lighter option compared to the bigger burritos.
These quesadillas are toasted and melted cheese. They can be filled with meat, vegetables, or both. They come with sour cream and pico de gallo to dip them in.
Salads offer a healthy, lighter choice with greens, veggies, beans, cheese, and protein. The Baja and Santa Fe salads are customer favorites.
Freebirds’ kids meals cater to younger tastes with quesadillas, tacos, or burritos with rice and beans or applesauce.
To wash it all down, Freebirds has an array of fountain drinks, along with aguas frescas like hibiscus and strawberry, and Mexican coke made with real cane sugar.
No matter what you choose, it’s all customizable to your preferences at Freebirds!
Comiendo el pollo asado en A Pluma Barcelona
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