There’s definitely a great vibe when having dinner at Benzina. Their playlist is eclectic, the cocktails on the menu link the name of the cocktail to famous records (such as Club Tropicana by WHAM) and the pasta they serve is top notch. We had spaghetti carbonara as it should be (guancale, eggs, pepper) and it tasted great. Our waiter was relaxed yet still very professional and prices are exactly where they should be. Looking for an Italian in Barcelona, go to Benzina.

The location is great in a hip neighbourhood with great outdoor seating. The staff were very welcoming and discussed the food options knowledgeably, with excellent recommendations. The tomato salad and zucchini flowers were excellent as were the wine options. Well made pasta options. A wonderful evening all in all.

I was looking forward to dining here. It was lively and trendy. The trouble started when I really didn’t care for much on the antipasto menu, and elected to order from the pasta and main course menu. I have done this several times in Italy. However, the waiter was insistent that one either share pasta or order antipasto plus either pastor or main course, due to timing and portion size. Fine. I decided on a dish of fried prawns and calamari and pasta. The calamari/prawns was mostly calamari, and tasted like it came from Friday’s or carraba’s. The pasta was excellent but portion size extremely small. I regret being pressured by the waiter into ordering this way. He really has no idea how I dine. I’m not a big portion person, but honestly the pasta and main course would have been less filling and more healthy than lousy fried squid. The atmosphere was ok. I guess if you are not American the classic rock vibe is cool. However, it seemed to be the same music you can hear on any radio station in the states from 95-99 on the dial. Service was rushed.

Brilliant restaurant tucked away from the Main Street. Carbonara and ribs were amazing. Great wine list
Our server Oliver was brilliant

A great, great experience. Good cocktails. An interesting wine list. Spectacular food. The Spaghetti Carbonara, in particular, was a revelation. Professional service that's relaxed and friendly. One of the best meals of this year so far.