San Diego’s New Spanish Inspired Restaurant and Bar Brings a Taste of Spain to Little Italy
Written and Photos by Chris Stone
Spanish food is for some reason not found throughout San Diego, and that’s a shame. We share a similar climate, have similar interests (seafood, good wine, and spices) and is best enjoyed after a sun soaked day on the beach. Luckily for us a new spot has opened up right in time for summer. Serving up an impressive spread of cured meats, cheese, tasty seafood and some more unique dishes. Barra Oliba will transport you to the sunny cities of Barcelona and Madrid, and San Sebastián.
Dining Room at Barra Oliba
Inspired by the diverse and often misinterpreted cuisine of Spain, the dedicated owners of Barra Oliba are on a passionate mission to share their deep love for the time they have spent immersed in this vibrant country. It is here that Chef De Cuisine Josh Mayhew skillfully crafts a concise yet thoughtfully curated menu that features both popular favorites and some lesser-known dishes that truly showcase the chef’s remarkable culinary skills. By utilizing no seed oils and exclusively high-quality Spanish extra virgin olive oil, patrons can expect to find enticing bites such as plancha-fired Galician-style octopus, perfectly dry-aged striped seabass served with rich black rice, and, of course, the always legendary gambas al ajillo.
The must order Gambas Al Aijilo
What truly impresses me about Chef Josh’s thoughtfully crafted menu is undoubtedly the exceptional Raw Bar. Utilizing a unique and custom-designed dry aged fish fridge, he expertly cures a variety of both local and imported fish, allowing their flavors to subtly evolve and transform as they age under very specific temperature and humidity conditions. Diners can expect to encounter an enticing selection, including dry aged blue fin tuna tartare, dry aged kanpachi, and a rotating assortment of other exquisite options, depending on what’s in season and available.
Dry Aged Bluefin Tuna Belly
Pair those delightful bites with an impressive and thoughtfully selected assortment of sommelier curated Spanish wines, craft cocktails, and expertly crafted digestifs that are specifically designed to complement and enhance the flavors of those traditional Spanish tapas.
A phenomenal selection of Spanish wines are available
What To Order
Gallegan Style Octopus with steamed potatoes, EVOO, aioli and Spanish Paprika
Dry Aged Blue Fin Tuna Tartare
Dry Aged Kanpachi Crudo with salmorejo, trout roe, EVOO
Gambas Al Ajillio
Boqueron and Anchovy Toast with pepper vinaigrette
Red Sangria
Cozy up to the bar at Barra Oliba for a vermouth