This Barcelona-style eatery is neither a restaurant nor a bar. It’s somewhere in between. You can eat a little or a lot, whilst drinking great wines, vermouth, homemade sangria or small bottles of Estrella Damm. Small for Munich standards that is.
Offering sharing platters and other smaller bites, the focal point of the menu is clearly jamón ibérico. It appears in salads, on flat breads, on pa amb tomàquet (rye bread with tomatoes and olive oil) or all by itself. A real highlight is the melt-in-your-mouth jamón ibérico de bellota – from free-range pigs raised in oak forests along the Spain-Portugal border.
Behind the concept and the menu is Gemma Ripol Soler. Originally from Barcelona, she is self-confessed jamón ibérico obsessed. “I used to eat it every day,” she tells us. But when she moved to Munich, no matter how much she put in her suitcase or had her friends bring over, she eventually ran out. It was through discussing the “dilemma” with others, that the idea of bringing a piece of home to Germany developed.
It’s not all about pigging out though. Barna also has an excellent selection of Spanish cheeses, such as manchego, ibores, idiazabal, mahón and cabrales, as well as great pinxos, buñuelos de bacalao (salt cod fritters), croquetas and boquerones en vinagre (fresh anchovies marinated in vinegar) – most of which are directly imported from Spain. The previously mentioned breads also come with other toppings such as aubergines and grilled peppers.
Gemma searched for a location for almost two years, eventually finding a spot close to the banks of the Isar. Located in a new-build complex, Barna has a modern, slightly industrial, feel with exposed pipes, minimalist lighting and plain grey walls. Whatever the night of the week, you will find a relaxed and uncomplicated vibe and consistently good food. Hams down, some of the best Spanish food in town.
Address
Auenstr. 124, 80469 München
Opening times
Mon – Thu | 17.00 – 23:00
Fri – Sat | 11.30 – 01:00
Sun | 11.30 – 23:00