Xemei
Buzzing Barcelona spot serving authentic Venetian pasta and seafood in a cozy atmosphere. Reservations essential!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Xemei
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Buzzing Barcelona spot serving authentic Venetian pasta and seafood in a cozy atmosphere. Reservations essential!
"An absolute gem in Barcelona! Delicious food, cozy atmosphere, and friendly service."
🎯 Book Ahead!
Xemei is popular and often booked solid. Call or book online to secure your table.
🍝 Don't Miss the Pasta
The fresh pasta dishes, especially Cacio e Pepe, are highly recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Venetian Pasta
Main Dining Area
Savor fresh, homemade pasta dishes like Cacio e Pepe or spaghetti al nero di seppia.
Seafood Delights
Main Dining Area
Indulge in expertly prepared shellfish and seafood, a true taste of the Veneto coast.
Cozy Outdoor Terrace
Terrace
Enjoy your meal al fresco on their lovely terrace, perfect for warm Barcelona days.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Reservations Are Key
Embrace the Venetian Flavors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead!
Xemei is popular and often booked solid. Call or book online to secure your table.
🍝 Don't Miss the Pasta
The fresh pasta dishes, especially Cacio e Pepe, are highly recommended. +1
Natural wine bars in Barcelona
🌊 Try the Seafood
Reviewers praise the authentic and delicious seafood preparations.
🚶♀️ Stroll from Montjuïc
Combine your visit with a walk from Montjuïc for a scenic approach.
Poble Sec hints and suggestions
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead!
Xemei is popular and often booked solid. Call or book online to secure your table.
🍝 Don't Miss the Pasta
The fresh pasta dishes, especially Cacio e Pepe, are highly recommended. +1
🌊 Try the Seafood
Reviewers praise the authentic and delicious seafood preparations.
🚶♀️ Stroll from Montjuïc
Combine your visit with a walk from Montjuïc for a scenic approach.
⏳ Ask About Short Stays
If fully booked, ask if you can dine for a short period before the next reservation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Xemei is highly praised for its authentic Venetian cuisine, particularly its fresh pasta and seafood, served in a cozy and buzzing atmosphere. Diners love the honest, delicious food and friendly service, with the outdoor terrace being a favorite spot. While reservations are essential due to its popularity, the experience is consistently described as a gem.
"When we walked in, they told us the place was fully booked and there were no available tables.
We asked if we could sit somewhere just for 30 minutes, and it turned out we actually had 40 minutes before someone’s reservation. Our whole dinner took only 20–30 minutes.
So if they tell you it’s fully booked, ask what time the reservations start — you might still have time to enjoy your meal before someone else arrives.
We had two pastas and a cheesecake — everything was super tasty. And sitting outside was really lovely!"
Ani Hovhannisyan
"We had a very nice dinner seated outside and really enjoyed the thoughtful service. The food was uncomplicated, honest, and delicious. A lovely, relaxed experience overall."
Erika
"Extremely positive experience. Fresh food, really nice service. I tried 3 dishes and was satisfied with them: Bigoli in salsa venexiana de cebolla dulce y anchoas - brillant!
Baccala mantecato, Sardinas en saor, Boquerones marinados, confit de caballa - the best!!
Zamburiñas al horno - I always love them, herecthey were very good too.
P.S.: no photos because everything was eaten extremely fast"
Daria Tikhomirova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Xemei is located in the Sants-Montjuïc district of Barcelona. You can reach it via public transport, with the nearest metro stations being Poble Sec (L3) or Paral·lel (L2, L3). Many visitors also enjoy walking from Montjuïc hill, which offers scenic views.
Yes, Xemei is accessible by taxi. You can provide the address (Pg. de l'Exposició, 85, 08004 Barcelona) to your driver. It's a good option if you're coming from further afield or prefer direct transport.
For a memorable approach, consider walking down from Montjuïc. This offers beautiful city views and a pleasant prelude to your dining experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Absolutely! Xemei is a very popular restaurant and is frequently fully booked. It's highly recommended to make a reservation in advance, especially for evenings and weekends, to guarantee a table.
Xemei typically serves lunch and dinner. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening hours, as these can vary.
Sometimes, if they are fully booked for the evening, you can inquire about dining for a shorter period (e.g., 30-40 minutes) before the next reservation. This might allow you to enjoy a quick, delicious meal.
Xemei has a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. While not overly formal, smart casual attire is generally appropriate. Many visitors enjoy the comfortable, unpretentious vibe.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Xemei specializes in authentic cuisine from the Veneto region of Italy, particularly Venice. Expect delicious pasta, fresh seafood, and traditional Venetian dishes.
Highly recommended dishes include the fresh pasta (like Cacio e Pepe or spaghetti al nero di seppia), various seafood preparations (e.g., Bigoli in salsa, Baccala mantecato), and their Tiramisu for dessert.
While Xemei focuses on Venetian seafood and pasta, they may have some vegetarian options. It's advisable to check their current menu or inform the staff of any dietary restrictions when booking.
The price range is typically around €30-€40 per person for a meal, excluding drinks. This reflects the quality of fresh ingredients and authentic preparation.
Yes, reviewers often mention the bread served at Xemei, noting it's nice for dipping, especially with dishes like burrata salad.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, you're welcome to take photos. However, many diners find the food so delicious that it gets eaten quickly, leaving little time for pictures!
The outdoor terrace can be quite picturesque, especially during the day. The interior has a cozy, rustic charm. Capturing the beautifully presented dishes is also a popular choice.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🍷 Wine Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Venetian Culinary Experience
Beyond the signature dishes, Xemei offers a delightful array of appetizers and desserts. The 'Sardinas en saor' (sardines in a sweet and sour marinade) and 'Boquerones marinados' (marinated anchovies) are frequently mentioned as standout starters. For those with a sweet tooth, the Tiramisu is a must-try, often described as a perfect end to the meal. The passion of the Venetian owners is palpable in every bite, making for a truly memorable dining experience.
Atmosphere and Ambiance
Many visitors appreciate the relaxed and unpretentious vibe of Xemei. It's a place where locals and tourists alike can enjoy genuine Italian food without any fuss. The thoughtful service contributes to the overall positive experience, with staff often noted for their attentiveness and warmth. This combination of delicious food and a welcoming environment makes Xemei a true gem in Barcelona's dining scene.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit