Since starting these restaurant reviews, we've told you about famous restaurants, legendary brasseries, up and coming chefs, 'bistronomy'… For a change of scene after a somewhat cool summer, we decided to seek out the warmth at the "Espai Gastronòmic Català". The restaurant is part of the Maison de la Catalogne which is in the charming setting of the cour du Commerce Saint André, just across the road from the Odéon métro. Strangely, the restaurant is often quite empty at lunchtimes, and there's seems to be little promotion of the place. Perhaps the convoluted name is difficult for people to remember…

I might as well tell you straight away: we loved the Espai Gastronòmic Català!

First of all, the restaurant is so calm, with a modern meets traditional décor (plant wall, giant chandeliers) that echoes – I suppose – today's Catalonia: proud of its past and looking to the future. The giant marble lighting over the bar, for example, looks perfectly at home in this modern setting, and yet you will find the same sort of thing over many old bars in Catalonia.

We were welcomed perfectly by Xavier, the manager. Obviously at ease, and with a certain cheeky humour you can't resist, don"t hesitate to speak Spanish with him if you can. His team are just as helpful. During the meal they were attentive and kind.

We decided to forget the main course altogether and take a selection of first courses called "pica pica" in order to taste as many different things as possible! Whilst waiting for the food to arrive, we were served some bread and told to try the various different olive oils that were in a holder on our table. Tasting the one after another, your really understand that each has its own special flavour. The food hadn't even arrived, and we were hooked already…

The deep-fried cod balls melted in our mouths, the "pan con tomate" classic but well executed, the crunchy vegetables lived up to their name and were delicious with the crunchy sea salt, but our star dish was the cold tomato and watermelon soup, which came with a delicious ball of basil sorbet in it as well as a couple of anchovies rolled round a crouton. A brilliant mix of flavours.

By this time we were already feeling fairly full, but duty called: Catalonian cheese and quince jelly was essential, especially the variety that was heavy on the garlic. Yum!

For dessert we went for the small blancmange with crispy rice and a fantastic cherry sorbet. And we couldn't resist the chocolate on toast with olive oil and seas salt. You won't believe it until you've tasted it.

Roger Blanes is the young chef in charge of the food and it seems he mixes a pinch of poetry in his dishes! Despite being in the heart of Saint Germain with a designer décor, the prices are extremely reasonable for the area. Expect to pay around 35 euros per person. In the evening the restaurant is full at 9pm, so it's best to book ahead if possible.

We'll soon be returning one lunchtime to try out their fragrant rice dishes (we got a whiff when our neighbours were served!)

To see all the photos of our lovely meal, click here!

Address and opening times

Espai Gastronòmic Català
cour du Commerce Saint André, 75006 Paris
Metro: Odéon

Open for lunch from Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm – 3pm
Open for dinner Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 8pm – 11pm.

Telephone: +33 (0)1 43 26 82 32