New in Barcelona
Special to Road Trips for Foodies
From Design Hotels
Situated in the center of the city in Paseo de Gracia, Hotel Omm has become the heart of a cosmopolitan Barcelona. To celebrate its tenth year, Hotel Omm started with a makeover of its one Michelin star restaurant, Roca Moo. And as if that wasn’t enough, this was complemented with the opening of a new hot-spot with the introduction of the Roca Bar, a chic cafeteria offering a full menu and daily specials all made using local produce.
Breaking down the barriers between kitchen and restaurant, Roca Moo has combined the two spaces to unite chef and clientele into one central kitchen-bar. Head chef Felip Llufriu, with the support of the celebrated Roca brothers, Joan, Josep and Jordi, as gastronomic advisers, has created a selection of tantalizing menus to excite the palate, including a mid-day set menu which changes on a seasonal basis. With several dishes being finished in front of diners, guests can relax in the ambiance of the unique space, while being able to appreciate the skill and care that has gone into their meal.
Reflecting the fast pace of the Barcelona lifestyle, Roca Moo has introduced a central kitchen-bar into the main restaurant, where guests can dine at the bar’s counter. This allows customers on a tight schedule to indulge in award winning cuisine, without having to compromise on flavor or quality, and fitting it all into their lunch break.
A modern, elegant space, serving an exciting menu of Spanish ‘street food’ the Roca Bar is a welcome addition to Hotel Omm. Situated in the lobby, the Roca Bar is a main focal point within the hotel, offering excellent value for money and a no-frills approach to cooking. The Roca Bar is the perfect location for socializing in a stylish yet informal atmosphere.
The interior design of the Roca Moo and Roca Bar was carried out by Sandra Tarruella Interioristas, who were entrusted to bring the new spaces to life. Ensuring that they maintained the original concept created by Rosa Maria Esteva in 2003, the new spaces reflect the current design trends yet stay true to Esteva’s vision.
From a six-course tasting menu, complemented by handpicked wines through to tapas for two or a simple sandwich, Hotel Omm offers a delicious taste of Barcelona in a contemporary setting any time of the day or night.
Hotel Omm Barcelona (map) is the creation of architect Juli Capella and interior designers Sandra Tarruella and Isabel López. Dark halls, flanked with lines of light, lead to the guestrooms and suites, with each room presenting a unique and unconventional space. Fully equipped with 91 rooms, a roof terrace, a spa and its own nightclub, Hotel Omm brings guests a little more of Barcelona’s gracious lifestyle.
(Photo of Roca Moo courtesy of Design Hotels)