A Pluma – The Chicken Gourmet Place in Barcelona

A Pluma is a unique chicken restaurant located in the Sarrià neighborhood of Barcelona, Spain. With its focus on high-quality ingredients and innovative cooking techniques, A Pluma has become one of the most popular spots in Barcelona for amazing rotisserie chicken dishes and sides.

History and Concept

A Pluma was founded by chef Eugeni de Diego, who previously worked at the famous elBulli restaurant under renowned chef Ferran Adrià. After leaving elBulli, de Diego wanted to open his own restaurant focused on his passion – chicken.

A pluma is a piece of chicken breast that still has its skin and cartilage on it. This cut is prized for its juicy texture. For two hours, De Diego cooks the chickens over vegetal charcoal at a high temperature in a special Josper oven. This is a unique way to prepare this classic cut of meat.

The result is chicken with crispy skin and an intense smoky flavor. But it’s not just about the chicken at A Pluma De Diego sources high quality local ingredients to create simple but delicious sides like roasted pineapple, tomato salads, and eggplant miso.

The idea is simple: perfectly roasted chicken served with creative sides that let the ingredients’ quality shine. But the execution is anything but simple. De Diego runs A Pluma with the same level of seriousness and technical skill as a restaurant with a Michelin star.

The A Pluma Dining Experience

Stepping into the tiny A Pluma dining room on Carrer Santaló you immediately sense you are someplace special. The restaurant only has about 25 seats between the indoor and outdoor space. The kitchen is open so you can see De Diego and his team calmly orchestrating each dish.

Despite the small size one of the first things you notice is how many staff are working. There are often more cooks than guests precisely plating every dish. The waitstaff provide knowledgeable and friendly service, describing preparation methods and sourcing details.

The menu is succinct – just a few chicken dishes, sides, desserts, and drinks. The star is the rotisserie chicken available with different sauces like curry and mole. It arrives beautifully presented, the perfectly bronzed chicken on the plate with the sauce drizzled over the top.

The chicken is amazing. It has crispy skin that surrounds soft, juicy meat that smells like smoke and herbs. The sauces, like the spicy mole Poblano and the rich curry, make the food taste even better.

Some diners stick to the chicken, eating it with their hands to get every last bit of meat off the bones. Others explore the sides, which range from classics like patatas bravas to more unique dishes like the tomato salad with fresh peeled tomatoes.

The roasted pineapple for dessert is a favorite. De Diego roasts and spices fresh pineapple before dressing it with honey and mint for a sweet and aromatic finish to the meal.

Why Foodies Love A Pluma

A Pluma has earned a glowing reputation in Barcelona’s competitive dining scene for several reasons:

• The Chicken – Perfectly cooked rotisserie chicken is the star. From the quality of the meat to the innovative cooking techniques, it’s some of the best chicken in Barcelona.

• Creative Sides – The sides seem simple but are prepared with great skill, showing off high quality ingredients. They complement the chicken beautifully.

• Paying Close Attention to Every Detail: Everything at A Pluma is done and presented with great care, from finding the ingredients to plating each dish.

• Great Value – Considering the quality of the food and experience, A Pluma provides excellent value. For about €20-30 per person, you can enjoy a superb meal.

• Intimate Setting – The tiny dining room provides a fun, intimate setting. It feels like you’re being personally cooked for by the chefs.

Food critics and everyday diners alike all rave about the magical combination of juicy, flavorful chicken, creative sides, and intimate yet lively setting that A Pluma offers.

A Pluma’s Growing Popularity

Since opening its doors in Sarrià in 2014, A Pluma has earned a glowing reputation and loyal following. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth quickly made it one of the most sought-after tables in Barcelona.

The restaurant has tried to balance staying small and maintaining quality with meeting the high demand. De Diego has expanded A Pluma to a second location in Barcelona’s Raval neighborhood. He also offers takeaway service for those who want to enjoy the chicken at home or their accommodations.

But the original A Pluma retains its intimate charm. Trying to get a table usually requires booking well in advance, especially for peak times like weekends. For those lucky enough to get a reservation, visiting A Pluma is a uniquely special dining experience worth savoring.

Getting to enjoy De Diego’s perfectly cooked chicken alongside imaginative sides, personalized service, and convivial ambiance leaves guests delighted and eager to return. A Pluma remains a top destination for food-loving travelers to Barcelona as well as locals craving a world-class chicken dinner in laid-back luxury.

Planning Your Visit

If you want to experience A Pluma’s sensational chicken during your trip to Barcelona, here are some tips:

• Book Early – Try to reserve at least 2 weeks ahead, even more for weekends.

• Go at Off-Times – Arrive right at opening time at 12:30pm or late on weeknights to increase chances of walk-in seating.

• Try the Second Location – Visit the A Pluma in Raval if Sarrià is full.

• Order the Chicken and Sides – Chicken is the star but don’t overlook the delightful sides.

• Consider Takeaway – Call ahead to order takeaway if you can’t snag a table. Enjoy your chicken picnic-style.

• Make a Night of It – Have drinks and tapas in Sarrià before your reservation for a fun night out.

A Pluma is a true Barcelona dining gem worth planning around. Follow chef Eugeni de Diego’s lead and make this award-winning chicken restaurant the main event during your visit for an unforgettable gastro-adventure.