I’d call Petit Montjuïc a happy stumble after a morning stroll around Castell de Montjuïc – an old military fort peppered with defunct cannons and boasting a panoramic view of Barcelona worth pining after. It’s a brilliant way to take in the city’s rooftops and skyline. I call it “burning calories for the next meal,” especially if, like us, you’ve hoofed it all the way from El Born. Petit Montjuïc is a dainty little place – its shopfront barely the width of two doors, with a slim ledge perfect for slow grazing. It’s the kind of spot where passersby (like us) stop to admire locals deftly peeling artichoke leaves to reach the soft, nutty centres. Inside, it probably seats no more than 15 to 18, so expect some elbow-to-elbow camaraderie. Opened in 2017 by Marta and Souhail, Petit Montjuïc started as a modest kiosk with just enough room for twenty diners. Souhail brings with him a treasure trove of Algerian recipes passed down through generations, while Marta – whose background is in audiovisual production – runs the place with a touch of cinematic flair. The result is a warm, unfussy kind of hospitality that feels less like dining out and more like being invited into someone’s home. At the heart of it all is Marta herself, rocking the chic box look, gliding between tables with charm and ease. Her English was pitch-perfect, which helped a muggins like me sort through the menu. More on that in a sec.
If you’re in the mood for vermouth, grab a glass and don’t skip the olives – they come with a ripe lick of salinity and make for a much-needed nibble to rehydrate. Briny, cold, and just oily enough to cling to your fingers, they’re the kind of snack that sharpens your thirst and your grin at the same time.
Slithers of dark anchovy (€6.80) came as fillets rich with lush umami tones – a virtuous interplay of salt-curing and olive oil marinating. We perched them on crisp discs of bread, finished with a light drizzle of oil for good measure.
La nostra gilda (€1.90) is a classic pintxo in this neck of the woods – essentially a skewer of olives, pickled anchovies, cornichons, and a touch of chilli. At this point, our brilliant host asked if I was an influencer. I laughed: “No, just another greedy enthusiast from Londres!” Needless to say, they slid down nicely.
The best kind of food advertising is simply watching people enjoy it – a case in point being the artichoke salad (€6). It invites a bit of ceremony: the delicate peeling of rough-hewn leaves to reach the soft, melting tips, and of course, the prized heart at the centre. We gobbled the lot like no one was watching.
The patatas bravas (€4) were a soft, lightly spiced bowl of calming nuttiness – they went down far too easily. They were cooked by the Moroccan chef, who brought a quiet North African authority to the dish. No complaints from me.
Verdict:
When did I go? March 2018
The damage: Expect to pay €15/20 per head with drinks
The good: Petit Montjuïc feels like a hidden gem where every dish tells a story – full of heart, warmth, and just the right touch of Mediterranean and North African flair. If you’re in the area like us after a hike up to Castell de Montjuïc, swing by for some of the brazenly simple yet utterly brilliant nibbles on offer. Pair them with a vermouth or spritz, and what’s not to like? It’s a place where food isn’t just served, it’s savored, and you’ll leave with a satisfied belly and a grin, no matter how many elbows you’ve bumped along the way
The bad: There is nothing to whinge about.
Rating: 4/5
Would I go again? I’d swing by again
Address: Carrer de Sant Isidre, 2, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
Web: https://petit-montjuic.negocio.site
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