At the counter of Pinchería La Bernarda, in the heart of Molins de Rei, about 30 minutes from Barcelona, you can find up to 25 different types of pinchos ready to be grilled and enjoyed right away. This concept breaks away from traditional cold-tapas bars and offers a wide variety of options, ranging from classic Spanish dishes to exotic offerings such as kangaroo meat.
The way the place works is very simple: you walk up to the display case, look at the ingredients, and choose what you’re in the mood for (though you can always check the menu). The vast majority of these pinchos are prepared directly on the grill, though they also use other techniques, such as tempura, to batter and fry specific ingredients.
The restaurant serves classic appetizers to whet your appetite, such as patatas bravas or traditional gildas. Among the meat options, hearty choices stand out, such as the entrecôte skewer, seasoned with oil and herbs, or the butifarra sausage skewer served with mushrooms. These classic dishes share the menu with the aforementioned kangaroo meat—cut into small cubes and grilled—or teriyaki-style marinated combinations with sesame.
Seafood also takes center stage at the bar. Among the most eye-catching dishes is the Galician-style octopus skewer, interspersed with thick chunks of roasted potato and sprinkled with paprika. They offer portions of flame-seared salmon and shrimp that can be ordered tempura-style or topped with wasabi sauce. To round out the menu, there are also vegetable-based options, such as slices of roasted zucchini served with romesco sauce and seeds. If you try (and enjoy) several of these skewers, along with a drink and a few extra small plates to share, the price comes to around 30 euros per person.
