Get A Taste Of Spain At Barra Restaurant, From Midday Tapas To Late-Night Sangrias

Chinatown has always been one of Kuala Lumpur’s most animated quarters, where the bustle and colour of Petaling Street never quite slows. It’s a meeting point for every kind of crowd, from locals chasing a great night out to tourists following the trail of street food. Barra Restaurant sits within this patchwork, bringing a slice of Spain with tapas, wines, and chef Gabriel Bonnin’s trademark warmth.

Better known as chef Gabi, the Mallorca-born chef has been cooking since the age of 17. Years later, he found his way to Malaysia, where he ran a private kitchen. Unlike many chefs who prefer to stay focused behind the stove—and rightly so—Gabi finds equal joy in conversation. Sitting at the countertop, with an unobstructed view of him cooking alongside his team, it was clear he’s as comfortable talking to his guests as he is leading the kitchen.

Having savoured Spain one city at a time—Barcelona, Madrid, and Tenerife—Mallorca remained a blank spot on my map. At Barra, Gabi brings a taste of the Balearic Islands to his dishes, offering a little slice of Mediterranean sunshine with every bite. But first things first: come with a healthy appetite, as these flavour-packed dishes won’t forgive a half-hearted bite.

Food here is served promptly and best enjoyed straight from the kitchen while piping hot. The Crema de Esparragos Verdes arrives like a warm hug, creamy and light, with poached quail eggs and shards of crispy Ibérico ham. From the seafood selections, the Gambas al Ajillo is a crowd favourite for a good reason: succulent prawns glistening right before your eyes with garlic, chilli, parsley, and extra virgin olive oil, ready to be scooped up with housemade sourdough. On the favourites list, the Black Truffle & Mushroom Croquetas are fried just right to golden-brown, revealing an indulgent aged cheese-filled centre, while the Tempura de Berenjenas con Miel is an addictive crisp eggplant drizzled with sticky honey.

On the Chef’s Specials, the Terrina de Cordero is artfully plated with tender lamb terrine paired with red wine reduction, creamy hummus, and a touch of green olive powder. Over in the tapas section, the Pincho Moruno shines with juicy Ibérico pork skewers, marinated and grilled with a smoky kick. Between bites, the red wine sangria comes as a refreshing complement to the hot, savoury plates.

For a sweet finish, the Ensaimada de Mallorca is not to be missed. This spiral-shaped pastry, a signature of Gabi’s homeland, is filled with either Chantilly cream or caramelised custard. Pair it with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, and let its sweetness linger across the table.

Barra Restaurant is located at 158, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur Wilayah Persekutuan. The restaurant welcomes diners from 12pm to 12am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and extends its hours until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

For a relaxed weekday treat, the Executive Lunch takes place every Friday from 12pm to 3pm. The set menu—one appetiser, two tapas, one main, and one dessert—is priced at RM135 nett per person, with an optional wine pairing of house selections or bring your own bottle with free corkage.

On Sundays, the Sunday Brunch invites long, leisurely meals from 11:30am to 3pm. Enjoy a scrumptious spread for RM170+, or add free-flow sangria for RM225+.

For dining reservations, visit here.