WANT TO DRINK OVER $25,000 IN BURGUNDY?
JOIN US AT LA PAULEE: SAN FRANCISCO | NEW YORK

Moments
RESTAURANT SUMMARY

Where culinary dynasty meets contemporary artistry, Moments Barcelona stands as the crown jewel of Catalan gastronomy within the prestigious Mandarin Oriental hotel. This two-Michelin-starred sanctuary represents the extraordinary collaboration between legendary chef Carme Ruscalleda—the only woman to hold seven Michelin stars worldwide—and her son Raül Balam, who masterfully leads the kitchen with inherited brilliance and personal innovation.
Since opening in 2009, Moments has evolved into Barcelona's most celebrated expression of neo-traditional Catalan cuisine. The restaurant's philosophy honors the rich culinary heritage of Catalonia while embracing global influences from Ruscalleda's international ventures, including her acclaimed Tokyo establishments. This unique perspective earned Moments its first Michelin star in 2010, followed by a second star in 2013, cementing its position among Spain's finest dining destinations.
The cuisine at Moments showcases seasonal Mediterranean ingredients through the lens of refined Catalan tradition. Balam's signature creations include the iconic tartlet of creamy caviar with quail eggs, the sublime creamy rice with prawns "in the style of fishermen from Sant Pol," and the innovative vegetarian ceviche with corn textures. The restaurant offers both à la carte selections and the celebrated Els Moments tasting menu—a 13-course journey that chronicles fifteen years of culinary evolution, featuring the most epic signature dishes from the restaurant's storied history.
Designed by Patricia Urquiola, the dining room envelops guests in warm amber and gold tones, creating an atmosphere of sophisticated intimacy. The open kitchen window provides theatrical glimpses of the culinary team's meticulous craft, while the elegant yet comfortable setting maintains the perfect balance between luxury and accessibility. The impeccable service team orchestrates each evening like a symphony, offering multilingual hospitality that caters to Barcelona's international clientele.
Moments' beverage program stands as a destination unto itself, featuring over 700 wine references curated by sommelier Alexandre Zaragoza. The award-winning wine list emphasizes exceptional Catalan and Spanish selections alongside carefully chosen international bottles, with approximately 40 wines available by the glass. The restaurant also offers innovative non-alcoholic pairings crafted with local infusions and seasonal ingredients, ensuring every guest experiences perfect harmony between food and beverage.
For discerning diners seeking Barcelona's most authentic expression of elevated Catalan cuisine, Moments delivers an unparalleled experience that honors tradition while embracing innovation. Reservations are highly coveted and should be secured well in advance, particularly for the chef's table experience and seasonal tasting menu presentations that showcase this remarkable culinary dynasty's continuing evolution.
CHEF
Raül Balam
ACCOLADES

(2024) Michelin 1 Star

(2024) Opinionated About Dining Top Restaurants in Europe Ranked #135

(2025) La Liste Top Restaurants: 84.5pts

(2025) Michelin 1 Star

(2025) Opinionated About Dining Top Restaurants in Europe Ranked #118

(2026) La Liste Top Restaurants: 78pts

