The story
De Gustibus Italiae has been a fixture in Barcelona's Sarrià-Sant Gervasi neighbourhood for over twenty years — long enough to have earned the trust of its regulars and, notably, a fork from Gambero Rosso, Italy's most authoritative food guide. That recognition says something quiet but meaningful: this is Italian cooking taken seriously, not a casual approximation of it.
The restaurant describes itself as "a fashionable, very pleasant space where you can enjoy the authentic flavour of Italy," and the philosophy behind it is straightforward. All products are high quality, sourced from the best Italian raw materials, and prepared with what the kitchen calls "great passion in the pursuit of perfection." There is nothing throwaway about that commitment — it shows in the detail.
What sets De Gustibus Italiae apart from most Italian restaurants in Barcelona is its rotating menu. The carta changes every month, giving diners the chance to taste dishes and recipes from different Italian regions, always built around fresh, seasonal ingredients. One month might bring flavours from the north; the next, something distinctly southern. The kitchen offers both innovative plates and classic regional recipes, each with what they describe as "a fresh and modern touch."
The midday menu — priced accessibly and inclusive of a drink — gives a clear sense of the kitchen's range: cold seafood cream with straciatella and prawn tails, rigatoni with smoked salmon and asparagus, risotto with butifarra and rucola pesto, Sicilian cannoli filled with citrus-scented ricotta cream. These are not generic Italian staples; they reflect a kitchen that pays attention to where each dish comes from.
Beyond the dining room, De Gustibus Italiae also caters to groups with dedicated menus, and offers a take away service — practical options that extend the reach of its Italian cooking beyond the table. Manager Katinka Ylla Könneke oversees the operation, bringing a personal touch to what remains, at its core, a neighbourhood restaurant with genuine ambitions.
Recognition
Ambience
Location