Tomatoes and basil cream, a seasonal starter at Carnal Steak House

Although at Carnal we have earned a reputation as a benchmark meat restaurant in Barcelona, our obsession with the product does not stop only at the ribeye. For us, a seasonal tomato at its exact point of ripeness deserves the same respect and liturgy as the best of our grilled cuts: when nature does its job well, the chef only has to finish dressing it.

Without good suppliers, there is no cuisine

We have become accustomed to seeing perfect tomatoes on the shelves all year round: shiny, round, and resistant, but without soul or flavor and with a cork texture. At Carnal Steakhouse, a restaurant in the Eixample of Barcelona, we prefer the tomato that has felt the sun, smells like a vegetable garden, and, when you bite into it, reminds you of what summer really tastes like.

That explosion of flavor, sweet and acidic at the same time, only happens when you respect the plant's timing: there is no cooking trick that can imitate what the sun and the earth achieve naturally. Because the dish begins long before lighting the fire, at Carnal Steak House we dedicate the same effort to choosing our farmers as we do to selecting our beef cuts.

A dressing to make the tomato shine

Our seasonal tomatoes with basil cream explain very well who we are. It is a recipe that has nowhere to hide: if the tomato isn't incredible, the dish doesn't work. It summarizes the basis of our philosophy and lets each ingredient tell its own story. The basil cream provides a softness that rounds out the acidity of the fruit, creating a fresh and balanced starter that cleanses the palate and prepares it for what comes next: the perfect prelude to share before the meats arrive.

August on the plate

At Carnal, we believe that the greatness of a cuisine is noted in how it treats the simplest ingredients: if we take such care of a tomato, imagine how we take care of your ribeye. Summer is the kingdom of this fruit, and there is no salad or gazpacho without what this season offers us. Therefore, even if you come looking for embers and smoke, we want the first bite to connect you with the freshness of the local countryside. Eating what is in season when it is in season is not just a matter of sustainability; it also tastes better: it is the difference between eating and enjoying.

Come share the summer with us

If you are looking for a meat restaurant in Barcelona with soul and respect for the product, we wait for you at Carnal. We invite you to take a look at our menu and book your table to enjoy the treasures of the season and our best grilled meats.