ORIO Born

Overpriced for mediocre, very underwhelming food.
They offered a complementary olive-​based snack on a toothpick, but it was probably one of the saltiest things I’ve ever tried. I had to spit it out because it was too salty.
Also, even though I declined the bread, they still charged me 2.20 € for bread at the end. The server claimed that the bread charge remained on the bill as a gratuity. Really.
I’d encourage others to pass on this place; too many better options nearby.

Après un mini lunch en sortant de l’avion à midi, notre estomac commence à crier famine vers 15h, et nous entrons donc pour manger un petit bout. Le serveur nous explique le principe: on reçoit une assiette, et on va au bar se servir des «pintxos», une spécialité basque constituée d’un bout de pain garnis de diverses choses. Chaque pintxos coûte 1,95 €, on garde les petits cure-​dents piqués sur chacun, car c’est de cette manière que le serveur saura combien on en a consommé. On en a pris 3 chacun, ils étaient bons, sans être exceptionnels non plus, mais c’était un chouette petit en-​cas. Nous avons payé 19,30 € pour les 6 pintxos, 2 verres de vin blanc et une bouteille d’eau.

I will start this by saying this 1 star rating is not indicative of the food. That was a solid 3 stars; we did the menu and not the tapas.
My issue lies in the 30 minute wait to get my bill after asking for it 3 times. Then upon reviewing the bill, noticing the charge for the bread (€ 2.20/person) that was placed on our table along with a small amuse. At this point I did not have the energy to argue about this and so paid and left.
But I got to wondering, if we had not eaten the bread (4 pieces of baguette for two people), would we have been charged? I had noticed the bread basket was given to every table and most people like us, just started eating it.
We had not asked for bread, nor had we been asked if we wanted bread. If either of those things happened, I would expect to be charged for the bread.
Perhaps they should change the business model and put down a bottle of wine. If people drink it, then charge them.
The tapas side of the place was hopping so they clearly do something right. Again our meals were good, but too bad this one thing ruined the experience.

This is a new location of an established pinxtos tapas bar in the Gothic District — now there’s one in the Sant Pere neighborhood, and right across the street from Mercat Santa Caterina. The servers were very friendly and helpful (most speak English), the food was high quality, and there was a good variety of options. There is also patio seating which is lovely when the weather is nice.
It’s not the cheapest place to get pinxtos in town, but for the extra money, you get a nice ambiance, quality service, and quality food. We paid € 1.95 /​skewer, and € 4 for a small glass of cava.
I’ll save this for a special occasion outing, but I’m happy it’s here!