Pakta

What a culinary adventure!
The menu, when you first look at it, is overwhelming but just go for the prefix menu and be taken on a ride of your life.
So many flavors and so many textures you can’t imagine what you’re in for when you come to Patka for dinner. The ride is subtle most of the time with many nuanced flavors but every now and then a dish comes along and surprises your senses with something big and bright. We had the Patka Spring menu and it was a delight. The Sea Bass ceviche, Fried Causa chicken, and the Bocado de la reina were some of the highlights. But really, it was all a wonderful ride. It’s not cheap but after 27 courses of flavor, you have taken yourself on a culinary journey you’ll never forget.

Where to start? I worked in a Peruvian restaurant for three years so I’m familiar with traditional Peruvian cuisine. But the way they played Peruvian food with the Japanese was awesome. There really wasn’t one disappointing course out of the 10?
The suckling pig, the sea bass ceviche with kimchi were standouts. All so good…
And their pisco sour is a great drink.

If you are a fish lover, willing to try different tastes, enjoy long tasting menus and like the idea of fusion food, give Pakta a try.
I have to admit sometimes I am vowed by their seasonal menu and other times I reminisce over how extraordinary the food tasted previously. Sometimes the flavors on their extensive menu taste so unique and other times the dishes can feel a little repetitive.
Nevertheless, I haven’t once left the restaurant with less than a happy tummy and a wonderful evening.
Unlike other reviewers, I have never been rushed through my meal although I could see it happening depending on what time you go to eat. They are pretty strict about when to give breaks during the course of dishes. However, I think they’d accommodate accordingly if you remarked about feeling rushed.
On that note sometimes the service is impeccable, hardly any waiting time between dishes. Other times, it can be slower than what they have me used to with longer pauses. That is just comparing them with themselves again, just different times. Frankly there isn’t another restaurant I can compare them to.

KenScale: 7.5÷10
Pakta is a project from Albert Adria of ElBulli fame showcasing the «Nikkei» cuisine, a fusion between Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. A somewhat random combination, but historically, many Japanese people emigrated to Peru beginning in the late 19^th century. Both Japanese and Peruvian cuisines have very high standings in the world’s culinary pyramid, so I was very excited to see what the kitchen (led by Peruvian chef Jorge Muñoz and his Japanese counterpart Kioko Ii) will bring. Unfortunately, while the food wasn’t bad at all, I’m not sure my dining experience would be in the realm of memorable.
There are only two tasting menu options at Pakta: shorter Fujiyama course and longer Machu Picchu course. We opted for the shorter one, which started with an assortment of dishes from tamago-​dofu with salmon roe to horse mackerel to kumquats. They were pleasant enough, followed by market fish that was also OK. A couple of nigiri pieces followed, of which I preferred the salty fresh anchovy. Tuna tartare with yucca chips was also serviceable. The best dishes were the sea bass ceviche with fresh green almond «leche» that had very interesting, milky flavor, as well as the pork jowl sandwich that worked wonderfully with the pickles inside. On the other hand, the suckling pig Xiao long bao (steamed bun) was confusing (why a steamed bun in Japanese cuisine, and I didn’t taste any suckling pig inside), as was cancha chulpi soba whose texture was funky and not necessarily in a good way. Grilled chicken is the predictable chicken skewer (although it was nicely cooked), and rock fish with «escabeche» Nikkei sauce was a bit over-​seasoned. Desserts came in a variety of fruits, and they were in general delightful. Overall, I felt that compared to the concept and technique that the kitchen is employing, the execution and overall satisfaction level feel short to my expectations.
The restaurant has a dining area as well as a bar area with modern Japanese settings. Getting a reservation wasn’t particularly hard, but the restaurant was nearly fully booked in the course of my meal. The restaurant has full bar, with some Asian-​inspired cocktails, but I would stick with wine (I’m always a bit wary of trying cocktails in Europe when New York has so many places that make incredible ones). Overall, I liked the concept of Pakta, and the dining experience was meaningful in a sense that it was my initiation to Nikkei cuisine. Pakta, however, also made me feel like it is probably a good idea to stick with classics when dining in Spain instead of some fancy marriage of different cuisines.

Pakta es una experiencia redonda. Albert Adrià coordina este restaurante de cocina nikkei ubicado en el barrio donde confluyen el resto de proyectos donde participa, desde tickets hasta Bodega 1900 pasando por niño viejo/​Hoja Santa. Esperemos que siga tan creativo porque es un placer visitar cualquiera de estos santuarios de la gastronomía.
Pakta es quizá el más exótico. Tan desconocido para nuestros paladares mediterraneos que tienen la delicadeza de regalarte al final de la comida la carta de recuerdo. Es de agradecer para no andar apuntando todos los detalles de cada plato. El servicio es magnifico. Consiguen no abrumar pero estar atentos en todo momento al gusto de cada comensal. Especialmente amables a la hora de explicar todos los detalles de cada plato.
Nos decantamos por el menú corto. Unos 20 bocados en torno a los 100 euros. Para comer es la cantidad justa. Habiendo estado en otros restaurantes similares ya tengo la experiencia que el menú largo termina siendo difícil de acabarlo, así que esta vez nos decantamos por el corto. Los platos más sorprendentes que recuerdo un día después, sin pretender acordarme de los detalles sutiles de cada plato, son el tartar de atún con crujiente de yuca, el sandwichito de papada de cerdo, el ceviche de corvina¡ (para llorar) y la ronda de bocaditos con el que abrimos el menú. Estos por solo poner un ejemplo, no hubo nada que decepcionara. El resto de los 20 bocados son alucinantes pero no aporta mucho describirlos porque son muy complejos. Recuerdo un pincho de jurel con diversas hierbas y condimentaciones que estaba sublime pero sería imposible reconstruir su elaboración. Lo que realmente lo hace excelente es la combinación de originalidad equilibrada y respetuosa con la cordura de sabores que, aun siendo desconocidos, resultan muy amables al paladar. Ni que decir tiene que los productos son de un nivel excelente.
2 horas de placer gastronómico intenso. Para quien lea este crítica, no supone que sea un lugar para todos los públicos. Es un restaurante creativo de estrella michelín. Esto quiere decir dos cosas: 1. necesitas estar receptivo a sabores desconocidos/​exóticos y también a captar las sutilezas y la primerisima calidad de todo lo que comerás. 2. Si el punto 1 es ok, este tiene que ver con el precio a pagar. Para la mayoría, es un lugar para una ocasión especial por el precio elevado de lo que pagas, la creación y el servicio de un equipo de profesionales de primer nivel.
Nosotros decidimos maridar el menú con un set de bebidas que nos propusieron. 1 cocktail para empezar (pisco sour entre los que puedes elegir), botellita de sake, chicha morada (cocktail peruano sin alcohol), otra vez sake pero más frutal para el segundo bloque de bocados y para después de los postres un licor. Todo por 35 euros. Considero una buena opción este set para poder introducirte a conciencia en una cena de sabores alejados de nuestro mediterraneo.
Por mi experiencia, recomendaría Pakta. Con una calidad y un estilo similar a Dos Palillos, lo disfrutarán paladares curiosos y receptivos. Muy buena experiencia.
Como mejora, el postre fue un poco flojo. Al menos, el postre del menú corto. A base de frutas presentadas de manera exquisita, con procesos y técnicas diferentes. Desde la confitura, al almibar pasando por el helado. Aun siendo sorprendente, quedó corto, esperabamos alguna opción adicional.

Where do I even begin. If you aren’t from Spain or are not a foodie or in the industry, you were introduced to the Adria brothers by way of the many documentaries about El Bulli. When I planned my vacation to Barcelona, I knew I had to eat at one of their restaurants. This place is unreal. It has the best of everything. Informal or formal dress if you want. The staff is attentive, informative and warm. Every detail of dinner is explained. They were in contact a month in advance to work around food allergies and other personal food challenges. Every dish and aspect of service is the best I’ve ever had.
The food itself is on another level. I will only say it is one of the best meals I’ve ever had and will look forward to my next visit. You’d be an idiot to not make a reservation here if you are headed to Catalonia. Muchas gracias to Chefs Kyoko Li and Jorge Munoz!

Pakta was hands down the best experience I’ve ever had at a restaurant! Every dish was made artfully and with extreme care (the taste/​texture of each was incredible.). The service was also attentive, drinks were excellent, and naturally, the restaurant has a great atmosphere.

This is a nikkei restaurant by well known chef Alberto Adria who is brother of Ferran Adria, owner of now the legendary Spanish restaurant el Bulli. Besides him restaurant is run by 2 other head chefs, Japanese girl and Peruvian guy. This place is amazing! Everything from atmosphere, presentation and customer service. It was one of the expensive meal I had but was worth every penny. Our waitress explained very well about each dish and as always, Japanese food heavily emphasize on the presentation and color, these dishes tasted just as good as they looked. Traditional Japanese food does not have a strong flavors but more sensational and delicate flavors, these dishes had touch and little kick of Peruvian cuisine which goes well. If you are looking to have a great dining experience and willing to splurge, this is a place.

This was my second time at Pakta. When my boyfriend and I went last summer – only several months after it opened – I was blown away. The space is beautiful, intimate and playful with a rainbow loom on the ceiling and walls. The service was impeccable and the food was delicious and creative. Because our experience was so great, we decided to return this summer during a short stop over in Barcelona. While the food was still delicious, something felt different. The service was more rushed and impersonal and it felt like they were just churning us out to get to the next seating. During our first visit we thought the policy of having to ask to go to the bathroom was cute and quirky. This time it was just annoying.
During this trip we also went to Hoja Santa, another newer restaurant by the same owners. I had a similar feeling from Hoja Santa that I did from Pakta a year ago. So maybe now that Pakta is a hot spot it just has lost that special personal touch. Or maybe it was just an off night. I’m hoping it was the latter…

MUST, MUST, MUST, MUST GO. Best food experience hands down.
Albert Adria’s newest restaurant, hiring two head chefs Jorge Munoz from Peru, and Kyoko Ii from Japan. Nikkei, which is a Japanese Peruvian fusion, gives you the best blend of dishes you can ask for. Get the Machu Picchu menu. It’s worth it. 3 hour ordeal with countless dishes, but for some reason, I kept wanting more and more. I am in love with both Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, so this was absolutely the most perfect blend for me. ALL FOOD SHOULD BE MADE LIKE THIS.
Not to mention, I was able to personally speak with Jorge Munoz, who is super friendly and charming. Intimate atmosphere and very friendly staff, and of course, excellent chefs and cooking.
Let me tell you, these pictures I’m posting does NOT do the taste justice. The first plate was literally a symphony of flavors from beginning to end. My favorite dish of all was the sea bass ceviche in almond milk– best ceviche ever. But there were many other plates that had my heart skipping a beat. My mouth is watering just reminiscing this meal… Life… Changing…

The food here is really nice! Very subtle taste. An amazing combination of Japanese and Peruvian! We definitely come back the next time we visit Barcelona

The best meal we have ever had. This was our honeymoon meal and we planned for this dinner to happen when we arrived in Barcelona. Well, of course AA had delays. We had a choice to arrive in Barcelona that day without our luggage and we took it because of these reservations. We made the right choice! Everything was beautiful and perfectly timed. We loved the food and the experience.

Sin duda ayer elegimos el sitio prefecto para celebrar mi 35 cumpleaños, Pakta que en quechua significa: Juntos, Unión.
Os recomiendo vivir la experiencia completa, el menú Macchu Picchu te contará una historia que entre líneas te dirá: Lucha, Pasión, Fusión, Razas, diversidad cultural y al degustar cada plato, lo que más sentirás es la cultura japonesa y no tanto la peruana

Sin duda, una experiencia total.
Desde el primer momento, la atención es realmente buena, algo que yo aprecio mucho de los lugares. La petición que desde luego no obviaron sobre uno de los menús adaptado sin carne y algún pequeño detalle adicional que solicité. Las recomendaciones para las bebidas, el tempo de los platos, todo los detalles cuidados.
La experiencia definitivamente a la altura de las expectativas. La calidad de los ingredientes y el pescado realmente bueno, la combinación de sabores, el afán por integrar los sabores típicos de Perú y de Japón, el orden de los platos.
Un ambiente agradable, sin prisas. Disfrutando los sabores, las pausas y la experiencia en general.
No soy una gran experta de la alta cocina, pero sí que puedo decir que este tipo de experiencias te invitan a concentrarte para descubrir nuevos sabores, texturas y hasta experimentar de un nuevo ritual alrededor de la mesa.

One of the TOP 5 meals I’ve ever had in my entire life! On an anniversary trip to Spain, we toured Barcelona and opted to try out this restaurant since we wanted to try a place affiliated with the Adria brothers post El Bulli. Having been to Peru 2 years ago, we were eager to try this Japanese Peruvian place.
This place does not disappoint. We got the Machu Picchu menu and everything was exquisite down to the presentation, creativity, and flavor of dishes. We were seated at the bar where we could see the sushi chefs do their magic, and it was wonderful to see them make each dish. It was PERFECT, and if I ever go to Barcelona again, we will definitely eat here!!!

me and justin b. visited pakta after doing some research on the Adria brothers in barcelona. we thought pakta sounded like a really cool concept meshing peruvian and japanese flavors. was really easy to make a reservation on their website. we were seated at the main bar which was awesome to see the chefs cook and plate all the dishes which made me even more excited to try the tasting menu!
i opted for the bigger/​more expensive machu picchu menu (125 euro). you are served a bunch of small courses that are so beautifully presented to you. the presentation alone for these dishes was amazing. there were so many dishes but some of the standouts to me were the oysters, prawn, nigri, causas, grilled octopus, and gyoza. i didnt love all the dishes and thought some were just ok, but i do have to commend the chefs for their creativity and willingness to take a chance on this different type of menu. even though i opted for the menu with more courses, i didnt feel overly stuffed by the end of the meal either. definitely not a cheap meal but worth a try if you’re willing to splurge.

Maybe I will be the only one but I have found Pakta a very disappointing experience. I didn’t enjoy it at all. I was expecting a wow factor at every dish (as with the other restaurants of the group) and instead I have barely liked some dishes. I have found the Galician’s beef carpaccio mixed with Ponzu sauce an horrible mix that didn’t work at all. Most of the time waiters don’t even let you enjoy your food cause they are taking your plate away with rush and then immediately clean the table. I understand is a menu, lots of dishes and little time, but this feeling of having a rush it is very annoying.

Very creative, delicious, elegant. Excellent service. Only complaint is I don’t like eating with my hands, which were the instructions for 2 dishes. When I asked for utensils, I had to explain «I prefer not to use my hands» because they again said I should eat it by hand instead of them just obliging me.
We got the larger menu. They dealt well with lactose intolerance, and I didn’t feel cheated at all.
They have 2 head chefs, 1 Japanese and one Peruvian. It is clear they are working closely together to make the blending just right.
Ambiance is lovely. We also went to tickets (same owner) which is more difficult to get a reservation. If you can only do one, pick by menu as both are great. The ambiance at pakta is more elegant and quiet.
Suggested starter cocktails were not a ploy to increase the bill. Both our drinks were really yummy and creative flavors.

after all the jamon and tapas, pakta was a welcome respite. i LOVED this restaurant, right down to the décor, presentation, service, the drinks and of course, the food!
my friend and i came, and we opted for the smaller fujiyama menu, which was plenty of food. even tho there was a lot of food, i didn’t feel gross after finishing every bite. my faves were the honzen ryori and the causas, but everything was fabulous. i would definitely come back.

No apto para todos los paladares…
Me alegro de haber ido, soy partidaria de que hay que probarlo todo en esta vida, y si se tiene la oportunidad de probar una cocina tan innovadora y moderna como la de Albert Adriá hay que ir. Pero francamente, hay muchos sitios mejores donde poder disfrutar de un menú de 100 €.
Como era de esperar el precio es carísimo, imagino que es totalmente aceptable por el autor.
Sabores muy especiales y particulares, de todo lo que probamos solo resaltaríà la vieira con leche de parmesano. De los platos típicos peruanos decir que nos quedamos un tanto decepcionados. Y de los toques japones… tampoco nos impresionó mucho ningún plato. Imagino que íbamos con unas expectativas demasiado altas porque habíamos leído algún comentario muy positivo…
El servicio totalmente impecable y el restaurante como tal, muy original y bonito.
La presentación de los platos muy trabajada y original. Si se comiera con los ojos hubiera disfrutado mucho más de la cena…

Amazing, inventive meal. Great service with quick and seamless expedited food service of our 18 course meal. The booze selection is varied and extremely affordable as well.
I was extremely happy to have read about Pakta in the New York Times and that it opened up in time for my trip to Barcelona. I quickly made a reservation online (15 days in advance is the earliest from what I gathered though it may have changed since).
There are only two prix fixe menus you can choose from, both of which are essentially the same, just one (titled the Macchu Picchu) has more dishes. My friend and I of course opted for the full menu at ~120 euros each amounting to 18 courses for our meal that night.
I don’t want to give away too much but our highlights were both kaiseki courses in their picturesque elegance and whimsy, as well as the ceviche and sushi courses.

Where do I even begin.
We got reservations at Pakta a month before we were headed to Barcelona and it was sort of our end-​of-​vacation-​final-​tasty-​meal. We wanted to get reservations at Tickets, but it was fully booked. Luckily, Pakta had just opened.
The design and aesthetic of the interior is warm, darkly bright (?) and a great space for three hours of deliciousness.
Just to give you an idea of what to expect, a direct quote from our waiter, when serving a dish:
«I have added a single drop of soy sauce. If you wish, you should another drop, just to taste.»
The servers are serious, but incredibly welcoming and friendly. There are gold flakes in one of the three desserts (no big deal, read: sarcasm).
We tried the Fujiyama tasting menu (25 small courses) for 90 € (VAT included). Don’t be intimidated by the number of courses, individually they’re smaller than any tapa you would have elsewhere in Barcelona. Wine was reasonably priced for such a high-​end restaurant, but I guess that’s Barcelona for ‘ya. Everything was expertly timed and the portion sizes were perfect.
Eat there if you’re in Barcelona. Just eat there.
By the way, one of us added another drop of soy sauce, the other didn’t. I know, cliffhanger, right?

Where on Earth am I supposed to eat after Pakta? When will I be hungry again? All rhetorical questions, of course.
By some undeserved miracle, I was able to make same-​day reservations to Pakta. I’m under the impression that others have made reservations for months in advance. I’m visiting Barcelona for 1 week, and tonight was the only night they had a table available.
The website is thorough in explaining what to expect and the rest is left up to them. I made a free reservation for 2 at 8pm. I was explained (in an email) that dinner would last 2 — 2 ½ hours, and would be about 25 courses.
We chose the Fujiyama menu (90 Euros, which is the «shorter» menu) and I added the sake tasting to my meal (an additional 48 Euros).
I have no words to describe the entire experience. The entire dinner was a calculated symphony. Approximately 32 people are served nightly, started at 7pm, and the last service being at 10pm. Pakta has been open for nearly 3 months now, the newest creation of the Adria brothers.
Service is incredibly professional, flawless, and completely welcoming. A restaurant of this caliber, one could expect a level of stuffiness that can overpower the meal itself, but fortunately is cast aside, as diners fill the air with questions and compliments.
Describing each course would not do it justice, so that just leaves me with telling you that it will be an unforgettable meal. All details have been meticulously calculated so you forget you’re in a restaurant.
I’d advise you check the website before making a reservation, as sometimes they require a 50 Euro deposit when you make the reservation. Also, you’ll get an email or phone call asking if you have any allergies or food intolerances so they can make accommodations (not for vegans).

New «Nikkei» (Peruvian/​Japanese cuisine) from the Adria brothers who post El Bulli are moving on to exploring and exploiting «niche» cusines. Opened just a month ago, Pakta, located in the same edgy neighborhood as 41 and Tickets, offers up a 90 €, 25 course tasting menu from chefs Kyoko Ii and Sebastian Mazzola (of 41). Highlights included avocado tofu with yuzu and salmon roe, seabass ceviche with kumquat leche de tigre and lomo saltado, sirloin steak grilled with peppers and a quails egg. It’s fun, friendly, exciting and highly recommended.