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MAE Barcelona
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Langoustine with caviar and green herb foam at MAE Barcelona
Green pea veloute with caviar and mango drops served with pastry at MAE Barcelona
White fish sashimi with dill, pine nuts and herb oil at MAE Barcelona
Braised endive with caviar and wild mushrooms in cream at MAE Barcelona
Fish on organic shell plate with white wine pairing at MAE Barcelona

MAE Barcelona

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Michelin starMichelinThe Michelin Guide awards stars for outstanding cooking. One star: high-quality cooking, worth a stop.Repsol RecommendedFeatured in Spain's Repsol Guide as a recommended restaurant for quality dining.
#30 in BarcelonaRanked #30 of all Barcelona restaurants on Guidavera. Click to see the full ranked list./ExcellentGuidavera tier, our editorial classification combining ratings, accolades, and source consensus across the Barcelona dining scene./CreativeCreative cuisine: modern, avant-garde cooking that uses experimental techniques and conceptual presentation rather than a single regional tradition./€€€/Sarrià-Sant Gervasi/

MAE is the project of three friends from Spain, Colombia, and Costa Rica who opened in 2023 with a syncretic cuisine concept, local Catalan kitchen with a global pantry. Two tasting menus. Earned Michelin star within first year. Occupies former Freixa Tradicio space.

Background

About MAE Barcelona

The Story

MAE was born in 2023 from the friendship of three people from three countries: chef German Espinosa (Barcelona), chef Diego Mondragon (Colombia), and Mariella Rodriguez (Costa Rica, front of house). The name 'MAE' means 'companion' in Costa Rican dialect, and the restaurant's philosophy is built on what they call Sincretismo, the union and blending of cultures applied to gastronomy. They occupy the former premises of Freixa Tradicio in Sant Gervasi, and have kept one legacy: the 80-year-old sourdough bread inherited from Josep Maria Freixa. Michelin awarded one star within a year of opening.

The Cuisine

The kitchen is built on a simple idea: local Catalan cooking with a global pantry. Galician clams meet aji amarillo; tarta de Santiago sits alongside tepache and chilli peppers. Two tasting menus are offered: Menu Mae (€115) as the introduction, and Menu Gran Mae (€150) as the full expression of the kitchen's cross-cultural repertoire. A la carte starters and mains are also available, with national (€70-€90) and international (€85-€100) wine pairings. The wine selection is eclectic, with diverse producers at various price points.

The Team

The kitchen is co-led by German Espinosa, who brings a Catalan foundation, and Diego Mondragon, who contributes Colombian technique and perspective. Mariella Rodriguez manages the front of house, adding the Costa Rican element to the tri-national identity. Together they have created a kitchen where Mediterranean and Latin American traditions genuinely merge rather than merely coexist.

Highlights

What Diners Say

LivelyOkay for TalkingGood ValueModernCasualCozyTrendyGood for DatesGood for FriendsGood for CelebrationsModern CreativeFusionLatin American InfluenceSeasonalGreat CocktailsBeautiful PlatingGreat Wine ListLocal FavouriteHidden GemNot TouristyWalk-in FriendlyTerrace

Consensus

MAE Barcelona Ratings & Reviews

Professional Ratings

Michelin Guide

"High quality cooking", worth a stop

Michelin star
Repsol Guide

Guía Repsol 2026 Recommended

Recommended
Food 7.3 / Decor 7.0 / Service 6.8

Diner Ratings

Google

4.8

285 reviews

TheFork

9.6

140 reviews

TripAdvisor

4.6

42 reviews

#30 in BarcelonaExcellent

Professional recognition includes 1 Michelin star. Diners rate it 4.8/5 on Google (285 reviews), 9.6/10 on TheFork (140 reviews), and 4.6/5 on TripAdvisor (42 reviews).

Been to MAE Barcelona? Share your experience with the community.

Reservations

How to Book MAE Barcelona

Booking

Reservations are required and can be made through the restaurant's website at maebcn.com or by calling +34 645 736 283. MAE Barcelona serves lunch (13:00-15:00) and dinner (20:00-22:00), Wednesday through Saturday only. With limited seatings across four days per week, tables fill quickly, booking well in advance is recommended, particularly for weekend dinner service.

Experience

MAE Barcelona Dining Experience

MAE occupies the former Freixa Tradicio space in Sant Gervasi, redesigned to blend modern Barcelona aesthetics with the natural feel of Costa Rica. The space features a small terrace and air conditioning. The overall vibe is more relaxed and lively than the typical Michelin-starred restaurant, reflecting the founders' ethos.

Navigate

MAE Barcelona Location & Neighbourhood

Getting There

MAE Barcelona is located at Carrer Sant Elies 22 in the Sant Gervasi - Galvany neighbourhood of Barcelona's upper city, occupying the former premises of the now-closed Freixa Tradicio. The residential setting, away from the tourist-heavy centre, reflects the restaurant's understated approach. The nearest station is Padua on the FGC line, about a 5-minute walk.

Nearby

Sant Gervasi - Galvany is an upscale residential neighbourhood in Barcelona's upper city, known for its quieter streets and local dining scene. The area sits north of the Eixample grid and offers a more subdued setting compared to the city's central gastronomic corridors. MAE sits on the quiet Carrer Sant Elies, a 5-minute walk from the Padua FGC station.

Details

MAE Barcelona Reservations, Hours & Contact

Opening Hours

DayHours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday13:00–15:00 & 20:00–22:00
Thursday13:00–15:00 & 20:00–22:00
Friday13:00–15:00 & 20:00–22:00
Saturday13:00–15:00 & 20:00–22:00
SundayClosed

MAE Barcelona hours verified 2026-03-01. Contact the restaurant to confirm.

Contact

Phone+34 645 736 283
Websitemaebcn.com

Required. Book through the restaurant website or by phone.

Good to Know

Tri-national team: German Espinosa (Barcelona), Diego Mondragon (Colombia), Mariella Rodriguez (Costa Rica)
Concept: Sincretismo, syncretic cuisine blending Mediterranean and Latin American traditions
Opened 2023, earned Michelin star within first year
Occupies the former Freixa Tradicio premises in Sant Gervasi
80-year-old sourdough bread inherited from Josep Maria Freixa
A la carte options available alongside tasting menus
Eclectic wine list with diverse producers
Semi-private back room available for private dining
Small terrace (7 sq m) for outdoor seating
Celiac and vegan options available on request
Only open Wednesday through Saturday, plan accordingly

Social

From mae.restaurant on Instagram

But first... ¿un VermuTico?

Con toda la intensidad del vermut y los toques ácidos, dulces y amargos de nuestras frutas tr

But first... ¿un VermuTico? Con toda la intensidad del vermut y los toques ácidos, dulces y amargos de nuestras frutas tropicales favoritas. #PuroMAE! - But first... un VermuTico? Amb tota la intensitat del vermut i els tocs àcids, dolços i amargs de les nostres fruites tropicals preferides. #PuroMAE!

Con un ojo en el Mediterráneo y el otro más allá del Atlántico. Así vemos la cocina en MAE.

El tomate de árbol -también

Con un ojo en el Mediterráneo y el otro más allá del Atlántico. Así vemos la cocina en MAE. El tomate de árbol -también conocido como tamarillo o chilto- es uno de esos ingredientes que llegan desde Latinoamérica para recordarnos que, cuando las despensas se abren y se mezclan, las cocinas se llena

It's a match!

Empanada de maíz y guiso de sepia a la bruta con holandesa de huitlacoche y Tartar de sepia con gazpacho

It's a match! Empanada de maíz y guiso de sepia a la bruta con holandesa de huitlacoche y Tartar de sepia con gazpacho de jalapeño. No se nos ocurre un match mejor para un viernes noche. - It's a match! Empanada de blat de moro i guisat de sèpia a la bruta amb holandesa de huitlacoche, i tàrtar d

¿Conocéis a nuestras maes? Ellas son Carla, Rubi, Mariella y Anna. Cuatro maneras de ser, de pensar, de crear y de hacer

¿Conocéis a nuestras maes? Ellas son Carla, Rubi, Mariella y Anna. Cuatro maneras de ser, de pensar, de crear y de hacer equipo. Cuatro mujeres que sostienen y enriquecen MAE cada día desde la sala, la cocina y la gestión con su trabajo y su mirada. Gracias por estar, por empujar y por hacer MAE m

Hace unos días pasamos un rato estupendo con @carmen_cortes_vidal y el equipo del programa #BdeGust de @betevecat hablan

Hace unos días pasamos un rato estupendo con @carmen_cortes_vidal y el equipo del programa #BdeGust de @betevecat hablando de la trayectoria de MAE, de nuestra filosofía gastronómica, de estrellas Michelin... Y cocinando uno de los últimos platos que ha llegado a la carta: Morro de bacalao, pil pil de

¡Ya somos más de 10.000 maes!

Estos días vemos muchas caras nuevas por aquí... Así que, para quienes acabáis de llegar y

¡Ya somos más de 10.000 maes! Estos días vemos muchas caras nuevas por aquí... Así que, para quienes acabáis de llegar y todavía no nos conocéis, nos presentamos: somos MAE. Un restaurante donde el Caribe y el Mediterráneo se dan la mano. Donde los sabores y recetas de un lado y de otro se encuentra

Questions

MAE Barcelona FAQ

Does MAE Barcelona have a Michelin star?

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Yes, MAE Barcelona holds one Michelin star, awarded for 'high quality cooking' and indicating a restaurant worth a stop.

What are the menu prices at MAE Barcelona?

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MAE Barcelona offers two tasting menus: Menu Mae at €115 and Menu Gran Mae at €150. A la carte starters (€20-€25) and mains (€30-€35) are also available, and wine pairings are offered separately. Prices were verified in April 2026.

What is MAE Barcelona's Instagram handle?

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MAE Barcelona's Instagram handle is @mae.restaurant. You can find their latest dishes, behind-the-scenes content, and restaurant updates at https://www.instagram.com/mae.restaurant/.

Is MAE Barcelona connected to Vincci Hotels?

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No, MAE Barcelona is not connected to Vincci Hotels. MAE is an independent restaurant owned by German Espinosa and Diego Mondragon.

What type of cuisine does MAE Barcelona serve?

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MAE Barcelona serves what they call 'syncretic cuisine' - a creative fusion of Spanish, Colombian, and Costa Rican culinary traditions. The kitchen combines local Catalan ingredients with Latin American techniques and flavors, such as Galician clams with aji amarillo or tarta de Santiago alongside tepache and chilli peppers.

How can I make a reservation at MAE Barcelona?

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Reservations are required at MAE Barcelona and can be made through their website at maebcn.com or by calling +34 645 736 283. The restaurant only operates Wednesday through Saturday with lunch (13:00-15:00) and dinner (20:00-22:00) service, so booking well in advance is recommended.

Where is MAE Barcelona located and how do I get there?

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MAE Barcelona is located at Carrer Sant Elies, 22 in the Sant Gervasi - Galvany neighbourhood. The nearest metro station is Muntaner (L6/S1/S2), just a 1-minute walk away. You can also reach it via Plaça Molina (L7) with a 5-minute walk.