There are so many Foodies in Barcelona (and the world) now. That sometimes I have trouble remembering which one I am. And I have pangs of regret that I didn’t come up with something more original than what I am (someone who likes to eat) and where I am doing it (Berlin then Barcelona) when I embarked on this eating quest 6 years ago. It’s a bit like looking at old pictures and wondering about hair and clothes choices?
I found Pikio Taco through a foodie. She is the lovely foodie. Lovely Foodie Barcelona. She doesn’t blog or Tumblr or even Vlog, she’s gone straight to Snapchat. She’s found the perfect shade of red lipstick and I doubt she will ever look back and regret her hair.
Pikio is in Gracia on one of the larger roads, Carrer Corsega. It is across from Generator Hostel which in restaurant terms is like having a wallet that spontaneously replenishes.
They’ve gone big on the neon signs. One outside “tacos” one inside “me importa un taco”. Two slushy machines churn margaritas, droplets clinging to the outside. The music is loud. There is that taco restaurant aesthetic of odd colourful junk like a paper maché bird next to a painting of Virgin Mary and spray painted walls.
Unbelievably the food happens at the front. A man (Fernando Sanz) and his hot plate. He is generous with the taco fillings and swift with their construction. They come out in a plastic basket minutes after I have ordered them. (€2.5 to €3 each). The Puebla- nopales (cactus leaf) is fab. The pulled pork with guacamole, even better. Good to the point that whatever dribbles needs to be rescued with the swipe of a finger. My friends order the Nachos (€6.50) and it’s all I can do not to keep going back in for more.
All the while people are coming in and Fernando is making the food and delivering it to their table. No one waits. He brings it all together and still chats to the regulars.
Pikio Taco is top! I am putting it right up there with the rest of the best (which you can find on my website’s Best Eats page).
Pikio Taco Gracia
Carrer de Còrsega, 376
08037 Gracia
pikiotaco.com
On our way for tacos!
Ha!
Tried El Pachuco yet? Definitely get the nachos
I haven’t but thanks – will add it to my list.