Pork shoulder is marinated for 24 hours in a mixture of achiote, wild orange juice, and heritage spices, then slow-roasted inside banana leaves to retain all the moisture. Served with pickled red onions and fresh, hand-pressed corn tortillas. Simple and perfect.
Tips from diners
The pork is remarkably tender. The pickled onions are the key to cutting through the richness. Best shared as part of a feast.
We source the best local chicken and slow-cook it until it literally falls off the bone. It's smothered in our signature Mole Poblano, hand-made over three days using over 30 ingredients including dried chilies, toasted nuts, warm spices, and a touch of organic Mexican cocoa. It's the standard for authentic mole in Barcelona.
Tips from diners
An absolute mandatory order. You can taste the depth of all those ingredients. It's not sweet, it's incredibly savory and complex. Pair it with a fresh corn tortilla.
We make our guacamole fresh in a traditional stone 'molcajete'. It's simply prepared with ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, sea salt, cilantro, and finely diced onions. Served with a generous portion of our house-fried corn chips (totopos). Honest and high-impact.
Tips from diners
The best guacamole in Gràcia. Tell them if you like it spicy! The chips are actually crunchy, not soggy. One of those things you have to have every time you visit.
A favorite for the weekend crowd. We use real lime juice and premium blanco tequila, blended with ice to a perfect smooth consistency. They are served in large glasses with a traditional salt rim. High-impact, slightly acidic, and very refreshing.
Tips from diners
They are much stronger than they look! Perfectly cold for a hot Barcelona afternoon. One of the best margarita values in the city.
A mixture of three high-fat cheeses are melted in a traditional iron skillet and topped with a generous layer of grilled spicy chorizo. Served bubbling hot with warm corn tortillas. It's the ultimate sharing snack for cheese lovers.
Tips from diners
Very rich! You need to eat it while it's hot. The chorizo adds a great smokiness. Perfectly paired with a cold Mexican beer.
Cantina Machito is a piece of real Mexico in the heart of Gràcia. Since opening its doors, it has been dedicated to proving that Mexican food is about complex regional recipes, not just standard tacos. With its colourful, kitschy interior and bustling family energy, it focus on the 'Cocina Popular de México', serving heart-warming stews, technical moles, and authentic street snacks paired with great tequilas.
The place is colourful, noisy, and very fun. It's often filled with families and groups of friends. If you want a more quiet experience, arrive right when they open for lunch.
They don't take many reservations on weekends, so be prepared for a 15-20 minute wait at the bar with a drink. It's worth it for the authenticity. Check their board for seasonal 'specials' not on the main menu.
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