DTLA’s new Argentinean inspired shared-plates restaurant and bar, Barcito, is stylish in decor and simultaneously quaint, with landscape images adorning the walls and a massive outdoor lantern hanging in the entryway. The dinner menu consists of many gluten-free dishes. Whether looking for a quick bite or something more substantial, you’ve found yourself in the right spot…
Never able to resist a potato dish, we devoured the papas a la provenzal (these are subject to cross contamination due to the fryer.) More or less Argentinian french fries, these are delightfully crisp and seasoned, served with a light aioli. We also had the seasonal verduras, which rotate on a weekly basis– this week’s fresh pick was sautéed broccolini– the perfect compliment to our starchy potatoes. Made with potato flour (entirely gluten-free), the sumptuous Noquis were the evening’s winner. These divine fluffy ricotta-potato dumplings have a very similar texture to Italian gnocchi, and are served with a mouth-watering fresh pistachio pesto that I would gladly purchase by the bottle. As for larger plates, we opted for the popular langostinos– shrimp served with latke-like potato cakes…we can’t get enough potato! If pulpo is offered, make sure to order it; no meal is complete without it! The octopus was served crispy with a perfectly soft-boiled egg atop the center that splayed the yolk beautifully when sliced open. As if we hadn’t consumed enough, we ordered the most decadent dulce chocolate mousse topped with fresh whipped cream to close.
We couldn’t have the weekend kick-off without cocktails. Several of their beverages are served on tap – ridiculously cool and genius. We started with the signature Yerba Brava – yerba mate vodka, lemon, and mint – a very refreshing aperitif. Although not on tap, I followed that up with beverage director Angel’s recommendation of the penicillin – a delightfully sweet scotch cocktail consisting of fresh ginger, lemon and honey, and a great cap to the meal.
There is not much that is better than when a restaurant owner is physically present, chatting and catering to its guests on any given night. At Barcito, owner and GM Andrea Borgen is on the floor alongside Angel, the aforementioned beverage director of the deliciously developed bar program, to answer any questions and make recommendations. The perfect spot for post-work drinks or that first Bumble date, Barcito is bound to become a hit. We can’t wait to go back for more noquis!