In the heart of Texas, far from the traditional images of cowboy hats and oil wells, a restaurant that pays homage to one of Barcelona’s most emblematic neighborhoods is flourishing: El Raval Restaurant.00.
It is run by chef Laila Bazham, has conquered the palate and the hearts of Texans since its opening last May.
This restaurant has quickly become a trendy destination in Austin, Texas, attracting the attention of the local culinary scene and earning recognition in the “Austin Chronicle” newspaper awards.
Laila Bazham is a familiar figure to food lovers in Barcelona. Of Filipino origin, Bazham previously ran the successful Hawker 45 in the Eixample district, a restaurant that stood out for fusing Southeast Asian street cuisine with Latin American influences.
With his experience and passion for flavor fusion, Bazham ventured to open El Raval Restaurant & Tapas Bar in Austin, Texas, a venue that pays homage to Barcelona’s vibrant El Raval neighborhood.
Celebrating Cultural Diversity at El Raval Restaurant
El Raval Restaurant & Tapas Bar prides itself on celebrating the wealth of cultural influences that define Barcelona’s El Raval neighborhood.
The restaurant’s gastronomic approach is rooted in Spanish cuisine, but goes beyond that by incorporating aromatic spices and bold flavors from North Africa, the Middle East and Asia. This unique culinary fusion creates a diverse and exciting taste experience that transports diners through a culinary journey.
A touch of Barcelona in Texas
El Raval Restaurant has become an essential meeting place in Austin. Nominated in several categories in the Austin Chronicle Awards, including Best New Restaurant of the Year, Best Emerging Chef, Best Wine List and Best Creative Cocktails, this restaurant has proven its culinary excellence and ability to delight the most discerning palates.
One of the most notable connections between Texas and Catalonia is the collaboration with two of the best cocktail makers in the world, Moe Aljaff and Juliette Larruy of Two Schmucks.
El Raval Restaurant Hours and Location
If you ever find yourself in Austin, Texas, and want to experience a piece of Barcelona in the heart of this city, here is the key information:
Address: 1500 S Lamar Blvd #150, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 473-2211
Email: info@elravalatx.com
Summer Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Friday, Saturday: 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Sunday in Barcelona” is celebrated from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm (Brunch menu available from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm).
The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays, but offers happy hour specials all afternoon on Mondays and weekdays from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm (except holidays).