Hotel Restaurant El Balco del Priorat

A lovely, romantic hotel in a fantastic setting. The people are so friendly, and the food is great. We’ll definitely be back.

After a four hour hike in the Natural Parc of Serra de Montsant, our group of five landed in the welcoming, capable hands of owners and chefs Maria and Federico. We hadn’t expected much from lunch, but Maria suggested an excellent local white wine from a producer whose vines we’d just walked past. Priorat whites are less familiar outside the region because production is limited. The food really impressed us. We’ve eaten at plenty of great restaurants in Spain and elsewhere, and this place is a hidden gem, with excellent local ingredients and dishes that let them shine. The Duck and Maroon terrine was lovely, as was the lightly barbecued cogollas salad and the local cow steak tartare. The gambas carpaccio was incredible. Desserts were great too, from the tasty Pan de Chocolate to the goat milk cheese cake. We had excellent food in Priorat and stayed at the best hotel, but this restaurant stole the show. Maria and Federico deserve credit for it. A highlight of our trip, and well worth a visit.

The place is neat and clean, run by a joyful, lovely couple. It’s in a peaceful, romantic little town with gorgeous scenery and Montsant mountain right beside you. A must in the Priorat area. Thanks for the hospitality, María & Fede!

Balco del Priorat was the best dining experience of our vacation, even compared with several pricier, more sophisticated restaurants nearby. After hiking in the Serra de Montsant, it’s a great place to stop. Maria and Federico are warm and patient hosts who make you feel at home, and they know the region well. The food was excellent in both flavor and presentation. Federico cooks with imagination while keeping the quality of the ingredients at the center. Highly recommended!