Rita Rouge (CLOSED)

This venue is closed.

Rita Rouge is the little sister of Margarita Blue and Rita Blue, all three creations of the antsy and versatile Xefo Guasch, and each has its own particular charm and fiercy loyal clientele. If Rita Rouge stands out, it's thanks to the bold New York–style decor, its cosmopolitan atmosphere, and above all the great ambience there any night of the week.

Rouge to the other two Blue restaurants, a lush red dominates the walls, the polyhedral reflections in the mirrors, and the giant paintings. Add in scrummy food, good and friendly service and an excellent music selection, and the result is an exceptional atmosphere in a very competitive and cosmopolitan area. All this effort in the name of glamour, largely thanks to the owner's enthusiasm, wouldn't explain Rita Rouge's success if it weren't backed up by culinary smarts. Theirs is a casual cuisine palatable to a variety of tastes, which can make it tough to choose when it's time to order. Using the umbrella label of 'world cuisine', the menu features regular dishes as well as specials.

Tapas and mezzes start off the menu along with the stellar guacamole dip, and rouge ceviche with shrimp and octopus cooked with lemon juice, ginger and red onions and served  with plantain chips. The salads are varied, original and tasty, but if you have to choose just one starter, make it the fried green tomatoes.

Among the specials are salmorejo (like a thicker version of gazpacho) and a tuna tartare with shallot vinaigrette. For a main course, try the steak with wild mushrooms or the well-prepared skirt steak. For dessert, the chocolate and chilli coulant, reminiscent of Mexican dishes, is a must for chocoholics. The wine list is designed to complement world cuisine, and in addition to the fine Catalan wines, there are also Italians and Chileans. Later it's all about the tasty cocktails and a bit of a dance with a DJ at the tables.