Russian salad is the ultimate test for any bar: either they go all out, or they take the easy way out. Although it originated in Moscow in the 19th century, we’ve adapted it until it’s become an undisputed national classic.

In Barcelona, making these salads has become an art form. After exploring the city, I’ve put together a list of five must-try ensaladillas that you absolutely have to try. Let’s get started!

All the flavor of the sea: Casa Antonio's Russian-style shrimp salad

At Casa Antonio (Eixample), they focus on top-quality ingredients with an elegant and light take on the dish. Its base of premium potatoes, hand-mashed with incredible care, melts in your mouth alongside a very smooth, artisanal mayonnaise. The true masterstroke is the fresh shrimp, cooked to perfection and crowning the dish, adding a spectacular taste of the sea. A balanced dish without excess, ideal for enjoying at a leisurely pace alongside one of their wine cocktails.

Sunday Madness: Tierra Brava's Chicken Russian Salad

At Tierra Brava (Mercat de Sant Antoni), they’ve outdone themselves with a dish that breaks the mold. Their Russian salad uses the juice and essence of rotisserie chicken as its central theme, creating a super-addictive combination with a smoky note that evokes family Sundays. To balance the dish, the chef adds a brilliant touch: a hint of citrus in the mayonnaise that brings an unexpected freshness and cuts through the richness of the roast. A true culinary masterpiece that’s a must-try if you want to break away from the usual.

The temple of tradition, no-nonsense style: Bar But's Russian salad

At Bar But, they pay homage to nostalgia and the traditional recipe with the utmost respect, without truffles or exotic ingredients. Their classic Russian salad stands out for its diced potatoes with a spectacularly creamy texture. It features all the original ingredients in just the right proportions: finely chopped hard-boiled egg, high-quality tuna, and the essential olives that add a touch of saltiness. Everything is bound together with impeccable homemade mayonnaise—smooth and thick. An honest, generous, and textbook-perfect dish.

A Real Treat: Russian Salad from Bar Vint i Quatre

At Bar Vint i Quatre, they strive for perfect harmony through simplicity and care. Their Russian salad stands out because everything ischopped very finely and symmetrically, ensuring that every bite has the exact right balance of fresh ingredients, tuna, and impeccable homemade mayonnaise. It’s served ice-cold, with just the right creaminess, and accompanied by crispy breadsticks for a contrast in textures. An honest, no-frills option that proves that when the basics are prepared with love, they border on perfection.

Perfect texture and a touch of mischief: Barrabar's Russian Salad

At Barrabar, they take tapas very seriously, offering the perfect balance between creaminess and just the right amount of bite. Forget those dense, clumpy blocks from the fridge; here, they achieve an amazing, velvety texture with every ingredient chopped to perfection. The magic lies in their homemade mayonnaise, which binds everything together lightly but hides a subtle spicy kick at the end of each bite that keeps you coming back for more. A marvel with its own personality and a fun twist crafted with great thoughtfulness.

That wraps up my tour of Barcelona’s best potato and mayonnaise masterpieces. As you’ve seen, Russian salad is more alive than ever and adapts to everything: from those seeking the authentic seafood flavor of a good shrimp to those daring to try the special touch of rotisserie chicken or the aroma of truffles. In the end, the beauty of this dish is that there’s no single absolute truth—just the perfect bar for every moment of the weekend. Now it’s your turn to do the hard work: head out and decide which one will become your new obsession. See you at the bars!