Lora, a vibrant new restaurant with a menu influenced by some of the Mediterranean’s most exciting culinary hubs, is set to put down roots in the Catalan capital this winter.
Created in partnership with Studio Paskin, the creative hospitality studio behind the internationally acclaimed restaurants The Palomar, The Barbary and Michelin-starred Evelyn’s Table, Lora journeys through the towns that dot the Mediterranean coastline, drawing inspiration from the dishes that define each destination from Barcelona to Beirut.
At the heart of the kitchen, a large wood oven and coal-fired grill will serve up generous, celebratory food designed to be shared family style. Charred flatbreads with Middle Eastern spices, slow-cooked meats, fresh-off-the-boat fish and baked rice dishes pay homage to the art of beautiful, seasonal ingredients, prepared simply to allow the flavours and textures to shine through.
Open from midday to late, Lora embraces an informal, easy dining experience where long languid lunches with friends flow effortlessly into joyful family dinners and intimate suppers. From noon expect to see flatbreads fresh from the oven and decked with Whipped Feta, Olive Oil and Za’atar or Spiced Lamb, Chilli, Sumac Yoghurt, alongside colourful salads that showcase the best of Spain’s seasonal produce. An abundant raw bar brimming with carabinero prawns, Cambados-caught oysters and scallops offers the perfect accompaniment to sundowners.
As the lights dim, Lora turns up the heat with the grill serving up dishes such as Pata Negra Pork Chop, while hearty sharing dishes for the table include the 12-hour Persian Shoulder of Lamb with Pomegranates and Crispy Saffron Rice. Far from an afterthought, sides include the eternal crowd-pleaser Chilli Cauliflower and Oyster Mushroom with Lovage Tahini.
Designed by AvroKO in collaboration with Carte Blanched, Lora’s aesthetic references its conceptual journey – drawing inspiration from the golden age of Beirut to the laid-back coastal vibes of Barcelona and everywhere in between. Structurally set around a central ‘courtyard’ with cosy corners and a private dining room accessed through sweeping arches, the 330-seat restaurant feels at once both intimate and grand. A sun-bleached colour palette is enhanced by golden hues, and the light motif is further explored through the sunray-effect tiled flooring encircling the impressive central bar. The show kitchen lends an element of theatre that continues with features such as stained-glass windows, elaborate mosaic tiling and an elegant vanity counter that serves as a host stand. Elevated planting brings a lush sense of place, encouraged by the seamless indoor-outdoor flow onto the shaded terrace overlooking the marina and shimmering waters beyond.
Embracing the infectious energy of Barcelona’s world-renowned restaurant and bar scene, Lora is one the six fresh new dining, drinking and nightlife concepts that SLS Barcelona will bring to Port Fòrum this winter. Renowned for delivering lavish and extravagant experiences with a mischievous wink, SLS Barcelona marks the European debut of the brand that invites guests to say farewell to the everyday.
