Little Italy is preparing to welcome Barra Oliba, a Spanish tapas bar focused on authentic cuisine and clean cooking oils. Set to open Friday, November 8, at 1980 Kettner Boulevard, this intimate bistro promises classic Spanish flavors, a curated selection of Spanish wines, and a health-conscious commitment to using only olive oil sourced directly from Spain.
Barra Oliba, founded by Eduardo Bustamante, a partner of nearby Crudo Cevicheria, and Tijuana restaurateur Ernesto Casillas, will offer a wide-ranging menu that reflects the owners' culinary journeys. Diners can expect traditional tapas such as tortilla de patatas, patatas bravas, Galician-style octopus, and arroz meloso, a creamy rice dish. Chef Joshua Mayhew, previously of Ironside in Little Italy, will incorporate locally sourced seafood into specials, including spicy lobster and California sheephead, sourced from local fishermen.
The new bar features a selection of charcuterie and dry-aged seafood, with options like jamón Ibérico and mojama (salt-cured tuna loin), as well as crudo and tartare. The beverage menu offers sangria, a Spanish spritz, small caña beers, and wines from Spain and select regions in France.
However, Barra Oliba's opening is shadowed by controversy following allegations involving Crudo Cevicheria, its sister restaurant. Katie Thurston, a public figure known from The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, recently posted on Instagram alleging sexual misconduct, purportedly by one of Crudo's owners, which she now also linked to Barra Oliba. Thurston posted a video and texts identifying Crudo as the business in question, later specifying that the individual was involved with both Crudo and the soon-to-open Barra Oliba.
Despite these allegations, ownership is moving forward with plans for Barra Oliba, which will start with dinner service and later add weekend lunch. The restaurant hopes to attract food enthusiasts eager for a taste of Spain in the heart of Little Italy.
Barra Oliba restaurant is located at 1980 Kettner Boulevard, Suite 30, in San Diego's Little Italy. For more information, visit barraoliba.com.
Originally published on November 8, 2024.
