What?! The Campus, Ampang? Are we going back to school and dining in a school cafeteria? That was my first thought. But then, the name—Barraca Restaurant sounded too inviting to ignore. Owned and operated by Samadhi Retreats, this pork-free eatery is known for its tapas and paella.

The drive to The Campus Ampang was a bit of a trek, so I was hoping the food would be well worth it. The moment I arrived, I was hit by a wave of nostalgia—it reminded me of my university days. But that feeling quickly faded as I stepped inside.

The building buzzed with energy. A mini marketplace had blossomed right in the heart of the space—stalls selling jewelry, surrounded by various eateries, a convenience store, a pharmacy—it was like a self-contained little community.

One hiccup, though: the directory. Absolutely no help. I found myself zigzagging around, taking wrong turns, climbing stairs, and then—tada! I finally discovered Barraca Restaurant.

The restaurant was small but cozy, with a warm ambiance that hinted at home-cooked comfort. The menu was unpretentious, which made ordering easier—I simply went with what felt right.

Here’s what we had:

1. Deep-Fried Calamari

Lightly battered, crispy on the outside, yet tender inside. Served with a zesty marinara dip that brought it to life.

2. Seafood Paella

A colorful medley of prawns, mussels, squid, and clams atop saffron-infused rice. Bold, flavorful, and delightfully aromatic—each spoonful was like a trip to the Mediterranean coast.

3. Burrata with Tomato (fig ran out)

Creamy, delicate burrata resting on a bed of juicy heirloom tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze. So simple, yet so rich.

4. Sizzling Gambas al Ajillo

Plump, juicy prawns swimming in garlic-infused olive oil, served on a hot plate that arrived literally sizzling. The aroma alone could knock your socks off.

5. Canalones De Pollo

Oh, the cheese is heavenly. This is a long pasta log stuffed with chicken and topped abundantly with bechamel and cheese. Every bite is sinful yet satisfying and delicious. The melted cheese combined with the bechamel sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta is just heavenly.

So, was the journey worth it? Absolutely.

Would I go back?

Without hesitation.

Ambient: 4/5

Price: $$$

Food: Spanish

Service: 4/5

Verdict: Must try the seafood paella and burrata with tomato

Barraca Restaurant,

L1-08, The Campus Ampang, 

Jalan Kolam Air Lama,

68000 Kuala Lumpur.

Opens daily from 12pm to 10pm

Tel: 019 – 261 2559

Written by,

FoodiesTravelblog

Ps: This is based on my personal opinion