10 Oldest Restaurants in Barcelona

Barcelona is known for its rich culture, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. And when dining out, few places can offer the same level of history and tradition as the city’s oldest restaurants. From cozy taverns to elegant dining rooms, these establishments have stood the test of time and continue to serve locals and visitors alike with their time-honored recipes and classic dishes.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for an authentic dining experience, exploring the oldest restaurants in Barcelona is a must. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Barcelona’s top 10 oldest restaurants and what makes each one so special.

So, grab a fork and prepare to embark on a culinary journey through the city’s fascinating past!

10. El Señor Parellada

photo source: Bcn Restaurantes

El Señor Parellada is a renowned restaurant in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, Spain. It was founded in 1983 by Ramón Parellada, who was inspired by the traditional cuisine of his homeland, Catalonia. The restaurant is in a historic building on Argenteria Street, which dates back to the 17th century and has been beautifully restored to preserve its original features.

The cuisine at El Señor Parellada is rooted in Catalan traditions and features a variety of dishes that highlight the flavors and ingredients of the region. Some of the signature dishes include “calçots,” a type of grilled green onion served with a rich romesco sauce, and “canelons,” a type of pasta filled with meat or vegetables and covered in a creamy bechamel sauce.

Did You Know?

El Señor Parellada also offers a selection of local wines and spirits, including the famous Cava, a sparkling wine produced in the Catalonia region.

9. Bodegueta

photo source: TripAdvisor

Bodegueta is a traditional tapas bar on Rambla de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. The bar was founded in 1942 by the Reboll family and has been a beloved fixture in the neighborhood ever since. The interior of Bodegueta has a cozy and rustic feel, with wooden furnishings, brick walls, and traditional decor. The bar is popular with locals and tourists alike and often gets busy during peak hours.

The bar is known for its delicious traditional tapas dishes, which include a variety of small plates and snacks such as croquetas, patatas bravas, and fried calamari. The ingredients used in the dishes are fresh and locally sourced, providing a true taste of the region’s cuisine. The bar also has an extensive selection of wines, sherries, and vermouths to pair with the tapas.

Did You Know?

Despite its popularity, the staff at Bodegueta are friendly and welcoming, creating a warm and convivial atmosphere for guests to enjoy.

8. Bar Electricitat

photo source: Time Out

Bar Electricitat is a popular and historic bar located in de Sant Carles. It was founded in 1908 and has been a beloved fixture of the local community ever since. The bar is known for its traditional and cozy atmosphere, with rustic decor and vintage furnishings that transport patrons back in time.

Bar Electricitat’s menu features a variety of Mediterranean and Spanish dishes, such as classic tapas dishes, including patatas bravas, croquetas, and fried calamari. The bar is also known for its selection of local wines and beers and its signature cocktail, the Electricitat, which is made with gin, lemon juice, and honey.

Did You Know?

The bar’s name, Electricitat, is derived from the fact that it was one of the first establishments in Barcelona to have electric lighting.

7. Can Pineda

photo source: TheFork

Can Pineda is a traditional Catalan farmhouse located on the outskirts of Barcelona that has been converted into a popular restaurant. With its rustic stone walls and wooden beams, the restaurant exudes a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

The restaurant prides itself on using only the freshest and highest-quality ingredients, with many fruits and vegetables grown in its own garden.

The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring that diners can always enjoy the freshest and most flavorful dishes. Can Pineda also offers an extensive selection of local wines, which can be enjoyed in the charming dining room or on the outdoor terrace with views of the surrounding countryside.

Did You Know?

Can Pineda is known for its authentic Spanish cuisine, featuring traditional dishes such as escalivada (roasted vegetables), botifarra amb mongetes (sausage with beans), and suquet de peix (fish stew).

6. Els 4Gats

photo source: Minube

Els 4Gats is a historic restaurant in the heart of Barcelona, Spain. Founded in 1897 by Pere Romeu, it has become an iconic cultural institution and gathering place for artists and intellectuals throughout its operation. The restaurant’s name, “The Four Cats” in English, was inspired by a French cabaret and literary club called Le Chat Noir.

The interior of Els 4Gats is a work of art with a distinctive Art Nouveau style that was popular in Catalonia at the turn of the 20th century. The restaurant features ornate wrought-iron details, colorful stained-glass windows, and murals by famous Catalan artists such as Ramon Casas and Santiago Rusiñol.

Did You Know?

Throughout its history, Els 4Gats has been a popular meeting place for artists and intellectuals, including Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Antoni Gaudí.

5. Antiga Casa Rafael

photo source: mNACTEC

Antiga Casa Rafael is a traditional restaurant in Barcelona, Spain that specializes in Catalan cuisine. The restaurant has a long history, dating back to 1873, when it was founded, although the founder’s identity is unknown.

The restaurant is located in the Sarrià neighborhood of Barcelona, which was once a separate town before it was absorbed into the city in the 20th century.

Antiga Casa Rafael is known for its traditional Catalan dishes using locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of classic dishes, such as botifarra amb mongetes (Catalan sausage with white beans), esqueixada (a salad of salt cod and tomatoes), and crema catalana (a Catalan version of crème brûlée).

Did You Know?

The restaurant also has an outdoor terrace, a popular spot for al fresco dining in the warmer months.

4. 7 Portes

photo source: TripAdvisor

7 Portes is a historic and iconic Barcelona restaurant serving traditional Catalan cuisine since 1836. It is known for its large dining hall, decorated with beautiful paintings and ornate chandeliers, and its outdoor terrace overlooking the bustling Passeig Isabel II.

The restaurant is especially famous for its seafood dishes, which are freshly caught and prepared in various ways. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of wines from Catalonia and other regions of Spain.

In addition to its delicious cuisine, 7 Portes has a rich history and cultural significance in Barcelona. It was a popular gathering place for intellectuals and artists during the 20th century, and many of the paintings and decorations in the dining hall are tributes to famous Catalan artists.

The restaurant also played a role in the city’s political history, as it was a meeting place for resistance fighters during the Spanish Civil War.

Did You Know?

Located in the heart of the city, the restaurant has been frequented by famous figures such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí.

3. Los Caracoles

photo source: Xceed

Los Caracoles is a traditional Spanish restaurant in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, Spain. The restaurant was founded in 1835 by the Bofarull family and is housed in a historic building with a rustic, charming interior. The restaurant has become an icon of Barcelona, known for its traditional Catalan cuisine, especially its signature dish of “caracoles a la llauna” (grilled snails).

One of the unique features of Los Caracoles is its open kitchen, which allows diners to watch the chefs at work as they prepare the dishes. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere, crowded dining rooms, and bustling staff. The walls are adorned with old photographs and memorabilia, adding to the restaurant’s charm and character.

Did You Know?

The restaurant also has an extensive list of local Catalan wines and other Spanish varieties.

2. Restaurant Can Culleretes

photo source: Barcelona

Can Culleretes is a historic restaurant in Barcelona, Spain, founded in 1786 by the Agut Manubens family. The interior of the restaurant is decorated with antique Catalan tiles, dark wooden beams, and traditional furniture, giving it a charming and authentic atmosphere. Today, Can Culleretes remains a popular destination for locals and tourists.

The restaurant specializes in traditional local Catalonian cuisine, featuring classic dishes such as paella, seafood, and roast meats. The restaurant’s signature dishes include Catalan sausage and beans, roasted suckling pig, and the grilled seafood platter. The restaurant also offers a selection of local wines to accompany the meal.

Did You Know?

Its historic dining room hosted numerous important events, such as the Catalan Statute of Autonomy signing in 1932.

1. Can Ramonet

photo source: Pinterest

Can Ramonet is the oldest restaurant in Barcelona, dating back to 1753. It was founded by Ramon Ballarín and Ramona Vall-llaura, making it one of the oldest restaurants in Barcelona. The restaurant specializes in traditional Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine, focusing on fresh seafood dishes.

Can Ramonet has been a popular dining destination for locals and tourists for over 250 years. Its long history and traditional cuisine make it a beloved institution in Barcelona. The restaurant has retained much of its original character and charm, with stone walls, wooden beams, and antique decor creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

Did You Know?

The restaurant’s signature dishes include “arroz caldoso,” a creamy seafood rice dish, and “suquet de peix,” a traditional fish stew.