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A classic among classics, a veritable institution. It was founded in 1836 by Josep Xifré, and in 1942 it passed into the hands of Paco Parellada, owner of the legendary Fonda Europa in Granollers and member of a prestigious family of restaurateurs who still run it today. 

On the benches of the Barceloneta Room are plaques of illustrious figures who occupied them (Lorca, Dalí, Tarradellas...). It houses works by Picasso, Miró, and Tàpies, among other artists; a guestbook with autographs from García Márquez, Lola Flores, or Woody Allen; and the labels for the commemorative bottles of its 175th anniversary, designed by Milton Glaser. And as its commitment goes beyond mere culinary practice, it initiated the collection “7 Portes de Recetarios Históricos de Cocina Catalana” [Historical Catalan Cuisine Recipe Books], which has been published by the Barcino publishing house since 2013. 

Magnificent rice dishes and paellas, truffled cannelloni, seafood, fish, and meats, dishes in danger of extinction, others created there –such as Mrs Carme's cod, Mr Cortina’s baked langoustines, and the fisherman’s-style monkfish– and desserts like the “pijama” (a dish inspired by Peach Melba); all of this is on a menu that has adapted to tastes and won over generations of regular diners who seek gastronomic pleasures at the tables of a host who serves them with excellence.