Comerç

Living history in the Eixample Dret neighbourhood. Opened in 1873, it was a casino until the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera, who banned gambling. It then became a brewery and later a bustling café which, in 2021, was sold by the family that owned it to the Grup Confiteria. A respectful refurbishment preserved the pastera –an octagonal table with a slot where the croupier kept the baccarat chips– and modernista features.  Considered an iconic locale and establishment of interest, and now a bar/restaurant, with the chef from the neighbouring Betlem bar at the helm in the kitchen, it welcomes visitors with its new takes on classic tapas. Certain dishes seem to reflect the spirit of to the expression that was heard within its walls 151 years ago: ‘Make your bets’. The Olivier salad with ventresca fish belly and piparra peppers is served on a croissant, the bomba breaded ball is made with cod and chipotle romesco, the empanadillas are filled with black sausage and caramelised onion with herb sour cream, and the eggs Mimosa are accompanied by cubes of red tuna. The beef tartare with pickled mustard is among the must-try dishes. And for dessert, a new take on the whisky tart. Waiter Quim, with decades of experience at the Pitarra restaurant, which has since closed, is on duty.