Situated down a short passage off Passeig de Gràcia, El Nacional is a unique culinary destination that brings together Spain’s rich gastronomic heritage under one spectacular roof. The space has witnessed Barcelona’s evolution since its construction in 1889. Over the years, it has served as a café-theatre, a fabric dye factory, a car dealership and a garage before its transformation into a vibrant, multi-restaurant venue reviving the elegance and charm of Barcelona from the late 1930s and 1940s.
Restaurants and Bars
El Nacional Barcelona is a sprawling 2,600-square-meter culinary destination that brings together four unique restaurants and four specialized bars under one stunning modernist roof. Designed as an upscale food hall, each area celebrates a different aspect of Iberian gastronomy:
La Braseria. Dedicated to premium, dry-aged meats cooked over a wood fire, ideal for lovers of bold, traditional flavors.
La Llotja. A is tribute to the sea, offering ultra-fresh fish and shellfish prepared with simplicity to highlight their natural taste.
La Taperia. A lively space serving an array of classic tapas and rice dishes, perfect for sharing and sampling the diversity of Spanish cuisine.
La Parada. Casual and quick, this spot offers high-quality delicatessen-style bites, great for a snack or light meal between city strolls.
Enhancing the experience are four specialized bars, each with its own focus. The oyster bar is a standout, dedicated to oysters, shellfish, caviar, smoked salmon cubes, tuna tartar, all prepared and served right at the counter. Other bars are devoted to craft beers and gourmet preserves, fine wines paired with Iberian cold cuts, and cocktails.
Architecture and Ambience
The idea originally came from restaurateur Lluís Cañadell of Boca Grande. Cañadell had for a long time imagined the idea of opening a space in Barcelona similar to the Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid.
The restoration, led by renowned interior designer Lázaro Rosa Violán, transformed the former industrial space into a stunning architectural gem that pays tribute to its modernist heritage while embracing a stylish, contemporary feel.
Beautiful interior design features include ceramic wall art and mosaics made in Valencia and glass lamps from Galica. Wood, ceramic, glass, wicker, granite, marble and iron are themes throughout the venue. The ceiling, consisting of 15 lowered vaults, known as volta catalana, maintains the 19th-century industrial character of the space.
Since opening in 2014, the venue has established itself as a favorite in Barcelona, drawing both locals and tourists in search of excellent cuisine in a setting rich with history and character. Whether you’re stopping by for casual tapas, enjoying a refined dinner, or sipping drinks in a vibrant atmosphere, El Nacional offers a memorable experience.
Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 24 Bis 08007 Barcelona
Neighborhood: Eixample
Metro Passeig de Gràcia (L2, L4, RENFE)
Phone: (34) 93 518 50 53
Website: www.elnacionalbcn.com