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Located in the heart of El Born near Port Vell, Restaurant 7 Portes is one of Barcelona’s most iconic dining establishments. Originally opened by Josep Cuyàs as the “Cafè de les 7 Portes,” it was transformed into a full restaurant in 1929 by Chef Morera. Over the decades, it has become a symbol of Barcelona’s cultural and culinary heritage, especially renowned its rice dishes and paellas.
A Storied Past
The tale of 7 Portes starts in 1836 when Josep Xifré opened the Cafè de les 7 Portes and hired Josep Cuyás to manage it. The cafe was set on a corner of Porxos d’en Xifré, an arcaded neoclassical building inspired by Rue de Rivoli in Paris, later inaugurated in 1840. Xifré, who who had made his fortune in Cuba, financed the construction of the building.
7 Portes was transformed into a full restaurant by Chef Morera in 1929 and later acquired by Paco Parellada. Over time, the restaurant has attracted a dazzling list of luminaries including Federico García Lorca, Orson Welles, Pelé, Che Guevara, and Mikhail Gorbachev. The Ruiz-Picasso family moved into Porxos d’en Xifré, when they first arrived in Barcelona from Malaga in 1895.
Signature Dishes & Flavors
7 Portes owes its enduring appeal to its commitment to classic Catalan cuisine. Celebrated for some of Barcelona’s finest rice dishes and paellas, the kitchen takes you on a journey through the diverse flavors of the region with fresh seafood, rich croquetas, slow-braised meats, stews, and traditional cannelloni. Highlights include the traditional xató salad and the star of the show is the arròs Parellada, a shell-off seafood paella.
An Elegant Step Back in Time
Dining at 7 Portes is an experience steeped in old-world elegance. Inside, 19th-century tile floors, white-clothed tables, and bow-tied waiters recall Barcelona’s golden café era. Original artworks, includng a lithograph gifted by Joan Miró, decorate the walls. 7 Portes spans two floors with historic dining spaces and nine private rooms, from intimate settings for 2–3 guests to larger rooms for up to 100. Nightly live piano music adds a timeless charm.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Passeig Isabel II, 14, 08003 Barcelona
Nearest Metro: Barceloneta (L4)
Hours: Daily from 13:00 to 00:00
Reservation: Recommended. Call +34 93 319 30 33 or visit 7portes.com