A space that has recovered the essence of vermouth and Catalan food houses – in the heart of Barcelona we find the Casa Rafols restaurant , whose interior promises more than one surprise. It is an old hardware store from the twentieth century, as indicated by the original facade of the premises, transformed into a space dedicated to sharing food, time and passion for gastronomy.
A restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine based on the temporality of the products . In Casa Rafols all preparation is homemade, thus achieving the best quality and result of their raw materials, as in the case of their marinades and pickles. The place is divided into two main areas: the dining room and the bar , where we can find a wide variety of cold dishes.
In this restaurant the menu is really complete and tasty. Divided into entrees, dishes whose protagonist is the egg, salads, rice and pasta to share (following the philosophy of the place), tables of sausages and cheeses, fish and seafood, meats and, finally, desserts, all prepared from scratch. Each dish is based on a traditional cuisine, but none lacks the author’s touch and modern cuisine.
An offering that is, without a doubt, quite broad. That is why we propose some recommendations such as marinated salmon with gin and tonic, a dish created as a nod to the currently fashionable beverage, accompanied by a tonic water gelatin, or its homemade pickles really delicate and full of flavor. If you are one of those who prefer a more classic cuisine, the croquetas de ceps and Iberian ham are a real bomb of intense flavor. Meat lovers? Braised cow cheek with polenta, low loin of old cow matured for 5 weeks, or, the sirloin with Iberian bacon… choose what you choose, you will not be disappointed. If what you are looking for is tasting flavors from another continent, you will also find dishes such as sea bass ceviche : green chile, avocado, banana, cilantro, tiger milk …
As for what concerns the old hardware store, its 1,000 square meters are enough space to accommodate any surprise … Despite the years and years that it remained standing, only a few knew the secrets hidden inside one of the main hardware stores in Barcelona. Today, under the restaurant we find the Private Garden (former office of Mr. Rafols) dedicated to celebrations with a more intimate character. Below this, the new elegant restaurant and cocktail bar Club 61, designed for those who seek to feel exclusive in a speak easy, jazzy environment. And, last but not least, completely hidden somewhere in Club 61, you will discover the clandestine room (formerly used for secret meetings). Would you know how to find it?
They say that this hardware store dreamed of being a restaurant, and it has indeed succeeded.
Average Price: 20-35 euros
Directions: C/Ronda Sant Pere 74, 08003 Barcelona.
Hours: from 9:00h to 24:00h
Phone 936 258 200
Text: Estefanía Garcés
Photos: Ruth López