8 restaurants to have dinner in El Raval beyond durums and kebabs
In the central neighborhood of Barcelona, the offer overflows and it's hard to choose, but there are proposals of Catalan cuisine, author's cuisine, popular cuisine, and with a wide range of prices
BarcelonaEl Raval is one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Barcelona, with a density of restaurants that can overwhelm anyone. Between the establishments geared towards passing tourists, the chains that have occupied street corners, and the businesses that have been feeding the neighborhood for decades, choosing where to sit is not as easy as it seems. Those who live here know it: the options have multiplied, but finding places where the cuisine has soul and the service is genuine requires a bit of discernment.
Despite the neighborhood's fame, in El Raval there are good options beyond durums and kebabs, which are always a temptation. And to prove it, we offer you eight places to dine well with very different profiles: from traditional eateries with affordable set menus to author's proposals, including Japanese and Indonesian cuisine, and options for celiacs. All share one thing: roots in the neighborhood and a desire to do things well. You will also find an extra suggestion that is worth keeping on your radar if you are looking for a place to eat.
Ca l'Estevet
Three generations of the same family keep this Catalan cuisine landmark alive at Valldonzella street, 46. Pepe Cabot, his mother Anna Ros, and his daughter Carla look after a loyal clientele who come to eat escudella and carne de olla, fricandó, or brains, dishes that are no longer found in many places. The waiters retire there and remember each person's table and coffee. It's advisable to book, as they don't have a free table for two weeks. They open every day except for Sunday dinners.
Succulent
The roasted duck croquette, the steak tartare with bone marrow and soufflé potatoes, or the sole with black butter: Suculent's menu makes you want to dip bread without rushing. Toni Romero, who worked at el Bulli, has been at the helm of this restaurant at Rambla del Raval, 45, for over eleven years, very close to Botero's cat. To reach the back room, you have to cross the kitchen, which is already part of the experience. Open Monday to Friday, lunch and dinner.
Arraval
Format with Jordi Vilà and Paco Pérez, the chef Àlex López has opened this restaurant at Marquès de Barberà street, 22, with a proposal focused on Barcelona cuisine. The pilota de escudella with fried potatoes, the onion soup bikini, and the macaroni claim a very local recipe book from a bright space, with capacity for up to fifty diners and a private space. Serves dinner from Tuesday to Saturday.
Cal Robert
If Robert places the specials board in front of you and explains the dishes with his sense of humor, he will have already won you over. On Requesens street, 7, very close to Sant Antoni, this long-standing chef prepares stewed oxtail, meatballs, stuffed squid, and breaded kid goat at affordable prices. On the terrace, you will often find musicians from the Taller de Músics, which is next door. Be aware: for dinner, it is only open from Thursday to Saturday.
Pötstot
Eating everything without gluten or lactose and leaving happy: this is the promise of Pötstot, on Pintor Fortuny street, 32, where the mythical L'Hortet used to be. The Catalan-style spinach croquettes coated with pea panko, leeks confited with mustard and nuts, and truffle cannelloni demonstrate that allergen-free cuisine can be tasty. Don't miss the vegan cheesecake with lemon confiture. The space, with white walls and warm light, invites you to linger at the table. It opens every day, for lunch and dinner.
Carlota Akaneya
Crossing the door of this restaurant on Pintor Fortuny street is like landing in Japan without going through any airport. The Carlota Akaneya was Europe's first sumibiyaki: a Japanese barbecue where the diner is the one who cooks the meat. The Fukuroi menu includes Matsusaka Beef cuts and culminates with an nigiri of Ito Ranch sirloin that is hard to forget. You have to go with your wallet prepared. It opens for dinner every day and for lunch on weekends.
Makan Makan
The rendang of veal cooked for six hours over low heat with hand-chopped grated coconut is the dish everyone orders at Carrer Lluna, 4. Andrey Finanta has been cooking Southeast Asian recipes inherited from his Javanese grandmother for seven years. Also worth trying is the shao mai, a steamed dumpling filled with pork, oily fish, and shrimp, and the pangsit goreng. In winter, the soto ayam soup is incredibly comforting. The place is small: make a reservation. Dinners from Tuesday to Saturday; on Saturday, it also serves lunch.
Good Evening Bar
Entering Carrer del Carme, 63, is like encountering modernist Barcelona: a 1920s bar lovingly restored, with covers from El Patufet magazine on the walls and a restroom that distinguishes between girls and heirs. The menu follows suit: cod with ratatouille, meatballs with cuttlefish, wild boar civet, and Catalan cream. All recognizable, all well-made. They have a good selection of Catalan wines and liquors. It opens every day for lunch and dinner, and on weekends it has continuous hours.
For a home-cooked meal: La Grangeta del Raval
Nineteen years serving breakfast and lunch menus in the neighborhood, now in a new and much larger location on Peu de la Creu street, right in front of the l'ARA newsroom. Xavi Serna, Isa Hidalgo, and Paco Hidalgo keep the handwritten menu with starters, main courses, drinks, and desserts. Fideuá, macaroni with cheese and hazelnut sauce, battered hake: all homemade and at a price that hasn't changed. Upstairs, there is also a space that carries on the legacy of L'Hortet. Monday to Friday, from 7 am to 10 pm.