Eating out in Barcelona - Els Quatre Gats

Last night I went to dinner at the restaurant Els Quatre Gats (The Four Cats).

This restaurant is in the heart of the city of Barcelona and must be visited at least once as the restaurant not only has a lot of history behind it, but its beautifully decorated, has an amazing service and great traditional Catalan and Spanish cuisine. 

A Brief History

This restaurant was opened on June 12th 1897 in the Montsió street. The idea to open this restaurant was originally taken from an entertainment presenter and waiter in the cabaret Le Chat Noir called Pere Romeu. Pere Romeu wanted to create a similar environment that he was seduced by in Paris, here in Barcelona. He wanted it to be like a tavern, with cheap food and piano music. He got the financial support from some of his friends, including Ramon Casas and Santiago Rusiñol.

The building was designed by the architect Puig i Cadafalch. It drew attention because it was unusual, refined and artistic details combined with objects could be seen as characteristic of a traditional hostel.

Before, shows of Chinese shadows and of marionettes were made and, to announce them, Ramon Casas painted posters following the fashion of the time

Picasso started to frequent the place and carried out his first exhibition in the big room at the age of 17 in 1899. He made the poster that was used as a title page of the menu of the house.

Gaudí the famous architect and many other famous people like the musician Isaac Albéniz and his friend Enric Granados visited the 4 Gats.

There are paintings hanging from the walls by Picasso, Casas, Opisso, Nonell, Rusiñol…;

The food and service at the 4 Gats was great. The waiters and maître’s are on the ball constantly, making sure your wine glass is always full and your food comes out at the right time.

It isn't cheap nor too expensive and if you come to the city for a weekend break then do visit this bohemian style restaurant.

Contact -
C/ Montsió Nº3
Barcelona 08002
+34 933 024 140