Fonda Espanya — Restaurant in Barcelona

RESTAURANT FONDA ESPAÑA (HOTEL ESPAÑA). BARCELONA

The great chef Martín Berasategui presents, at the Hotel España Ramblas, a central and classic 4-star hotel in Barcelona and a jewel of modernism in the city, his renewed vision of traditional cuisine with top quality products.

Next to the Ramblas, the Mercat de la Boqueria and the Gran Teatre del Liceu, it bears the hallmark of the famous architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. And entering its rooms is like stepping into a time machine that takes us back to the Catalonia of the early 20th century.

The Hotel España, considered a small jewel of Catalan Modernisme, originally opened its doors in 1859 under the name of Fonda de España.

In January 1898, Miquel Salvadó, the owner of the Fonda at the time, requested an initial permit to carry out interior renovation work on the ground floor. In a second building permit in November 1900, some of the interior courtyards were enclosed. A third permit was requested in 1901 to install a lift and its electric motor.

It was during these years that the refurbishment designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner was completed in 1903 and the following year it was awarded the prize for the best commercial establishment in the Architecture and Decoration Prize awarded each year by Barcelona City Council.

The decorative project for the Hotel España involved artists who were already well known at that time. Domènech i Montaner had the painter Ramón Casas for the sgraffito in the dining room (known at the time as La Pecera and nowadays as the Salón de las Sirenas) and the sculptor Eusebi Arnau, author of the 5-metre-high alabaster fireplace in the lounge.

The renovation led to the hotel being advertised in several guidebooks of the time, even in French, as a first-class establishment "avec tout le confort moderne" (with all modern comfort).

The refurbishment project that the hotel underwent in 2010 has recaptured the spirit that Domènech i Montaner conceived. The modernist spaces have been recovered as they were originally designed, while at the same time the hotel has been equipped with the latest technology, design...

Fonda Espanya provided a welcoming experience with a warm reception and an ambiance that exuded classic elegance. However, there is room for improvement in the furniture, as the tables and chairs could enhance the overall atmosphere. The culinary journey, masterfully crafted by a skilled chef, demonstrated excellence overall, except for a challenging instance with the Wagyu beef. The delicate balance between raw and rare was missed, resulting in a regrettably raw and cold presentation.

Service, managed by a combination of experienced and inexperienced staff, displayed some inconsistencies, notably in the incorrect serving of wines and uncleaned glasses. Despite these observations, I believe this feedback serves as a constructive guide for Fonda Espanya to refine their offerings. With optimism, I am confident that, on my next visit to Barcelona, Fonda Espanya will have elevated its standards, making it a destination...

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing an incredible 9-course seafood gastronomy dinner at this restaurant. From start to finish, every dish was a work of art, perfectly executed with fresh and high-quality ingredients that showcased the flavors and textures of the sea. The dishes ranged from oysters to succulent clams and delicate scallops, all prepared to perfection with unique and creative preparations that truly elevated the dining experience. The ambiance of the restaurant was cozy and intimate, with soft lighting and beautiful decor that added to the overall elegance and sophistication of the evening. The service was excellent, with a knowledgeable and attentive staff that made sure every detail was taken care of. Overall, I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for an exceptional seafood dining experience. The pricing was also...