Celebrated Spanish chef José Andrés has named Ca L'Isidre, a long-standing restaurant in Barcelona's Raval neighbourhood, as his favourite dining spot in the city, according to ABC Cataluña. Andrés, who spent his youth in Barcelona and began his culinary training there, frequently recommends the classic establishment.
Ca L'Isidre, which opened in 1970, has built a reputation for its traditional family-run approach, focusing on fresh market produce and classic Catalan dishes. Its founder, Isidre Gironès, maintained a close relationship with La Boquería market for decades, sourcing seasonal ingredients for a menu of recognisable, expertly prepared recipes.
A Taste of Tradition
Among the restaurant's signature dishes are cod 'a la llauna' with Sant Pau beans, tripe with chickpeas, oxtail with mashed potatoes, and red prawn tartare. However, one of its most popular offerings is the traditional gratinated cannelloni, prepared in a festive style with roasted chicken, veal, pork, béchamel sauce, and cheese.
Ca L'Isidre has received several accolades over its history. These include the National Gastronomy Award from the Catalan Academy of Gastronomy and Nutrition, a 'Sol' (sun) from the Repsol Guide, and inclusion in the Macarfi Guide.
Visiting Ca L'Isidre
The restaurant is located at Carrer de les Flors, 12, in the Raval district, close to Avinguda del Paral·lel. It operates from Tuesday to Saturday. Reservations are advisable, especially for those wishing to try its well-known dishes like the gratinated cannelloni. A meal, excluding drinks, costs around €70, ABC Cataluña reported.
