A short walk from Barcelona Cathedral, in the former stables of the Gothic cathedral, lies Arcano, one of the city’s most unique dining venues. A favourite spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a culinary experience in the historic heart of Barcelona.
Under the management of the Quibuch Group, founded by Gabriel Buchaillot, Claudia Quintero and Germán Buchaillot, Arcano has celebrated its fourteenth anniversary this year, offering contemporary Mediterranean cuisine that engages with the venue and its history. It is also an invitation to discover and sample the region’s traditional cuisine, featuring fresh and well-balanced dishes. The culinary excellence of Arcano Restaurant is based on three pillars: vegetables grown in the Parc Agrari del Baix Llobregat, top-quality meats – some of which are sourced from Argentina – and delicate, fresh fish.
Situated near Via Laietana and just a short walk from the Santa Caterina Central Market, the Picasso Museum and the Moco Museum, Arcano is housed in a former 17th-century stable block that once belonged to the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia. This beautiful Romanesque building, with its arched features and stone walls, is yet another chapter in the history of Barcelona and the Born neighbourhood, where the restaurant is situated.
Once a traditional eatery serving tapas and other light bites, accompanied by wines and vermouths, it has been transformed into an eclectic and cosmopolitan restaurant that once concealed the charm of its walls and ceilings. It was with the arrival of the Quibuch Group that this space regained its full beauty. The walls and arches were restored and refurbished, becoming one of the elements that best define the Arcano experience. Its architectural features inspire admiration amongst diners, whilst the artworks — sometimes by emerging artists — that adorn its walls and are updated from time to time, and the exclusive furniture by the Argentine firm Drift, displayed in various corners of the premises and available for purchase, equally fascinate both customers and passers-by who cannot resist the temptation to take a peek inside.
Arcano is a peaceful haven where you can enjoy a leisurely meal whilst discovering a cuisine that blends history and creativity; and as night falls, the warm lighting and the historic building transform it into a magical and intimate setting, where every dinner becomes a memorable experience. Any time of day is ideal for savouring their cuisine at a leisurely pace, whilst enjoying the flavours and aromas that their dishes give off. These are more than enough reasons why Arcano has become, ever since it opened its doors, a benchmark for Barcelona’s culinary scene.
Cooking whilst bearing in mind the history of the venue
Its location in one of the city’s most historic premises has, in a way, shaped Arcano’s cuisine, as – without meaning to – they have found themselves compelled to tell stories through their dishes. They share the view that cooking can be an exercise in keeping memory alive, and to achieve this, they do not rewrite history; rather, they listen to it, respect it and translate it into the present. Because when you listen, the flavours take on a whole new depth. This philosophy has given rise to an honest dialogue with culinary heritage. It’s not about faithfully recreating old recipes, but about understanding them and bringing them to life for your customers, whilst always respecting the ingredients and allowing them to cook slowly To reconnect with ingredients already found in old cookery books, such as almonds, honey, aromatic herbs and aged wines; putting into practice combinations and cooking methods that may seem modern but have in fact been part of Catalan cuisine for centuries, and infusing their dishes with sweet-and-sour contrasts that find natural expression on their menu – always with a contemporary twist – all of which shapes a style of cooking in which time, produce and balance take centre stage.
Building on these foundations and drawing on the excellent produce that fills their larders, they create such mouth-watering dishes as the low-temperature egg, made with mountain trumfos (potatoes), leeks and Iberian ham chips. A nod to medieval Catalan cuisine, which already used root vegetables and onions as an essential flavour base. The delicious venison fillet, thinly sliced and served raw with red berries, mustard and capers. A combination that plays on the sweet-and-savoury balance characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine, transporting us back to times gone by whilst offering a modern reinterpretation. A tribute to traditional Mediterranean game cuisine. Or the refreshing duck salad, featuring succulent duck confit with tender sprouts, dressed with a three-mustard vinaigrette and wildflower honey. Inspired by the sweet-and-sour sauces that accompanied poultry in medieval Catalan cuisine. From the sea comes the twice-cooked cod served with a creamy trinxat sauce, crispy Iberian pork, figs and almonds. A traditional ingredient in Catalan cuisine, drawn from Mediterranean culinary heritage, with almonds and figs taking centre stage – ingredients so commonly found in the region’s medieval sauces.
To round off the meal, the desserts, which include Arcano’s honey and mató, a traditional Catalan sweet flavoured with thyme and lemon, served with truffle honey and walnuts caramelised in dark cocoa. A dessert that combines tradition and authentic flavour with a touch of sophistication.
Delicacies that are enjoyed even more when paired with a selection of forty little-known wines from small, local wineries. Wines that pair well with the menu and, if possible, are small-batch, from good vintages and at their peak. Without a doubt, excellent choices to complement each dish.
Discover the history and magic of the Born
Can you imagine a stroll through the historic alleyways, past iconic monuments and hidden corners of the Born district? A journey accompanied by fascinating stories told by experts, culminating in a culinary experience at Arcano Restaurant.
It begins at the Placeta d’en Marcus, one of the neighbourhood’s most charming spots, and continues to the Plaza de Sant Pere de les Puel-les, a square steeped in centuries of history. From here, we’ll head to Carrer dels Petons, a hidden, romantic and charming little spot. Next, we’ll visit the Convent of San Agustín to learn about all its legends, and then the Carrer del Rec, the historic street that links the neighbourhood to its commercial past. We will admire the historical and architectural heritage of the Plaza del Palau and discover the great historical significance of the Fossar de les Moreres. On this fascinating journey through the history of Barcelona, a visit to the Basilica of Santa María del Mar, the neighbourhood’s Gothic gem, is an absolute must. We’ll look into the eyes of the carasses on Carrer dels Miralles – sculptures that watch passers-by from the façades – and we’ll finish on Carrer de Bòria, where we’ll revel in its medieval charm.
Having satisfied our cultural appetite, it’s time to treat our taste buds. The Arcano menu that accompanies this experience consists of the Chef’s Appetiser. Next, a delicious starter was served, consisting of a selection of cold starters: a salad of tender shoots with duck confit and a honey and mustard vinaigrette, or tuna tartare with pistachios and crispy fried banana; the choice is yours. Next, a choice of hot starters: Pagés sausage brioche, truffle cream and crispy mushrooms, or slow-cooked egg with a leek parmentier and Iberian ham crisps. Among the main courses, you can choose from grilled salmon, agave, dill and lemon, served with potato millefeuille and Mahón cream; twice-cooked cod, creamy trinxat, crispy Iberian ham, figs and almonds; acorn-fed Iberian pork shoulder, smoked sweet potato, orange and peanuts; or Argentine Angus sirloin. And to finish off, a choice of desserts: cheesecake cannoli or chocolate truffles.
Located at number 10 Mercaders Street, Arcano Restaurant has become a guardian of Barcelona’s history. A fruitful journey undertaken jointly by history and gastronomy to dazzle us with an experience that connects with the Born neighbourhood. In this magical setting, which is a historic landmark, the cuisine is not always embellished with technical flourishes. Here, innovation and research into recipes from the past take on a whole new dimension. A culinary concept that seeks to understand how people cooked in this region almost nine centuries ago, making Arcano one of Barcelona’s most unique restaurants.
