An unexpected protagonist
In a city of this size, where not everyone has the time or inclination to venture into the forest, one deeply Barcelonan institution has played a vital role in keeping wild mushrooms at the heart of autumn: the markets. A vast network that, despite the passing of time, remains alive and true to its role as a bridge between the city and the forest floor. As Jordi Vilà puts it: “If the markets die, wild mushrooms die”.
In Catalan, there are more than six hundred words for mushrooms. This is no exaggeration; it reflects a culture that is among the most mycophilic in the world.
Every autumn, people across Catalonia head into the forests with near-devotional commitment, drawn by an ingredient that has become something close to sacred.
It all begins with an unspoken understanding: a place, often kept secret. Every family has one, passed down from one generation to the next: a spot where mushrooms have always grown and always will. A quiet symbiosis between people and landscape, renewed year after year.
This is a love story between a culture and an ingredient that here finds the ideal conditions to flourish, both in quality and in variety. Over time, that connection has become part of the very fabric of Barcelona’s and Catalonia’s gastronomic identity.
“Our cuisine cannot follow trends. It must remain a living heritage, shaped by time rather than fashion.”
Jordi Vilà’s cuisine
In an age of fleeting exhibitionism, Jordi Vilà champions the mushroom as a mark of integrity: creativity with roots, haute cuisine with memory and personality without excess. It’s about bringing back those aromas and flavours that lie deep within us – through creativity and talent.
Where to truly enjoy wild mushrooms
Hisop
A restaurant offering signature cuisine that combines textures and flavours in both its à la carte and set menus, along with a selection of Spanish cheese.
Bar Bauma
A classic bar in the Eixample district serving Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine for breakfast, lunchtime, tapas and small dishes.
Capet
A restaurant serving contemporary dishes, with à la carte options and tasting menus complemented by an extensive wine list featuring natural wines.
Leku
A small restaurant with a highly distinct Mediterranean style, focused on premium products and offering a selection of omelettes every Friday.
Tram-Tram
A classic restaurant that breathes new life into traditional cuisine, featuring seasonal produce on its à la carte, lunch and tasting menus.
La Forquilla Nou Barris
A restaurant whose menu focuses on hearty stews and unusual dishes, featuring dishes paired with reasonably priced wines for dinners.
Petit Comitè
A Catalan restaurant specialising in seasonal, locally sourced cuisine, featuring a tasting menu, a carefully curated wine list and an outstanding Dry Martini.
Solc. Hotel Majestic
A restaurant that serves up healthy cuisine featuring vegetables from its own garden on the set menu, tasting menu and lunchtime menu.
Bodega Amposta
A modern eatery and wine bar featuring market-fresh cuisine and grilled dishes along with tapas and dishes made for sharing.
Granja Elena
A neighbourhood tavern founded in 1974 specialising in hearty breakfasts and dishes made with premium raw materials.
Bar Milagros
A market-style bar with a French-inspired atmosphere boasting a varied menu perfect for tapas and small dishes.
Aflamas
Signature cuisine with sumptuous dishes that pair rice with grilled meat and fish, as well as a separate tasting menu.
Chichu's
Small restaurant featuring homemade recipes with a French flair, crafting a varied menu with a neighbourhood atmosphere.
Els Tres Porquets
A cozy tavern serving tapas, small dishes and signature courses based on fresh market produce tailored to the season.
Casa Jordi
A traditional restaurant founded in 1968, featuring seasonal produce, generous portions and a Catalan farmhouse atmosphere that invites you to linger long after your meal.
Malparit
A restaurant serving shareable dishes with a fun, modern twist, always prepared with premium ingredients.
Envalira
A classic, seafood-inspired restaurant that combines home-style dishes with acclaimed rice dishes.
Alkimia
Creative Catalan cuisine boasting fish courses that reinterpret tradition with contemporary techniques.
