The historic grocer in the Eixample, open since 1898, has expanded its offerings. Alongside an engaging delicatessen section featuring Catalan and international products, it now includes a bar and high tables for informal tapas, as well as a gourmet restaurant tucked away at the back, seating eight diners. The menu, crafted by chef Jordi Vilà (Alkimia, Al Kostat), revisits traditional slow-cooked dishes with a contemporary touch: onion-braised squid, tuna fricandó, and “capipota” in black lard. Before moving on to dessert, it is advisable to order some cheese. It does not disappoint.
This is good to know
The market occupies a former ceramics factory founded in 1956. The original kilns are still visible, integrated into the structure of the site.
It houses the El Siglo bookshop, with over 150,000 volumes including antique and second-hand books.
On the first Sunday of every month, Mercantic transforms into a large open-air market offering books, records, second-hand clothing, and curious objects.
