Restaurant “4 Gats”

I like places that have a history behind them. You already know this. But when history is written in capital letters, I reach a point of fascination that turns me into a mini-historian (with all due respect to the professionals in the sector). I try to document myself as much as possible and I almost always manage to make that fascination bigger.

I was very impressed to know that the story of the "4 Gats" began in Paris at the end of the 19th century. Pere Romeu worked as an entertainer at the "Le Chat Noire" cabaret and, seduced by that atmosphere, he decided to create a similar restaurant in Barcelona. Thanks to the financial help of Ramon Casas and Santiago Rusiñol he was able to inaugurate it in 1897 in a building on Puig i Catafalch. Two years later, when it was the flagship of Catalonia's modernist bohemia, it was frequented by Pablo Picasso who held his first individual exhibition. In that environment Picasso came into contact with anarchist thought.

The "4 Gats" is the typical place that all people from Barcelona know. We have gone more or less times, but we have gone. We have stayed at the entrance to have a drink in the afternoon or we have gone into the dining room to have dinner. Anyway, all of us, at any point in our lives, experienced it.

Aesthetically nothing has changed. Everything is as always. At the entrance, the same marble tables with wooden chairs continue... or, at least, that's how I remember it for years. On the walls there are the same paintings and the same tiles that give it so much charm! The bar in the back has always caught my attention.

The dining room inside is wide and has a more serious air than the entrance area. There is a double level; the upper part is like a narrow balcony with tables for two people. There is a piano for live music.

Type: catalan and mediterranean cuisine with innovation.

• Salmorejo with mató - Small appetizer starter. I found the mix of Catalan-Andalusian products very original. Positive surprise just start the night!
• Their version of Gilda with Cantabrian anchovies, Gordal olive and semi-dried tomato - I have to be honest and say that I was not expecting a Gilda in the "4 Gats"... anyway, it's always good to be surprised.
• Salmorejo base with mató and ham salt - Very thick and delicious salmorejo softened and refreshed with the mató. The mini pieces of ham give it a special taste. Very good.
• Crudités salad with two textures of asparagus and smoked salmon with oriental juice - Delicious. One of the star dishes. In this dish you can see the quality of the product; but the success is, without a doubt, the sauce... a kind of salmon mayonnaise with lemon and ginger. Great.
• Artichokes with squid and roast sauce - A very special sea-mountain. Artichokes with squid is an imaginable mix; but put barbecue sauce... not anymore! Chapeau! Another of the star dishes.
• Bao with candied bacon, cucumber and apple - Now that baos are so trendy... I have to say that this is one of the best I've tried. I will return to repeat it.
• Cod with honey, pine nuts and ratatouille - Excellent presentation. The pine nuts give strength to the dish.
• Low-cooked lamb with pistachios and truffled potato parmentier - It melts in your mouth. Super tender and very groundbreaking with the pistachios.
• Beet semifreddo with cheese - Ssshhhh... a secret: I don't like beets and I ate it! No need to say more.
• Ginger and anise - Excellent presentation.

I don't want to forget to mention Vanesa and Fátima. Super nice, attentive to everything and without overwhelming anything. Great!

All of you who have the opportunity, go and enjoy good cuisine surrounded by walls with history. It's worth it.

Take advantage of the visit by entering the century-old store "L'herboristeria del Rei". It seems like time has stopped.