Can Solé: the oldest restaurant in the Barceloneta area

In the picturesque neighborhood of Barceloneta, where the sea and tradition are intertwined, is Can Solé, a restaurant that has seen generations pass and that, to this day, remains a symbol of Catalan gastronomy. This establishment, located at number 4 Sant Carles Street, has stood the test of time since its foundation in 1903, and its interior exudes the essence of the old buildings of the 18th century, preserving architectural details that evoke the seafaring past of the area.

An enduring legacy

Can Solé began as a humble fisherman’s tavern founded by Josep Homs, who kept the name of its previous owner, Gregorio Solé, a local merchant. The history of Can Solé is impregnated in every corner of the place, from the antique taps that were used to clean the fresh fish, to the tiles and solid marble tables that still welcome diners today. It is the oldest restaurant in Barceloneta that has been open uninterruptedly, witnessing the changes and transformations of the neighborhood and the city itself. After the Civil War, Can Solé re-emerged in 1939 under the name “Restaurant Antiga Casa Solé”, maintaining its essence, but adapting to the times. It was in 1947 when it underwent a significant renovation by architect Marià Romaní, who added a second floor to the premises and brought an air of modernity to the structure without losing its historical character. The walls of the second floor are still adorned with paintings by Alexandre Cifici, a sample of the cultural legacy that the restaurant still preserves.

Golden decades and gastronomic recognition

The real consolidation of Can Solé as one of the best seafood restaurants in Barcelona took place in the 50s and 60s, a period in which the restaurant became a benchmark for lovers of seafood cuisine. In 1995, the prestigious chef Josep María García, a member of the Chaîne des Rostisseurs and the Cofradía de l’Arròs del País Valencià, took over the management of the restaurant. With his experience and vision, García propelled Can Solé towards culinary excellence, maintaining the authenticity of its seafood recipes and the essence of the Mediterranean and Catalan cuisine that characterizes the restaurant.

The culinary experience at Can Solé

Every day, Can Solé opens its doors to offer its customers a selection of seafood specialties, fresh fish and rice dishes that reflect the richness and tradition of Catalan cuisine. The menu includes recipes that have endured over the years, prepared with the same care and respect for the ingredients that characterized the restaurant in its beginnings. At a time when gastronomy is influenced by ephemeral trends, Can Solé remains true to its essence, offering a culinary experience that connects its diners with the history and flavor of Barceloneta.

This commitment to tradition and authentic flavor makes every dish at Can Solé a celebration of the region’s gastronomy. Fresh seafood and carefully prepared rice dishes continue to be the protagonists, with recipes that respect the original flavors of seafood cuisine. Can Solé invites its customers to relive history through every bite, providing an experience that transcends the simple meal to become a journey into the past.

A destination that continues to captivate

Despite the passage of time and changes in the gastronomic industry, Can Solé remains an emblematic place in the Barceloneta neighborhood. Its ability to preserve authenticity while evolving over time is what makes it a unique destination for both locals and visitors who want to experience the essence of Barcelona through its food. On each visit, diners not only enjoy excellent food, but also a piece of the city’s history. If you are in Barcelona and want to experience an authentic atmosphere, full of history and flavor, don’t hesitate to visit Can Solé at number 4 Sant Carles Street. It is more than a restaurant; it is a journey into the Catalan gastronomic tradition, where past and present merge in each dish, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of Barceloneta. ———–