Els Quatre Gats, Barcelona

During a recent visit to Barcelona, we were determined to have dinner at Els Quatre Gats (the four cats). Barcelona does have quite an important Picasso connection, as he spent his formative years here. Els Quatre Gats was a regular hangout for him and other Barcelonian artists. This was what attracted us to this place. It is not however what I will mostly remember from it. ~Situation and history~ ************************* Halfway between las Ramblas and the Via Laietana, Els Quatre Gats is on the narrow and modest Carrer de Montsió. The restaurant is on the ground floor of the Casa Martí, a ... more

We went to Els Quatre Gats and were somewhat nervous as one person had been advised to go and another warned not to. In the end it was a good decision as it was a pleasant restaurant had friendly staff and the only downside was the lack of vegetarian options, but that is just part of going to Spain. I have just had a quick check at their website and the lack choice for us veggies has not changed. The restaurant opened in 1897 but was a café then and its claim to fame was being the location of Picassos first exhibition, and has been in its present form since 1978 and there are claims that it ... more

Overpriced, average food and rude waiters The food was really not that good, many places in Barcelona that can give you a better meal for a cheaper price. Avoid the meat, not good quality In addition, the waiters were rude as they did not like the fact we had a baby and a pushchair and they overcharge our bill. As soon as they notice we were checking the bill, they came over to ensure everything was ok. They overcharge us for a lot of money (25%) and they try to do it twice (the second time they overcharge us 10%). ] When we left the table we notice that under one of the chair there was a dead ... more

I love Barcelona and I love the Four Cats (Els Quatre Gats) restaurant. I usually go to Barcelona about three times a year for long weekends and I always make a point of dining at the four cats on Sunday evenings. They have a website (can't give it out here but go to google) where you can either email for a reservation or get the telephone number. The atmosphere, live piano music and decorations are fantastic, even the toilet is a must see. The Four Cats was designed by Puig Cadafalch, a contemporary of Gaudi, in neo-gothic style and was a meeting place for famous artists like Pablo Picasso ... more