A highlight of the meat restaurant. We source only premium 'Rubia Gallega' beef, aged for at least 45 days in our own chambers. It is grilled precisely to your preference over a wood fire and served simply with sea salt and roasted local potatoes. It's the ultimate Spanish steak experience.
Tips from diners
An absolute mandatory order if you go to the meat section. The flavor of the wood fire is remarkable. Request 'al punto' (medium-rare) for the best texture.
We source daily from the city's auctions. This platter typically includes Mediterranean red prawns, razor clams, local squid, and mussels. It's grilled with zero fuss — just extra virgin olive oil and a dash of garlic-parsley, highlighting the pure freshness of the sea.
Tips from diners
Perfect for sharing. Everything is so fresh you can taste the salt water. The red prawns are worth the price alone.
A classic Catalan starter. Red peppers, onions, and eggplant are slow-roasted in our wood oven until smoky and sweet. Served chilled with a layer of premium salt-cured anchovies and a generous drizzle of smoked olive oil.
Tips from diners
The smoky flavor from the wood oven is the key. It's a very light and authentic way to start. The anchovies are remarkably large and fresh.
A staple of the rice area. We use Bomba rice from the Ebro Delta, cooked in a wide pan until thin and crispy on the bottom. The rice is infused with a highly concentrated stock of rock fish and served with a side of house-made garlic alioli.
Tips from diners
The flavor is all in the rice! Don't be fooled by the lack of toppings — it's incredibly deep. Use the alioli sparingly, it starts off very strong.
We hand-carve only the highest grade of 48-month aged Jamón Ibérico de Bellota. This platter also includes Lomo (loin), Chorizo, and Salchichón, served with traditional toasted bread rubbed with tomato and salt.
Tips from diners
The best way to start your exploration through the building. The ham quality is top-tier. Great with a glass from the Cava bar next door.
El Nacional is located in a stunningly restored 19th-century industrial building that originally housed a modernist cafe. It is the first space in Barcelona to combine four distinct specialty restaurants (Meat, Fish, Rice, and Tapas/Delicatessen) under one roof, along with four specialized bars (Cava, Beer, Cocktails, and Wine). The Art Deco design and vast industrial space make it one of the city's most impressive and upscale dining destinations.
The space is huge but it gets very busy. If you want a more quiet experience, arrive right at 12:00pm or for an early dinner at 7:30pm. The Art Deco restrooms are famous — make sure you visit them!
You don't need a single reservation for the bars or the Tapas area. Usually, you just walk and find a spot. For the Meat or Fish restaurants, booking is highly recommended on weekends.
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