A TASTE OF BARCELONA: EL NACIONAL
We are back in Barcelona, even if only for a short time. We love this city, its human and sincere atmosphere… When time is short, you have to make the most of every minute. Since we love eating and drinking, after an essential visit to La Bouqeria, we are at El Nacional, guided by our dear colleague and friend Görkem Volkan.
Built in 1889, this historic building has been approached with the preservation and reuse approach we are accustomed to seeing across Europe. It has been used as a factory, a theater, and even for car sales and as a garage. Finally, a smart investor created a boutique dining and drinking environment with four separate kitchen and four separate bar concepts. We can say it is a closed and more compact version of Bomontiada. Each corner has been designed with a different flavor. No material stands out; even though the spaces have different concepts, they are very harmonious with each other.
There is no discomforting excess or exaggeration in the space. Of course, the building itself stands out with its high ceilings and welcoming atmosphere. The beauty lies in being able to coexist in harmony within such a structure. It’s a great spot for those who love meat, fish, tapas, and shellfish. You don’t have to eat here; there are also great options for beer, wine, and cocktails. It was a short but enjoyable experience. We didn’t get to visit La Barceloneta this time, but we’ve already added El Nacional to our agenda for our next visit…
