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Tel. Reservations: 933 300 303
Price: From 30-45 Euros.
(Precio medio 45 €)
Open: Monday to Sunday from 13:15-24hr. Closed: Never.
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TripAdvisor : 3.5/5 rank 964 / 4338 832 reviews Yelp : 3.5/5 23 reviews
El Tenedor : 7.7/10 5 reviews Dining City : 7.7/10 10 reviews VipGourmet : 7/10 1 review
In 1835, the Bofarull family founded, in the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, Los Caracoles, a restaurant that since its beginnings specialized in this popular Catalan dish (‘caracoles’ means ‘snails’) and other deeply-rooted recipes. Today, the fifth generation of the family sticks to the essence of this establishment that oozes history on every corner and attracts visitors from all the world.
The peculiar and surprising decor of the restaurant keeps the charm of past times with an inevitable decadent air, and has welcomed all sorts of celebrities during its extensive career. The space is spread out over different dining rooms, all of the with their own personality and specially ideal for group celebrations.
The gastronomy at Los Caracoles has no secrets and, although it is cooked with good products, it is really simple. The menu features as well rice dishes, grilled meats, roasted chicken or seafood.
Los Caracoles a name that might mislead “Snails” for a restaurant with the seafood Paella (14€) as specialty. A rustic decoration that is loved by Catalans that always come to this restaurant. Apart from rice, you can also have many typical dishes like lamb or roasted pig… Delicious and really reasonable. Lots of people: make a reservation!
Zagat : Food 21/30 Decor 21/30 Service 19/30 Cost E
“If you’re tired of food made with nitrogen”, head to this 1835 “tradition” “in the heart of the Gothic Quarter” that’s still serving “tasty” Spanish-Catalan “comfort” fare (including “wonderful” signature snails and roast chicken) in an “impressive” multiroom setting steeped in “old-world charm”; critics cite a largely “touristy” clientele and “subpar” service “for the price”, but it’s “fun” and “memorable”, so many deem it a “must-go.”
As you walk down Escudellers, one of the Old Quarter's most seedily atmospheric lanes, you are drawn on by the aroma of roasting chickens rotating on an outside spit built into the side of the building. Enter through the main kitchen, complete with steaming pots and hot-under-the-collar cooks. Inside, the restaurant is a labyrinth -- stairways lead to more dining rooms; private one-table nooks are hidden under stairs; and there are colorful tiles, wooden beamed ceilings, and antique fittings everywhere. The place positively oozes with character, and the cuisine is mainly Catalan comfort food: Arroz negre (rice cooked in squid ink), grilled squid, and, of course, roast chicken. There's a fair share of tourists and the food isn't always up to what it should be, but as an authentic slice of local culture it's definitely worth a visit.
In 1835, the Bofarull family founded one of the most charismatic restaurants in the city. Over time, the restaurant was renamed in honour of one of it's most famous dishes, Los Caracoles (snails). It has always been a hangout for famous personalities from the world of art, show business, politics, and finance attracted not only by the choice of culinary delights served, but also by the charm of its numerous little corners steeped in history!
Los Caracoles, or The Snails Restaurant. Not only the name of this traditional Catalan restaurant explains it´s caracter. You will find snails in all sizes, decorating the walls with other typical products like garlic and jamon - and most certainly you will find snails on the menu. Other courses, but the snails that are recomendable: grilled chicken (the grill is placed visualy in the facade) , rice like paella, escalivada and grilled fish. Fast service and big quantities. Well visited among turists.
With its traditional Catalan cuisine and high quality products, it is no wonder that Los Caracoles features on the Lonely Planet food guide. This old establishment is known for its simple, but delicious preparations—all chicken dishes are strongly recommended. The place gets crowded on weekends, so reservations are necessary.
