4 Gats (Els Quatre Gats), Barcelona

One of the most historic bar-restaurants in the city of Barcelona, Els 4 Gats (or, "The Four Cats") was opened in 1897, initially featuring a restaurant, a pub, a cabaret, as well as accommodation in the form of a hostel. It was for turn-of-the-century Catalan modernism what cafés like La Rotonde were for artists in 1920s Paris: a meeting place to trade theories of art, engage in wine-fueled debates and see exhibits of then-unknown artists like Pablo Picasso.

Reopened at the same site in 1989, El 4 Gats is nowadays more of a meeting place for tourists than for artists and intellectuals, but still worth a stop to have a quick drink or a meal in downtown Barcelona. The décor is straight out of the epoch and a couple of the waiters look like they're from the era, too! Order a fairly-priced glass of wine, vermouth, or a "licor de hierbas" (pomace brandy) and take the opportunity to soak up the bar's unique and historic atmosphere.

They also serve well-cooked lobster paella and some rather sinful desserts such as the "textures of chocolate" (i.e. three different types of chocolate desserts in one) or you could go for the delicately smooth and not overly sweet "crema catalana" (Spain's version of crème brûlée).

***PICASSO'S BARCELONA***
In 1900, the painter had his first one-man show here. The special exhibition of his artwork featured more than 50 portraits of friends and family and another 60 or so drawings and paintings, at last earning him some critical attention.

Opening Hours:
[Breakfast] 9–11:30am; [Gastrobar] 11:30am–12am; [Restaurant] 1–4pm / 7–12am