Bottega Bernacca, the acclaimed Italian restaurant, has recently opened its first European outpost at Carrer Bonavista, 10, in Barcelona’s vibrant Gràcia district. This new establishment introduces the culinary vision of Catalan chef Gerard Barberan and Italian restaurateur Davide Bernacca to the city.

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Diners can now experience a menu featuring exquisite Italian dishes, including a rich cacio e pepe with integrated sauce and a sublime, unadorned mozzarella. The restaurant also offers a wagyu bresaola, noted for its marbled fat, alongside a raviolo filled with ricotta, truffle, and egg yolk. An aubergine parmigiana with an intense tomato flavour also features prominently.

Authentic Italian Flavours Arrive

The restaurant’s arrival in Barcelona marks a significant expansion for the brand, which first gained prominence in São Paulo, Brazil. This unique journey brings a blend of traditional Italian gastronomy and international flair to the Catalan capital. The menu meticulously balances classic Italian recipes with fresh, locally sourced Catalan produce.

Chef Gerard Barberan expressed his excitement about the local ingredients. He stated, “Tomorrow I will have red mullet!” This highlights the restaurant’s commitment to utilising the best seasonal produce available in Catalonia. Additionally, the bread basket offers a nod to its Brazilian roots, including warm, freshly made pão de queijo alongside sourdough bread and grissini. This pão de queijo is naturally gluten-free, as it uses cassava flour and cheese.

A Culinary Journey from São Paulo

Gerard Barberan, originally from Badalona, is a seasoned chef. He previously worked at the renowned Cipriani restaurant in Ibiza. Davide Bernacca, from Carrara, Italy, established the first Bottega Bernacca in São Paulo. This initial venture began as a simple wine bar. The two met when Bernacca decided to open a second Bottega in Ibiza, where Barberan helped refine the concept.

Although the Ibiza location, opened in 2015, no longer exists, it laid the groundwork for their current successful restaurant model in Brazil. Barberan subsequently moved to São Paulo, where he revitalised the original restaurant. Together, they have since opened several more establishments across the city. The São Paulo clientele holds a deep affection for Chef Barberan, often seeking to greet him at the restaurant.

The Visionary Founders

Beyond Bottega Bernacca, Bernacca and Barberan also share a passion for Japanese cuisine. They opened Kuro, a Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant with an excellent cocktail bar, also located in São Paulo. This venture further demonstrates their diverse culinary expertise and commitment to high-quality dining experiences.

The decision to open a Bottega Bernacca in Europe stemmed from the founders’ desire to expand their brand closer to home. Barcelona became the natural choice, partly because Davide Bernacca’s daughter is currently studying in the city. This personal connection solidified Barcelona as the ideal location for their European debut.

Barcelona’s New Culinary Destination

The Barcelona restaurant, managed diligently by Daphne D’Alessio, features an impressive interior. Marble, a nod to Davide Bernacca’s hometown of Carrara, is prominent throughout. It adorns the entrance bar, tables, and flooring, creating an elegant and beautiful dining environment. D’Alessio, who has quickly become proficient in Catalan, ensures a smooth operation.

Among the unique offerings is a version of vitello tonnato made with tongue, which has delighted early diners. The restaurant also features a selection of wines, including Le Galline, a white Sangiovese produced as part of a project by Davide Bernacca that supports children with autism and animals. Catalan wines also feature prominently on the menu.

Future Plans and Unique Offerings

Bottega Bernacca in Gràcia currently operates from Tuesday to Saturday, opening at 18:00 for cocktails and drinks. Dinner reservations commence from 19:00. The restaurant plans to introduce lunch services in the near future, gradually expanding its offerings to Barcelona residents and visitors. This measured approach reflects their commitment to quality and sustainable growth.

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Originally published by Ara Cat. Read original article.