Circolo Popolare restaurant opens this December on Barcelona’s prestigious Passeig de Gràcia, marking Big Mamma Group’s second major venture in the city.
The 900-square-metre establishment promises authentic Italian trattoria dining with capacity for 250 guests and an ambitious target of serving 1,000 customers daily. Located at the prime corner of Passeig de Gràcia and Consell de Cent, the restaurant occupies the former Citrus restaurant space after extensive renovations.
Circolo Popolare Design Features Mediterranean Flair
The interior design showcases dramatic aesthetic elements including 10,000 colourful liquor bottles lining the walls and four of the ten large windows overlooking the boulevard. Furthermore, the space features terracotta floors, cream-coloured plaster benches, and vibrant Sicilian-style tables depicting lemons and grapes. Additionally, lush potted plants will create a Mediterranean garden atmosphere throughout the two main dining rooms flanking the central staircase.
Executive chef Daniele Tasso leads the kitchen team of approximately 50 staff, with Eduardo Bernini taking charge as head chef. Interestingly, the group maintains its policy of initially staffing primarily with Italian personnel to ensure authenticity, though they plan to gradually incorporate local workers until they comprise about 30% of the team.
Authentic Italian Cuisine at Accessible Prices
The menu focuses on traditional trattoria classics that evoke “Italian family Sundays,” according to Tasso. Consequently, the restaurant will import approximately 170 products directly from Italy. The standout feature will be their ‘pizza al metro’ – enormous pizzas measuring up to 80 centimetres, perfect for sharing among groups. A massive combination gas-and-wood-fired oven has been specially installed to accommodate these XXL creations.
Fresh pasta will also feature prominently, with an on-site pasta workshop located on the ground floor. The average bill is projected to range between €20-25 per person, positioning Circolo Popolare as an accessible dining option despite its prime location. Meanwhile, Barcelona continues to attract diverse culinary experiences that enrich the city’s food scene.
According to El Periódico, the Big Mamma Group currently employs over 2,500 staff across seven countries. Their Spanish debut occurred nearly six years ago in Madrid, where they now operate three establishments. Barcelona became their next target due to its “energy” and strong gastronomic reputation, with the group always seeking “iconic locations” for expansion.
The opening follows the successful launch of Gloria Osteria on Enric Granados street last spring, which currently serves approximately 3,000 customers weekly. This new addition to Passeig de Gràcia continues the transformation of Barcelona’s dining landscape, joining other notable recent culinary achievements across the city. The Circolo Popolare restaurant represents another significant milestone in Barcelona’s evolving gastronomic identity.
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