The extensive redevelopment works that have upturned various sections of Barcelona’s La Rambla are proving to be a severe test of endurance for local businesses. Consequently, the avenue now presents a landscape of contrasting fortunes for La Rambla restaurants.
Business owners along the iconic promenade have reported significant economic losses due to restricted access and the removal of terraces. Meanwhile, some historic establishments have been forced to retreat. However, new investors are seizing the opportunity to gain a foothold in one of the city’s most famous locations.
Your browser does not support the video tag.Home » La Rambla Restaurants: Historic Amaya Closes as New Venue 700 Milles Opens
Historic Amaya Pauses Operations
One of the most high-profile casualties of the current disruption is the historic restaurant Amaya, founded in 1941. This establishment, a fixture of the Rambla for over eight decades, lowered its shutters provisionally on 1 January. The staff have been placed under an ERTO (temporary redundancy) scheme. Therefore, the owners are waiting for the most disruptive phase of the construction to pass.
Mireia Torralba, a representative of the owning family, described the situation as financially “unbearable”. She noted that the business had endured “very tough” months as the works complicated access for diners. The outlook for the immediate future appeared even bleaker. Their section of the street is set to lose its terrace space by late spring to accommodate central infrastructure updates. For hospitality venues on the promenade, these outdoor tables act as an essential economic lifeline.
While the restaurant survived the Christmas season thanks to loyal local clientele, Torralba admitted they are currently “holding their breath”. The family, which has run the venue for three generations, is weighing its options. They may reopen with their traditional culinary offering once conditions improve. Alternatively, they may consider transferring the business. Proposals from foreign investors—similar to those acquiring other spots on the avenue—have already been received.
New Life at Number 12: 700 Milles
Conversely, despite the challenging environment, some entrepreneurs are betting on the Rambla’s potential. A new establishment, 700 Milles, has recently opened at number 12. It occupies the space formerly known as the classic bar Casa Joan.
The premises had a troubled recent history. Casa Joan closed in 2016 due to skyrocketing rents, which at the time reached up to €40,000 per month. It was briefly revived as Casa Lola by the Costa Este group but closed again during the pandemic.
Now, following a million-euro investment by a businessman from Girona, the venue has undergone a profound renovation. The design highlights original architectural features, such as brick walls and arcades, blended with contemporary furnishings. In addition, 700 Milles focuses on Catalan and seafood cuisine. It aims to woo locals back to the tourist-heavy strip.
Although the restaurant began operations a month ago, it is still fine-tuning its programming. The Ciutat Vella district confirms that the refurbishment was completed late last year. This brings vitality back to a section of the street heavily impacted by pavement widening.
A Mixed Picture for La Rambla Restaurants
The arrival of new investment is being welcomed by local entities such as Amics de la Rambla and the Barcelona Restaurant Guild (Gremi de Restauració). Both organisations continue to lobby for optimal conditions for terrace operators once the street’s redistribution is finalised.
Currently, the upper section of La Rambla, near Plaça de Catalunya, is suffering less from the drop in footfall. Visitors still venture into the promenade. However, few now walk its entire length. They are deterred by the maze of fences and construction noise that characterises the lower sections.
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