The new Rafa Zafra Tibidabo restaurant will open this June, becoming Barcelona’s highest dining venue. Chef Rafa Zafra, the culinary force behind celebrated establishments like Estimar and Amar, will oversee this ambitious project at Tibidabo Amusement Park.
After winning a municipal competition to secure the unique location, Zafra is currently overseeing the construction. Meanwhile, the restaurant does not yet have a name, but the vision behind it is clear.
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A Philosophy of Fun and Flavour at the Rafa Zafra Tibidabo Restaurant
The new Rafa Zafra Tibidabo restaurant will boast a privileged position offering panoramic views across the entire city. However, the chef is just as focused on the philosophy of the menu as he is on the vista. Therefore, Zafra intends to create a space where generational roles are playfully reversed.
“The idea is that children learn to eat like an adult there, and that parents become children again,” Zafra explained regarding the concept.
Expressing his gratitude to the city, the Seville-born chef added: “Right now I don’t even know the name I’ll give it, but we are very happy with the project because I want to give Barcelona everything it has given me.”
Renovation works are currently underway. Consequently, Zafra estimates a construction period of approximately three and a half months, placing the likely opening date in early summer.
Expanding Beyond the City Centre
The Tibidabo project is not the only recent addition to Zafra’s portfolio. In early February, he opened Hernández in Sant Boi de Llobregat. This traditional brasserie focuses on classic Catalan cuisine, paying homage to the concept of eating in a rural farmhouse (masia).
At Hernández, Zafra collaborates with Gonzalo Hernández, the head chef of Amar. The menu features staples such as cannelloni, Russian salad, capipota with chickpeas, and casserole noodles with sausage and ribs. In addition, there is a heavy emphasis on grilled produce.
Beyond Catalonia, Zafra continues to expand in Madrid with his restaurant Rural and the recently opened Bikini Bar. This venue serves sandwiches and cocktails, some created by fellow chefs and friends, including Albert Adrià.
A Legacy of Excellence
Rafa Zafra’s reputation is built on a solid foundation, having worked at the legendary El Bulli with Ferran Adrià. He maintains a close friendship with both Ferran and Albert Adrià. This connection influences his modern yet respectful approach to ingredients.
His prominence in Barcelona’s dining scene was highlighted in the spring of 2023. At that time, Bruce Springsteen, accompanied by Barack Obama and Steven Spielberg, chose Zafra’s restaurant Amar for a late-night dinner. This continued interest in high-end dining may offset some of the recent challenges to Barcelona’s tourism economy.
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