OUR HISTORY
Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of El Barroco, a hidden treasure that carries within it the vestiges of Cadaqués' past.
​
Our restaurant is nestled in the former 16th century oil mill, a local historical monument that embodies the cultural richness of the region.
​
At the heart of this building steeped in history, each stone tells the story of a bygone era.
Dating from the 16th century, El Barroco is the second building to emerge from the ashes of destruction inflicted by pirates in the 15th century. It thus stands as a resilient witness to the rebirth of Cadaqués.
​
Inside, discover the artifacts of a bygone era: the majestic millstone, the press, the oven chimney, the oil tanks and the water well. These authentic elements immerse you in the atmosphere of a flourishing milling activity which has marked local history.
​
El Barroco, as a former oil mill, has stood the test of time with elegance, preserving its historic character. Today, it is much more than a restaurant, it is a gateway to the past, a gastronomic experience at the heart of Catalan authenticity.
Every dish we serve is steeped in the tradition that inhabits these walls, creating a unique fusion between historical heritage and delicious homemade Lebanese cuisine.
We invite you to join us for an experience that transcends time, where every meal is a celebration of heritage, taste and memory.
Welcome to El Barroco, where the past blends harmoniously with the flavor of the present.
History
Salvador Dali
The history of our restaurant is inseparable from the artistic charm of Cadaqués, closely linked to the name of the illustrious Salvador DalÃ. Every summer, the renowned artist visited our mill twice a week, making our place an unmissable meeting place for his dinners. He appreciated not only the delicacy of our hospitality, but also the pleasant atmosphere and exceptional cuisine that characterize El Barroco.
Sometimes, Dalà would recommend our restaurant to his guests, encouraging them to join us to enjoy a unique culinary experience. At the end of the meal, he joined them, enjoying a toast with the prestigious Cresta Rosa de Perelada, accompanied by a few grapes from Empordà .
Thus, each visit to us is a dive into history, where artistic inspiration and culinary passion meet to create memories that transcend the simple pleasure of the palate. welcome to
El Barroco, where good appetite becomes a celebration of art and gastronomy.
In 1978, the Master himself created our emblem, a tribute to the union between art and gastronomy:
EL BARROCO
During the 60s and 70s, many artists, actors and musicians set foot in Cadaqués to visit the famous Salvador DalÃ.
However, few had the privilege of being received in the master's residence, including illustrious personalities such as the Marquis de Villa Verde (daughter of Franco), the descendants of the founder of the company "RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company », and members of Bourbon Alphonsine’s family.
Despite this selectivity, Salvador Dalà reserved a special invitation for his guests, inviting them to share unforgettable moments at our restaurant, El Barroco. Among the personalities who honored our establishment with their presence, we include Juan Carlos I, the King of Spain himself. In the years 1978 and 1979, during several visits to the artist, the king chose to savor the unique culinary delights of EL BARROCO on two occasions.
So, although the door to DalÃ's residence may have remained closed for many personalities, EL BARROCO had the honor of welcoming renowned visitors, offering an exceptional culinary experience in the shadow of artistic history and culture of Cadaqués. Our restaurant perpetuates this heritage by inviting everyone to discover the perfect union between authentic Lebanese gastronomy and the special moments shared around our table.
El Barroco and King Juan Carlos I
In 1978 and 1979, El Barroco had the honor and privilege of twice hosting His Majesty King Juan Carlos I of Spain. These privileged moments marked a special page in the history of our restaurant, testifying to the distinction and fame that El Barroco enjoys beyond its culinary delights.
During his first visit in 1978, King Juan Carlos I chose our establishment to enjoy an exceptional gastronomic experience. Impressed by the quality of our authentic Lebanese cuisine and the warm atmosphere that reigns at El Barroco, His Majesty graced our tables with his presence.
This positive experience led to a second visit in 1979, confirming El Barroco's reputation as a place of choice for connoisseurs, even among royal figures. These royal visits have left an indelible mark on our history, reinforcing our commitment to culinary excellence and exceptional hospitality.
Today, at El Barroco, we are proud to continue this tradition of excellence that has charmed even the highest echelon of Spanish royalty. Every meal with us is a celebration of heritage, quality and authenticity, a tradition that stretches back to our historic roots and is expressed through every dish we serve. Welcome to El Barroco, where culinary excellence meets royalty in an unforgettable dining experience.