Soaring Rents Threaten Viability of Restaurants
Commercial rental prices for restaurant premises in central Barcelona have reached as high as €60,000 per month, prompting warnings of widespread closures from the Gremi de Restauració de Barcelona (Barcelona Restaurant Guild). Demand far exceeds supply, particularly in the city centre, where rents range from €10 to €600 per square metre depending on location. A 150-square-metre space in areas like Passeig de Gràcia, Portal de l'Àngel, or Port Vell can cost between €3,000 and over €50,000 monthly. The historic restaurant El Merendero de la Mari in Port Vell recently closed after being unable to meet a rent demand exceeding €50,000 per month.
Owners Struggle with Unaffordable Leases
David Sadurní, owner of Piccata in Eixample, pays around €5,000 monthly for a 100-square-metre space on Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes. He says he must generate around €2,000 in daily revenue just to break even. Gennaro Iomelli, co-owner of Terrazza Ravello in Port Vell, highlights the pressure of five-year lease renewals, which force sharp adjustments to margins. "We can't pass that on to the dishes," he said. Francisco Fuentes of Sushi Saki, also in Port Vell, confirmed paying over €20,000 per month but described it as affordable due to high tourist footfall, which accounts for 50% of customers.
Guild and Council Demand Intervention
Roger Pallarols, general director of the Gremi de Restauració, warned that rent now accounts for 20% to 30% of total costs and is pushing many businesses into unviability. "Many restaurant contract prices are out of the market," he said. The guild is calling for a "viability pact" between landlords and tenants to stabilise the sector. Pallarols stressed that while the market may self-correct eventually, proactive measures are needed to protect Barcelona's gastronomic identity.
City Proposes Rent Caps and Purchase Rights
Raquel Gil, Barcelona's fifth deputy mayor and councilor for Economic Promotion, acknowledged the lack of current regulation on commercial rents but affirmed the city's support for capping them, as with housing. The Barcelona City Council is advocating for state-level tools to regulate rent in high-pressure zones. It also wants to apply a right of first refusal and pre-emption on commercial properties, allowing the administration to purchase premises to prevent speculation. A joint fund with the Generalitat has been established to acquire and protect "unique" shops and restaurants that contribute to neighbourhood character.
What This Means for You
Restaurants in tourist-heavy areas face growing instability due to unregulated commercial rents. While large chains can absorb high costs, independent establishments are at risk. The city is pushing for legal reforms to protect small businesses, but no immediate changes are in force. Property owners and tenants in emblematic zones should monitor developments in the proposed national commerce law for potential intervention powers.
Sources: 3Cat.
