Video: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/De2Ivy9NJcB/">@restaurant4gats, @urifood / IG</a>

Historic Tavern Reconnects with Local Roots

El 4 Gats, the modernist restaurant at Montsió, 3 in Barcelona, is launching a renewed gastronomic project aimed at re-establishing itself as a benchmark for Catalan cuisine and drawing back local patrons. The move marks a strategic shift following the impact of the pandemic, which highlighted the enduring support of Barcelona residents over international tourists. Sílvia Ferré, who co-owns the restaurant with her three brothers, said the closure of tourism during the pandemic was a turning point. "Without tourists, we saw that it's the local public that is always there and always will be," she recalled.

Renowned Chef Takes Helm

The Ferré family has brought in chef Oriol Lagé, formerly of the now-closed OT restaurant and most recently responsible for the gastronomic offerings at Bodega Josefa and L’Anxova Divina at the SLS hotel, to lead the new direction. Lagé, who described himself as "burned and disillusioned" after his last ventures, said the opportunity came at a providential moment. He consulted friends and family before accepting, who agreed that he and El 4 Gats were a perfect match.

We make a good team.

, Oriol Lagé, chef at El 4 Gats Lagé emphasized the strong rapport he has developed with the Ferré family, standing just metres from a reproduction of Ramon Casas and Pere Romeu on a tandem bicycle, an iconic image once displayed in the tavern.

The new gastronomic strategy, developed in agreement with the Ferré family, centres on a "radical commitment to Catalan cuisine," according to Lagé. Early changes include a renewed lunchtime menu featuring a dish of the day, advertised with a reproduction of a Pablo Picasso-designed poster. The set lunch, salad, main course, dessert or coffee, and drink, will be offered at a fixed price of €20. The full menu renewal is expected after Christmas, as the team finalises holiday offerings. While details remain limited, Lagé confirmed traditional dishes will take centre stage. As an example, he cited the inclusion of flan with cream and "pijama", a Catalan dessert, in the sweets selection, a notable departure in a landscape dominated by tiramisu and cheesecake.

We want small but firm steps.

, Team statement on the rollout of the new menu The restaurant aims to win back loyal customers who value authentic Catalan flavours through seasonal ingredients and recipes revisited with traditional essence. The long-term goal is to restore El 4 Gats as a cornerstone of Barcelona’s local dining culture.

Sources: betevé.