b-served Gastronomy
Montesquiu, Sarrià
Where it all began
This year the Montesquiu restaurant located in the Sarrià neighbourhood of Barcelona is celebrating its 25th anniversary, a quarter century since the renowned barman and entrepreneur Javier de las Muelas acquired the restaurant in 1991. It marks the beginnings of the empire that Javier de las Muelas established that nowadays includes restaurants and cocktail bars in Europe, America and Asia.
Known as "the Quiu", Montesqui's history actually begins back in 1952, when the building where the restaurant is now located was used as a warehouse for the storage of bulk wine, beer, soda and the sale of ice. Some years later it started to serve drinks and a selection of tapas, Montesquiu soon became a favourite hangout for students and locals alike, given its terrace and corner location near the Jardins de Ca n’Altamira.
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The bar counter at Montesquiu, displaying the daily offering of tapas to diners.
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The Montesquiu of today offers a variety of traditional and contemporary tapas, such as the famous patatas bravas, as well as ceviche, marinated dogfish, tuna tataki, and more. The menu also features salads, such as the ensalada de Pulpo and the ensalada de Burrata. Desserts, beers and cocktails are also an option that is available.
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Octopus salad
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The Montesquiu croquettes
Extensively remodelled over the years the restaurant is spread out over 270 sq.m. with the entrance area, bar and dining tables stretching along the main street façade and a more private dining area to the rear. The focal point is its tapas bar however which is located directly opposite the corner entrance . The bar displays the raw materials and fresh produce, as well as samples of different cured hams. Daily recommendations are presented to diners on a large black board hanging on the walls. Javier de las Muelas's love for art is also prominently on display throughout Montesquiu, with works from artists such as Josep Riera i Arago, Alfonso Alzamora, Antoni Tapies and Miguel Condé. There are also drawings of Tito Muñoz and photographs featuring Picasso, Janis Joplin and Miles Davis.
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The dining area
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The Montesquiu team
- Montesquiu, Sarrià
- Carrer de Mandri, 56, 08022 Barcelona
- Telf. 93 417 3061
- www.drymartiniorg.com/locales/montesquiu