The Arcano restaurant proposes to taste and savor the history of El Born

These are some of the anecdotes explained to the diners of Arcano. The emblematic restaurant, located in the heart of Barcelona's Born neighborhood, has just launched the pack The Hidden Jewels of Born. This unique tour seeks to whet the diner's appetite by previously strolling through the narrow streets of the neighborhood, and discovering some secrets of eleven fascinating corners of Barcelona's old town. "It's a way to invite our diners to immerse themselves in the history of our city and culminate the route, savoring a select gastronomic menu under the shelter of thick stone walls and medieval arches from the 7th century, those of Arcano, one of the hidden jewels of Born," emphasizes Gabriel Buchaillot, co-owner of the establishment.

And it is that Arcano, at Mercaders street number 10, is much more than a restaurant, it is a journey through time and one of the most charming places in Barcelona, not only for its ambiance ---dim lights, noble wood furniture and a unique cellar-reserved area---, but also because it occupies exquisitely restored old stables from the 17th century, which gives it a magical atmosphere full of history.

A theatrical tour of the Born

The tour The Hidden Jewels of Born visits some corners of the neighborhood that tourists and Barcelonians normally pass by. At each of the stops, the guides from HL Comedy Tours reveal the most fascinating history and secrets of the Born, in a very different way, always with anecdotes, legends and many doses of humor. Thus, it discovers the secrets treasured by the placeta de Marcus, one of the most charming corners of the Born; or the past of the plaza de Sant Pere de les Puel·les; the origin of the name of the street of the Petons; the legends of the Convent of San Agustín; the street of Rec and its commercial past; the historical legacy of the Pla del Palau; some curiosities of the Fossar de les Moreres; the hidden secrets of the Basilica of Santa María del Mar; why the Carasses look at us in the street of the Mirallers; or the charm of the street of Bòria.

But the "main dish" of the route is Arcano, the beginning and end of the tour. A place that hides walls and arches from the 17th century.

A gastronomic finale at Arcano

Because, after two hours of historical and cultural immersion, visitors return to Arcano to savor an exclusive menu designed by chef Nicolás Limarino, which highlights the commitment to fresh local ingredients and grilled meats, carefully selected to offer an authentic and high-quality gastronomic experience. "We occupy one of the most historic places in the city, which is why we feel the duty to tell stories through our dishes and wines, and now, also, through this new cultural and gastronomic experience," emphasizes Gabriel Buichallot.

Thus, diners can enjoy dishes already emblematic of the house, such as tuna and pistachio tartare with crispy plantain; the mythical grilled baby potatoes, accompanied by their exclusive smoked brava sauce; the low-temperature egg with leek parmentier and Iberian ham chips; the Iberian pluma with peanut cream, accompanied by smoked sweet potato; or the grilled Argentine Angus sirloin, among other dishes. All paired with some of the wines selected from small wineries by sommelier Gianpierre Casas Castillo, and served by maître Ricardo Pires Alcantara.

Kitchen open seven days a week

This autumn, Arcano also celebrates its 12th anniversary under the direction of the Quibuch group (founded by Gabriel Buchaillot, Claudia Quintero and Germán Buchaillot), with Gianluca Bove as director. A time in which it has become, for many, the favorite restaurant for intimate dinners (until September, it only opened at midday from Friday to Saturday). But now, Arcano wants to start giving more diners the opportunity to enjoy the same culinary experience any day of the week, whether for lunch or dinner.

Thus, since this October, Arcano opens seven days a week, from 1 PM to 4 PM and from 6:30 PM to 11 PM, giving its diners the opportunity to savor dishes such as deer sirloin carpaccio with red fruits, mustard and crispy capers or grilled sea bass, celeriac cream and citrus yellow chili sauce, two of its new menu items. "The idea is to offer our cuisine at midday with the same quality, without changing our essence," emphasizes Gabriel Buchaillot.

Coinciding with the new hours, the establishment is also launching a tasting menu for lunch, where diners can sample some of the best dishes on the menu for 39 euros plus drinks. In addition, faithful to their philosophy and their commitment to local products, they incorporate seasonal suggestions, dishes prepared by the chef with seasonal products.