David Romero
Catalan chef behind Mantis (with Toni Solans) and Solc — Hofmann-trained, with stages at DiverXO, Fäviken, and Koy Shunka.
- Restaurants
- 2
David Romero is one of two Hofmann-trained chefs behind Mantis in la Nova Esquerra de l'Eixample, opened in 2023 with co-chef Toni Solans, and also leads the sibling restaurant Solc. The pair built their experience through stages at the three-Michelin-star DiverXO, the late two-Michelin-star Fäviken Magasinet, and the one-Michelin-star Koy Shunka. Their cooking blends Catalan and Asian influences.
Biography
Early years
Romero studied at the Hofmann hospitality school in Barcelona, where he met his eventual business partner Toni Solans.
Career
Romero and Solans built their experience through stages at three internationally renowned kitchens: DiverXO in Madrid (Dabiz Muñoz's three-Michelin-star restaurant), the late Fäviken Magasinet in Sweden (Magnus Nilsson's two-Michelin-star project), and Koy Shunka in Barcelona (one Michelin star). In 2023 they opened Mantis on Carrer de París 145 in la Nova Esquerra de l'Eixample — a Catalan-Asian fusion restaurant with a fully visible kitchen and a deliberately transgressive design register. Romero also leads Solc, the sibling restaurant.
Philosophy
Romero and Solans describe their cooking as eclectic — global in influence, anchored in local and seasonal product, with a clear Asian thread. The Mantis format is open and counter-led, with minimalist decor that puts the kitchen at the centre of the room.
Accolades
- ·Michelin Guide selection at Mantis and Solc
- ·Stages at DiverXO, Fäviken Magasinet, and Koy Shunka
- ·Hofmann hospitality-school graduate
Frequently asked
Does David Romero have a Michelin star?
No — Mantis and Solc are in the Michelin Guide selection without a star. Romero trained at three internationally starred kitchens: DiverXO, Fäviken Magasinet, and Koy Shunka.
Where can I eat David Romero's cuisine in Barcelona?
Two restaurants. Mantis on Carrer de París in la Nova Esquerra de l'Eixample is the open-kitchen flagship he co-runs with Toni Solans. Solc is the smaller sibling project.