Carmina
Carmina
Carmina is an Italian-Mediterranean restaurant on Carrer de l'Argenteria in El Born, opened in April 2022 by Grupo Isabella's in the space of the legendary Senyor Parellada.
Background
About Carmina
The Story
Carmina opened in April 2022 in the space of the legendary Senyor Parellada, a Barcelona institution that operated for 38 years before closing in 2021 due to the pandemic. Grupo Isabella's, the hospitality group founded by Isabella Heseltine and now directed by her son Marco Gari Heseltine, took over the space and created Carmina as their Italian-Mediterranean concept. The interior was redesigned by Quintana Partners with a Havana-colonial aesthetic, preserving the building's 19th-century character while adding hanging plants, warm reddish tones, and rattan textures around a central glazed courtyard.
The Cuisine
Chef Josep Maria Masso leads a kitchen with a strong Italian accent alongside Mediterranean influences. The menu features fresh pastas including candele with beef cheek ragu, spaghetti alla carbonara, truffle fettuccine, and paccheri with scampi. Italian antipasti include vitello tonnato, burrata with seasonal tomatoes, and calamari fritti. Secondi range from sirloin tagliata to veal Milanese and turbot aglio e olio. The cocktail programme is a significant part of the offering, with a hidden speakeasy bar upstairs. Around 55 EUR per person without drinks.
The Team
Chef Josep Maria Masso heads the kitchen for Grupo Isabella's, the hospitality group that also operates Isabella's, Bella's, Harry's, Julieta's, and Gala across Barcelona. Founded by Isabella Heseltine, who arrived from Rome in 1986, the group is now led by her son Marco Gari Heseltine. The restaurant seats 160 across two floors with multiple spaces.
Highlights
What Diners Say
Consensus
Carmina Ratings & Reviews
Professional Ratings
Grupo Isabella's, Italian-Mediterranean, Havana decor, cocktails, El Born
Diner Ratings
4.6
6,632 reviews
TripAdvisor
3.3
127 reviews
Diners rate Carmina 4.6/5 on Google (6,632 reviews) and 3.3/5 on TripAdvisor (127 reviews).
Been to Carmina? Share your experience with the community.
Reservations
How to Book Carmina
Booking
Reservations recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Book via the Grupo Isabella's website. Walk-ins welcome as the restaurant has 160 seats across two floors. Non-stop kitchen service from breakfast through late-night dining. Private dining room available for up to 20 guests.
Reserve
Experience
Carmina Dining Experience
A two-storey Havana-colonial space designed by Quintana Partners, centred on a glazed courtyard with hanging plants, warm reddish tones, and rattan textures. The open kitchen in orange tones is visible to diners. Restored 19th-century paintings add character. A hidden speakeasy bar upstairs serves cocktails. DJ sessions in the evenings create a lively atmosphere. Capacity 160 seated across multiple spaces including a private dining room for 20.
Navigate
Carmina Location & Neighbourhood
Getting There
Located on Carrer de l'Argenteria in El Born, inside the chic&basic Habana Hoose hotel (formerly Hotel Banys Orientals). The restaurant occupies the space of the legendary Senyor Parellada, which operated for 38 years until closing in 2021. One of Barcelona's most central dining locations, steps from the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar.
Nearby
Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera encompasses the El Born district, one of Barcelona's most vibrant and historically rich neighbourhoods. Carrer de l'Argenteria is a key artery connecting the area to the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, lined with restaurants, boutiques, and cultural spaces. The neighbourhood draws a mix of locals and visitors to its medieval streets.
Nearby Restaurants
Fronda Pasaje
Vegetarian
Plant-based wine bar where chef Maximo Cabrera applies a biologist's eye to vegetable cookery in a small, dinner-only El Born room.
Estimar
Seafood
€€€€Seafood cooking from chef Rafa Zafra in Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera.
El Xampanyet
Catalan Tapas
Historic family-run cava bar and tapas on Carrer de Montcada since 1929.
Details
Carmina Reservations, Hours & Contact
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 07:00–01:00 |
| Tuesday | 07:00–01:00 |
| Wednesday | 07:00–01:00 |
| Thursday | 07:00–01:30 |
| Friday | 07:00–02:00 |
| Saturday | 07:00–02:00 |
| Sunday | 07:00–01:00 |
Carmina hours verified 2026-04-01. Contact the restaurant to confirm.
Contact
Recommended
Good to Know
Social
From carmina.bcn on Instagram
Welcome to the essence. Welcome to Carmina.
The ritual.
Enjoy the Mediterranean way of life.
Long talks. #carminabcn #grupoisabellas
En Carmina sentimos auténtico amor por la cocina italiana. #CarminaBcn #GrupoIsabellas
An Italian classic that never goes out of style. #carmina #grupoisabellas #paccheri #paccheriallavittorio #restaurantesbcn #restaurants
Questions
Carmina FAQ
How do I make a reservation at Carmina Barcelona?
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Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. You can book via the Grupo Isabella's website at grupoisabellas.com. Walk-ins are also welcome as the restaurant has 160 seats across two floors with non-stop kitchen service from breakfast through late-night dining.
Is Carmina's menu available in English?
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Yes, you can view Carmina's menu in English on their website at grupoisabellas.com/en/carta-carmina/. The menu features Italian-Mediterranean dishes including fresh pastas (€16-28), antipasti, grilled meats and fish, and house cocktails.
What is the dress code at Carmina Barcelona?
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There is no formal dress code at Carmina. Smart casual attire is appropriate for the stylish, contemporary atmosphere.
Does Carmina Barcelona offer gluten-free options?
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While the menu shows various pasta dishes and Italian fare, specific gluten-free options aren't detailed in the available menu information. It's best to contact the restaurant directly at +34 936 061 524 or hello@carminarestaurante.com to inquire about gluten-free accommodations.
How much does it cost per person to eat at Carmina?
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Expect to spend around €55 per person without drinks. Pastas range from €16-28, main courses (secondi) from €22-32, and antipasti from €14-25. Cocktails start from €11.
What makes Carmina different from other Barcelona restaurants?
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Carmina occupies the legendary space of Senyor Parellada, which operated for 38 years before closing in 2021. Grupo Isabella's transformed it with stunning Havana-colonial decor by Quintana Partners, featuring a central glazed courtyard and restored 19th-century paintings. It also has a hidden speakeasy bar upstairs with cocktails and DJ sessions in the evenings.
What are Carmina's opening hours and do they serve all day?
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Carmina is open 365 days a year with non-stop kitchen service. Hours are Monday-Thursday and Sunday 07:30-01:00, Friday-Saturday 07:30-02:00. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner continuously throughout the day.