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Contraban
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Sliced duck breast with jus on a blue-and-white porcelain plate at Contraban
Bone marrow with tomato compote and thyme on crushed salt paired with white wine at Contraban
Cured salmon carpaccio with cream dots and herbs being shared at Contraban
Roasted seasonal vegetables with trumpet mushrooms, broccoli and cream sauce at Contraban
Braised oxtail with kale in a cast-iron pan on blue porcelain at Contraban

Contraban

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Michelin SelectedSelected by the Michelin Guide inspectors as a restaurant offering good cooking.
#90 in BarcelonaRanked #90 of all Barcelona restaurants on Guidavera. Click to see the full ranked list./Hidden GemGuidavera tier, our editorial classification combining ratings, accolades, and source consensus across the Barcelona dining scene./ContemporaryContemporary cuisine: the kitchen's primary culinary tradition and style./€€€€/Ciutat Vella/

Inside Wittmore Hotel (Michelin Key), el Barri Gòtic. Chef Alain Guiard. Emotion-driven contemporary cooking rooted in French cuisine. Indoor terrace, weekend brunch, ephemeral local wine list. Adults only.

Background

About Contraban

The Story

Contraban operates within the Wittmore Hotel, offering a distinctive dining experience that blends hotel hospitality with serious gastronomy. The restaurant has earned a Michelin Guide selection, placing it among the notable dining destinations in Barcelona. Its intimate scale and boutique hotel setting give it a character quite different from standalone restaurants in the city.

The Cuisine

Chef Alain Guiard's contemporary cuisine is inspired by the emotions of a creative process, translating feeling into inventive plates with international influences. The menu features dishes such as arros a la cassola de colomi de bresse amb oliva verda alongside creations like apple waffle with cinnamon chantilly.

The Team

Chef Alain Guiard leads the kitchen at Contraban, crafting a proposal inspired by the emotions of a creative process. His approach is accompanied by an ephemeral list of local wines that changes to reflect seasonal availability. The team delivers a style of hospitality that rates at 7.5 for service, consistent with the intimate boutique hotel setting.

Highlights

What Diners Say

Moderate EnergyGreat for TalkingFeels ExpensiveIntimateElegantRomanticRefinedStylishCozyGood for DatesGood for First DatesGood for GroupsGood for CelebrationsGood for FriendsModern CreativeIngredient-LedSeasonalTasting MenuTraditionalBeautiful InteriorOpen KitchenGreat CocktailsBeautiful PlatingGarden DiningNot TouristyHidden GemNeighbourhood GemWorth the TaxiDoesn't Rush YouTerrace

Consensus

Contraban Ratings & Reviews

Professional Ratings

Food 7.5 / Decor 7.8 / Service 7.5

Diner Ratings

Google

4.5

423 reviews

TheFork

9.3

1,093 reviews

TripAdvisor

4.4

181 reviews

#90 in BarcelonaHidden Gem

Professional recognition includes Michelin Selected and Macarfi food 7.5/10. Diners rate it 4.5/5 on Google (423 reviews), 9.3/10 on TheFork (1,093 reviews), and 4.4/5 on TripAdvisor (181 reviews).

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Reservations

How to Book Contraban

Booking

Contraban is open daily. Breakfast is served 08:00–13:00 (Mon–Fri) and 08:00–11:00 (weekends). Weekend brunch runs 11:00–15:00. Lunch and afternoon 'Anytime' menu is served 13:00–18:30 daily. Dinner service runs 18:30–22:30. Bar stays open until midnight. Reservations for dinner are required, book through the hotel website.

Experience

Contraban Dining Experience

Contraban occupies a cosy space inside the Wittmore Hotel, complete with a fireplace and a patio featuring a vertical garden. awards the decor a 7.8 score, noting it as an oasis of calm hidden in the Gothic Quarter's narrow streets. The intimate scale and boutique hotel setting create an atmosphere suited to unhurried, creative dining.

Navigate

Contraban Location & Neighbourhood

Getting There

Contraban is located at Riudarenes, 7, in the 08002 postal district of Barcelona, within the historic el Barri Gotic neighbourhood. The restaurant sits inside the boutique Wittmore Hotel, nestled among the narrow medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter. Its central location makes it easily reachable on foot from many of Barcelona's major landmarks.

Nearby

El Barri Gotic is the oldest neighbourhood in Barcelona, a labyrinth of medieval streets, historic plazas, and centuries-old architecture at the heart of the city. The area is home to landmarks such as the Barcelona Cathedral and Placa Reial, drawing both tourists and locals. Its dense network of alleyways hides a number of notable restaurants, bars, and boutique hotels like the Wittmore.

Details

Contraban Reservations, Hours & Contact

Opening Hours

DayHours
Monday08:00–22:30
Tuesday08:00–22:30
Wednesday08:00–22:30
Thursday08:00–22:30
Friday08:00–22:30
Saturday08:00–22:30
Sunday08:00–22:30

Contraban hours verified 2026-03-01. Contact the restaurant to confirm.

Contact

Phone+34 937 378 159
Instagramcontrabanbcn

Required. Bookings available through the restaurant website.

Good to Know

Michelin Selected inside Wittmore Hotel (Michelin Key), adults only hotel in the Gothic Quarter
Chef Alain Guiard: emotion-driven contemporary cooking inspired by creative feelings, rooted in French cuisine
Michelin highlights: cod fritters with lime mayo and the 'incredibly charming' indoor terrace
Weekend brunch (Sat–Sun 11:00–15:00); dinner 18:30–22:30; bar until midnight
Ephemeral wine list featuring local and seasonal producers
Jaume I (L4) 8 min walk; Liceu (L3) 10 min walk

Social

From contrabanbcn on Instagram

Questions

Contraban FAQ

Does Contraban have Michelin stars?

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Contraban does not have Michelin stars, but it is recognized as Michelin Selected, which is the Guide's designation for establishments worth a visit.

Is Contraban's menu available in English?

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Yes, you can view Contraban's menu and make reservations through their website at wittmorehotel.com.

How much does it cost to eat at Contraban Barcelona?

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Contraban offers à la carte dining at approximately €45 per person.

What kind of restaurant is Contraban Barcelona?

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Contraban is a contemporary French restaurant located inside the boutique Wittmore Hotel in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter.

Where exactly is Contraban restaurant located in Barcelona?

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Contraban is located at Carrer de Riudarenes, 7, inside the Wittmore Hotel in the Gothic Quarter (el Barri Gòtic). It's a 6-minute walk from Jaume I metro station (L4) and 9 minutes from Liceu station (L3).

What are the reviews like for Contraban Barcelona?

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Contraban receives strong reviews across platforms: (423 reviews) (1,093 reviews), and (181 reviews). food critics rate it 7.5/10 for food, 7.8 for decor, and 7.5 for service.