El Cercle
El Cercle
El Cercle occupies the first floor of a fifteenth-century Gothic Quarter palace shared with the Reial Cercle Artístic, the arts society founded in 1881.
Background
About El Cercle
The Story
El Cercle opened in 2014 on the first floor of the Palau dels Comtes Pignatelli, a fifteenth-century Gothic Quarter palace that also houses the Reial Cercle Artístic. Architect Alfredo Arribas led the remodel, dividing the space into several themed rooms that the restaurant still uses today: La Biblioteca with its wooden shelving, Les Quatre Estacions with corner sculptures, Els Atlants for private events, a Japanese counter called La Barra, and an outdoor terrace known as La Terrassa.
The Cuisine
The kitchen runs two parallel menus. A Mediterranean carte covers Catalan tapas, rice dishes, grilled fish and meats, and homemade pastries and ice creams, with signature starters such as the spicy El Cercle bomb and salmorejo with Iberian ham. A separate Japanese menu served at La Barra, led by chef Yao Wang, covers nigiri, maki, sashimi, tempura, rice bowls and tataki. Chef's suggestions rotate with the seasons and lean on Catalan ingredients like Baix Llobregat artichokes and Maldonado Iberian pork.
The Team
Chef Yao Wang runs the Japanese counter, preparing sushi and sashimi in front of guests at La Barra. The Mediterranean kitchen is staffed by a separate brigade focused on Catalan and market cuisine.
Highlights
What Diners Say
Consensus
El Cercle Ratings & Reviews
Diner Ratings
4.3
4,177 reviews
Yelp
3.8
62 reviews
Professional recognition includes Macarfi food 6.5/10. Diners rate it 4.3/5 on Google (4,177 reviews) and 3.8/5 on Yelp (62 reviews).
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Reservations
How to Book El Cercle
Booking
El Cercle takes reservations through its website for indoor seating; the terrace is first-come, first-served. Advance booking is recommended for evenings and weekends, and for the Japanese counter when Chef Yao Wang is working, which runs Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner.
Experience
El Cercle Dining Experience
The restaurant is spread across themed rooms in a fifteenth-century palace: La Biblioteca with wooden shelving and Catalan classics, Les Quatre Estacions with corner sculptures and high ceilings, the private Els Atlants, the Japanese counter La Barra, and an outdoor terrace called La Terrassa. The terrace sits on a raised patio overlooking nearby façades and runs from noon until late.
Navigate
El Cercle Location & Neighbourhood
Getting There
El Cercle occupies the first floor of the fifteenth-century Palau dels Comtes Pignatelli on Carrer dels Arcs, at the Portal de l'Àngel end of the Gothic Quarter. The building is shared with the Reial Cercle Artístic, Barcelona's oldest art society, founded in 1881. A short walk from Plaça de Catalunya and the Cathedral, the restaurant is reached by climbing one flight of stairs into the historic palace.
Nearby
The Barri Gòtic is Barcelona's medieval heart, a labyrinth of narrow stone streets lined with Gothic architecture spanning centuries. Beyond the famous Cathedral, the neighbourhood is dense with galleries, antique shops and hidden plazas that reward exploration. It remains one of Barcelona's most atmospheric districts, where history and contemporary culture intersect at every turn.
Details
El Cercle Reservations, Hours & Contact
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 12:00–00:00 |
| Tuesday | 12:00–00:00 |
| Wednesday | 12:00–00:00 |
| Thursday | 12:00–00:00 |
| Friday | 12:00–01:00 |
| Saturday | 12:00–01:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00–00:00 |
El Cercle hours verified 2026-04-01. Contact the restaurant to confirm.
Contact
Required for indoor dining. Bookings through the restaurant website; terrace is walk-in only.
Good to Know
Social
From el_cercle on Instagram
Traditional roast free-range chicken with potatoes — one of the signatures of the Mediterranean kitchen.
Sushi and sashimi from La Barra, the Japanese counter led by chef Yao Wang, open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.
Smash El Cercle, a seasonal cocktail made with watermelon-infused vodka, lemon and basil.
Questions
El Cercle FAQ
Where is El Cercle located in Barcelona?
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El Cercle is on the first floor of the fifteenth-century Palau dels Comtes Pignatelli at Carrer dels Arcs 5, in the Gothic Quarter, sharing the building with the Reial Cercle Artístic. The nearest metro is Jaume I (L4), a three-minute walk.
What kind of food does El Cercle serve?
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The restaurant runs two parallel menus: a Mediterranean carte with Catalan tapas, rice dishes, grilled fish and meat; and a Japanese menu with sushi, sashimi, tempura and tataki served at La Barra, the sushi counter led by chef Yao Wang.
Do I need a reservation at El Cercle?
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Reservations are recommended for the indoor dining rooms, especially at weekends and for the Japanese counter. The outdoor terrace, La Terrassa, is walk-in only and not reservable.
When is the Japanese counter open?
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La Barra, the Japanese sushi counter, is open Tuesday to Saturday from 13:00 to 17:00 and from 19:30 to 23:30. The Mediterranean menu is served every day from noon until midnight, with the terrace open until 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
How much does a meal at El Cercle cost?
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Most diners spend around €40 per person for the Mediterranean carte. The Japanese counter skews higher, with signature sushi platters running from about €28 to €35 and nigiri priced by the piece.
Is there live music at El Cercle?
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Yes. The restaurant hosts live piano performances every Thursday and Saturday from 20:00 to 22:00 in the Les Quatre Estacions dining room.