El Chato
El Chato
El Chato is Barcelona's oldest Basque restaurant, founded in 1941 by Agusti Elorza and Avelina Garcia on Gran Via near Placa de Tetuan.
Background
About El Chato
The Story
El Chato was founded in 1941 by Agusti Elorza from near Vitoria in the Basque Country and Avelina Garcia from Briones in La Rioja. The restaurant originally served Basque transporters and truckers whose agencies lined Gran Via near Placa de Tetuan. As the transport industry relocated, the restaurant evolved to serve a broader clientele while preserving its Basque culinary traditions. Now in its second generation under Agusti Elorza Jr. and his wife Eva Miquel, El Chato is Barcelona's oldest Basque restaurant with over 85 years of continuous operation.
The Cuisine
Chef Agusti Elorza Jr. continues the family's Basque-Mediterranean tradition with slow-flame, traditional cooking techniques. The menu features Basque classics -- hake kokotxas in green sauce, bacalao al pil-pil, fresh pochas with clams, and Burgos blood sausage with piquillo peppers -- alongside their famous steak tartare (available classic or with truffle). Galician beef, braised oxtail, and creamy potato with truffle and foie round out the offering. Half portions available for variety.
The Team
Agusti Elorza Jr. runs the kitchen as the second generation of this family restaurant, continuing the Basque culinary traditions established by his parents in 1941. His wife Eva Miquel manages operations and front of house. The intimate family atmosphere reflects over 85 years of warm, personal hospitality.
Highlights
What Diners Say
Consensus
El Chato Ratings & Reviews
Professional Ratings
Traditional Basque-Mediterranean cuisine, steak tartare specialists
Diner Ratings
4.4
635 reviews
Professional recognition includes Macarfi food 7.3/10. Diners rate it 4.4/5 on Google (635 reviews).
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Reservations
How to Book El Chato
Booking
Reservations recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Book by phone at +34 932 45 21 69 or via the contact form on the website. Private dining available for groups up to 25 guests across three distinct dining areas.
Experience
El Chato Dining Experience
A traditional, intimate Basque restaurant with classic decor and dressed tables across three distinct dining areas -- ground floor, interior dining room, and upper floor. The small space feels timeless and family-run, with white tablecloths and warm, personal service. A modest, authentic setting that has barely changed in over 85 years.
Navigate
El Chato Location & Neighbourhood
Getting There
Located on Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes near Placa de Tetuan in the Fort Pienc neighbourhood of the Eixample district. The restaurant has occupied this spot since 1941, originally serving Basque transport workers whose agencies lined this stretch of the avenue.
Nearby
Fort Pienc is a residential neighbourhood in the eastern Eixample, centred around Placa de Tetuan and the Arc de Triomf area. The neighbourhood has a strong local dining identity with traditional restaurants that have served the community for decades, alongside newer openings attracted by the area's central location and excellent metro connections.
Nearby Restaurants
Izarra
Basque Grill
Family-run Navarrese grill with charcoal chuleton and spoon dishes since 1974.
Fonda Bullanga
Catalan Market
Traditional Catalan fonda with fork breakfasts and daily lunch in Fort Pienc.
Parking Pizza
Italian Pizza
Wood-fired artisan pizza in converted garages across Barcelona since 2015.
Details
El Chato Reservations, Hours & Contact
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 13:00–15:30 & 20:30–22:30 |
| Wednesday | 13:00–15:30 & 20:30–22:30 |
| Thursday | 13:00–15:30 & 20:30–22:30 |
| Friday | 13:00–15:30 & 20:30–22:30 |
| Saturday | 13:00–15:30 & 20:30–22:30 |
| Sunday | 13:00–15:30 |
El Chato hours verified 2026-03-01. Contact the restaurant to confirm.
Contact
Recommended
Good to Know
Social
From restaurant_elchato on Instagram
Boon dia🍅🍍🥬🫛🥕!!
Cocotxes de lluç❤️donant idees peR aquestes festes❤️❤️podeu reservar❤️❤️❤️
Preparats per el Nadal🎄recordeu que podeu reservar per a grups🎄❤️🎄❤️❤️🎄❤️🎄 #barcelonarestaurant #nadal #
Carxofes acabades d'arribar: fresques, de temporada i plenes de sabor. Al Chato les cuinem com sempre s'ha fet: amb respecte pel producte i amor per la tradició. 🌿 📞932 452 169 📍C/ Gran Via de les C.C. 697 #elchato #cuinavasca #barcelona #Carxofes
Els detalls expliquen qui som. Una història que comença el 1941 i un espai ple d'ànima. Al Chato, cada racó guarda un record. 📞932 452 169 📍C/ Gran Via de les C.C. 697 #elchato #cuinavasca #barcelona #CuinaAmbHistòria
En Bipul forma part de l'ànima del Chato. Amb la seva dedicació i el seu somriure, fa que cada servei sigui especial. Gràcies per posar-hi sempre el cor. 🤍 #elchato #cuinavasca #barcelona #CuinaAmbHistòria
Questions
El Chato FAQ
What makes El Chato Barcelona's oldest Basque restaurant?
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El Chato has been operating continuously since 1941, making it over 80 years old. It was founded by Agusti Elorza from the Basque Country and is now run by his son Agusti Elorza Jr., maintaining traditional Basque culinary practices across two generations.
What are El Chato's signature Basque dishes?
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El Chato is famous for its steak tartare (available classic or with truffle), hake kokotxas in green sauce, bacalao al pil-pil, and fresh pochas with clams. Other Basque specialties include Burgos blood sausage with piquillo peppers, Galician beef, and braised oxtail.
How do I get to El Chato near Placa de Tetuan?
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El Chato is located on Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 697 in the Fort Pienc neighbourhood. Take metro to Tetuan (L2) for a 2-minute walk, or Girona (L4) for an 8-minute walk. There's paid parking (Parking Apha) directly in front of the restaurant.
Do I need reservations at El Chato and how do I book?
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Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Book by phone at +34 932 45 21 69 or via the contact form on their website.
What should I expect to spend at El Chato?
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Expect around 50 EUR per person. À la carte prices range from €2.40-36, with starters €9-20, fish dishes €17-29, and meats €12-36. Group menus are available at 39, 48, and 55 EUR per person, and half portions are offered for variety.
Why is El Chato closed on Sunday evenings?
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El Chato operates Tuesday to Saturday for both lunch (13:00-15:30) and dinner (20:30-22:30), but only serves lunch on Sunday (13:00-15:30). They're completely closed on Mondays.