El Mercader de l'Eixample
El Mercader de l'Eixample
Repsol RecommendedFeatured in Spain's Repsol Guide as a recommended restaurant for quality dining.El Mercader de l'Eixample is an organic Catalan market cuisine restaurant on Carrer de Mallorca in la Dreta de l'Eixample, founded by Claudio Hoyos (also behind El Filete Ruso). Housed in a modernista apartment with a garden courtyard terrace, the kitchen uses 100% organic, KM 0 ingredients with full traceability and decor.
Background
About El Mercader de l'Eixample
The Story
El Mercader de l'Eixample opened in December 2015, founded by Claudio Hoyos, who also created El Filete Ruso. The name pays tribute to both the Passatge del Mercader on which it sits and to Josep Mercader, founder of Hotel Empordà in Figueres and a pioneer of modern Catalan cooking. The restaurant maintains its own organic vegetable garden in Collserola and champions 100% organic, KM 0 ingredients with full traceability. Every item on the menu shows its origin and producer.
The Cuisine
Head chef Alberto de Castro serves traditional Catalan market cuisine with organic, locally sourced ingredients. The menu features classic dishes like canelons with roast meat, bacallà a la llauna on Santa Pau beans, oxtail stew with caramelized onions, steak tartare, bravas, croquetes, Mediterranean squid a la planxa, and seasonal specials. Sharing-plate format with portions ideal for two. Around 30 EUR per person without drinks.
The Team
Head chef Alberto de Castro leads the kitchen. The restaurant was founded by Claudio Hoyos, who also operates El Filete Ruso. Google reviewers give it 4.1/5 from 2,200 reviews.
Highlights
What Diners Say
Consensus
El Mercader de l'Eixample Ratings & Reviews
Professional Ratings
Catalan, croquettes, terrace, bar, organic, KM 0
Guía Repsol 2026 Recommended
Diner Ratings
4.1
2,200 reviews
TripAdvisor
3.8
585 reviews
Professional recognition includes Macarfi food 7.0/10. Diners rate it 4.1/5 on Google (2,200 reviews) and 3.8/5 on TripAdvisor (585 reviews).
Been to El Mercader de l'Eixample? Share your experience with the community.
Reservations
How to Book El Mercader de l'Eixample
Booking
Reservations recommended. Book via the restaurant website, Resy, or by phone at +34 932 720 705. Walk-ins also welcome at the bar. Open 7 days a week with continuous service.
Experience
El Mercader de l'Eixample Dining Experience
Housed in a modernista-era Eixample apartment with preserved architectural details. An L-shaped interior with an open kitchen, bar area, and various-sized tables. The highlight is an intimate garden courtyard terrace on Passatge del Mercader, seating approximately 25 with twinkling lights and heating lamps for year-round use. The atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and inviting.
Navigate
El Mercader de l'Eixample Location & Neighbourhood
Getting There
Located on Carrer de Mallorca at the corner of Passatge del Mercader in la Dreta de l'Eixample, housed in a modernista-era Eixample apartment with preserved architectural details. The restaurant features an intimate garden courtyard terrace on the passatge, an open kitchen, and a bar area. Steps from Passeig de Gràcia.
Nearby
La Dreta de l'Eixample is one of Barcelona's most prestigious neighbourhoods, home to Passeig de Gràcia and its iconic modernist architecture including Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. The area features a mix of high-end dining, designer boutiques, and cultural landmarks. Carrer de Mallorca runs through the heart of the neighbourhood.
Nearby Restaurants
Akiro
Nikkei
Nikkei hand roll bar from chef Luis Arevalo in la Dreta de l'Eixample.
Cervecería Catalana
Tapas
Tapas served in la Dreta de l'Eixample, with a short, market-led menu.
Belvedere
Spanish Market
Classic cocktail bar and restaurant in L'Eixample since 1995 by Gines Perez.
Petit Bangkok
Thai
Authentic Thai cuisine with multiple locations across Barcelona since 2005.
Compartir Barcelona
Mediterranean
Mediterranean tapas restaurant offering creative small plates designed for sharing.
Details
El Mercader de l'Eixample Reservations, Hours & Contact
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 13:00–24:00 |
| Tuesday | 13:00–24:00 |
| Wednesday | 13:00–24:00 |
| Thursday | 13:00–24:00 |
| Friday | 13:00–24:00 |
| Saturday | 13:00–24:00 |
| Sunday | 13:00–24:00 |
El Mercader de l'Eixample hours verified 2026-03-01. Contact the restaurant to confirm.
Contact
Recommended
Good to Know
Social
From mercadereixample on Instagram
Al mal tiempo, buena cara y platos que reconfortan. Nuestra ensaladilla rusa, siempre apetecible. #elmercader
Hay lugares que ya se sienten especiales antes de entrar. Nuestra puerta abierta es una invitación a compartir mesa, momentos y buena comida. #elmercader
Brocheta de rape y langostinos sobre arroz cremoso de setas. Mar y tierra en equilibrio, con una textura que lo envuelve todo. #elmercader
Amigos, una mesa y tiempo para ponerse al día. Una copa, algo para picar y la mejor excusa para alargar la sobremesa. #elmercader
Pequeños placeres que saben a gloria. Hoy el antojo tenía nombre, mollete de calamares. #elmercader
Donde las conversaciones fluyen, las copas se llenan y el tiempo se detiene alrededor de la mesa. #elmercader
Questions
El Mercader de l'Eixample FAQ
What makes El Mercader de l'Eixample's ingredients special?
+
The restaurant uses 100% organic, KM 0 ingredients with full traceability shown on every menu item. They maintain their own organic vegetable garden in Collserola and work with certified local producers. Every dish shows its origin and producer, ensuring complete transparency about ingredient sourcing.
How do I get to El Mercader de l'Eixample by metro?
+
Take metro to Provença station (L6/L7/S1/S2) for a 4-minute walk, or Passeig de Gràcia (L2/L3/L4) for a 7-minute walk. The restaurant is located on Carrer de Mallorca at the corner of Passatge del Mercader in la Dreta de l'Eixample.
Does El Mercader de l'Eixample have a terrace?
+
Yes, the restaurant features an intimate garden courtyard terrace on Passatge del Mercader. The terrace has twinkling lights and heating lamps for year-round use.
What are the signature Catalan dishes at El Mercader de l'Eixample?
+
Head chef Alberto de Castro serves traditional Catalan classics including canelons de rostit (cannelloni with roast meat), bacallà a la llauna (salt cod on Santa Pau beans), and cua de bou estofada (oxtail stew with caramelized onions). The sharing-plate format is ideal for groups, with portions designed for two people.
What's the connection between El Mercader de l'Eixample and Josep Mercader?
+
The restaurant pays tribute to Josep Mercader, founder of Hotel Empordà in Figueres and a pioneer of modern Catalan cooking. The name also references the Passatge del Mercader where the restaurant sits in its modernista-era building.
Can I walk in without a reservation at El Mercader de l'Eixample?
+
Walk-ins are welcome at the bar area, though reservations are recommended for dining tables and especially the garden terrace. You can book via their website or by calling the restaurant.
What's the atmosphere like inside El Mercader de l'Eixample?
+
The restaurant occupies a modernista-era Eixample apartment with preserved architectural details, featuring an L-shaped interior with open kitchen and bar area. The atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and inviting with various-sized tables throughout.