El Mercat
El Mercat
El Mercat is a Mediterranean tapas and market cuisine restaurant on Carrer de Casp in la Dreta de l'Eixample, opened in 2017 by Jordi Carbo and Eduardo Sarda. Everything is made fresh to order with seasonal products in an industrial-chic space with a semicircular bar and open kitchen and service.
Background
About El Mercat
The Story
El Mercat opened on April 11, 2017, founded by Jordi Carbo and Eduardo Sarda. Carbo previously ran Cal Saldoni in Penedès, specialising in traditional slow food, while Sarda moved from the textile industry to cooking in Menorca before returning to Barcelona. The name reflects their philosophy of sourcing fresh, seasonal products daily. Everything is made to order with market ingredients.
The Cuisine
Co-founders Jordi Carbo and Eduardo Sarda serve Mediterranean tapas and market cuisine, with everything made fresh to order. The menu features bravas (7.50 EUR), croquettes de butifarra de perol (2 EUR each), Russian salad (5 EUR), Andalusian squid (12 EUR), oxtail stew (15 EUR), grilled octopus (15 EUR), bluefin tuna tartare, partridge in escabeche, and crispy suckling pig. Tapas by the kilo available for groups. Around 25 EUR per person without drinks.
The Team
Co-founders Jordi Carbo and Eduardo Sarda run the kitchen and front of house. Google reviewers give it 4.2/5 from 4,085 reviews.
Highlights
What Diners Say
Consensus
El Mercat Ratings & Reviews
Professional Ratings
Market cuisine, good value, bar, tapas, pintxos
Diner Ratings
4.2
4,085 reviews
TripAdvisor
4.0
455 reviews
Professional recognition includes Macarfi food 7.0/10. Diners rate it 4.2/5 on Google (4,085 reviews) and 4.0/5 on TripAdvisor (455 reviews).
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Reservations
How to Book El Mercat
Booking
Reservations recommended, especially for weekends where three lunch shifts operate (11:00, 13:00, 15:00). Book by phone at +34 935 970 154 or email info@elmercatrestaurant.com. Walk-ins also welcome.
Experience
El Mercat Dining Experience
A roomy industrial-chic space with a semicircular bar at its centre, open kitchen, and hanging hams and sausages mimicking a market stall. Round tables, a charcuterie counter, and large windows overlooking the street. The atmosphere is informal, lively, and unpretentious. Large terrace on Carrer de Casp.
Navigate
El Mercat Location & Neighbourhood
Getting There
Located on Carrer de Casp at the corner of Carrer del Bruc in la Dreta de l'Eixample, at the foot of the Midtown Apartments building. The industrial-chic space features a semicircular bar, open kitchen, and a large terrace on the street.
Nearby
La Dreta de l'Eixample is one of Barcelona's most central and prestigious neighbourhoods, home to Passeig de Gràcia and iconic modernist landmarks. Carrer de Casp runs between Plaça de Catalunya and the upper Eixample, lined with a mix of restaurants, hotels, and shops popular with both locals and visitors.
Nearby Restaurants
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Bodega Bonay
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Virens
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Contemporary Mediterranean cuisine celebrating vegetables and seasonal ingredients.
Details
El Mercat Reservations, Hours & Contact
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 11:00–23:30 |
| Tuesday | 11:00–23:30 |
| Wednesday | 11:00–23:30 |
| Thursday | 11:00–23:30 |
| Friday | 11:00–23:30 |
| Saturday | 11:00–23:45 |
| Sunday | 11:00–23:45 |
El Mercat hours verified 2026-04-01. Contact the restaurant to confirm.
Contact
Recommended
Good to Know
Social
From elmercatbcn on Instagram
Questions
El Mercat FAQ
How do El Mercat's weekend lunch shifts work?
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El Mercat operates three lunch shifts on weekends at 11:00, 13:00, and 15:00. Reservations are especially recommended for weekends due to this system.
What's the story behind El Mercat's co-founders Jordi Carbo and Eduardo Sarda?
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Jordi Carbo previously ran Cal Saldoni in Penedès, specialising in traditional slow food, while Eduardo Sarda transitioned from the textile industry to cooking in Menorca before returning to Barcelona. They opened El Mercat on April 11, 2017, with a philosophy of sourcing fresh, seasonal products daily and making everything to order.
What does the 'tapas by the kilo' format at El Mercat include?
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El Mercat offers tapas by the kilo format for groups of 5 or more people. This allows larger groups to share a variety of their Mediterranean tapas and market cuisine dishes, though specific details about what's included aren't specified in their standard menu.
How much should I budget for dinner at El Mercat in Eixample?
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Expect around 25 EUR per person without drinks. Individual tapas range from 2 EUR for croquettes de butifarra to 15 EUR for grilled octopus or oxtail stew.
Where exactly is El Mercat located and how do I get there?
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El Mercat is on Carrer de Casp, 35 in la Dreta de l'Eixample. Take metro to Urquinaona (L1/L4) for a 5-minute walk, or Tetuan (L2) for a 6-minute walk.
What makes El Mercat's atmosphere distinctive?
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The restaurant features an industrial-chic space with a semicircular bar at its centre, open kitchen, and hanging hams and sausages mimicking a market stall. There's also a large terrace on Carrer de Casp and the atmosphere is informal, lively, and unpretentious.