




El Nido del Mirlo
El Nido del Mirlo
El Nido del Mirlo is the restaurant of Hotel Boutique Mirlo, housed in Torre Macaya (1918), the modernist manor on Avinguda del Tibidabo that inspired Carlos Ruiz Zafón's La Sombra del Viento. Head chef Jose Manuel Zafra serves Mediterranean seasonal cuisine in an elegant dining room that opens onto a protected garden terrace.
Background
About El Nido del Mirlo
The Story
El Nido del Mirlo (The Blackbird's Nest) is the restaurant of Hotel Boutique Mirlo, housed in Torre Macaya, a 1918 modernist manor on Avinguda del Tibidabo. The building served as the inspiration for the fictional Palacete Aldaya in Carlos Ruiz Zafón's bestselling novel La Sombra del Viento (over 15 million copies sold). The protected garden, designated by Barcelona City Hall, provides an oasis setting for seasonal Mediterranean dining.
The Cuisine
Head chef Jose Manuel Zafra, with gastronomic consultant Ismael Alonso, serves Mediterranean seasonal cuisine with an author's touch. Dishes include strawberry gazpacho with goat cheese ice cream, spinach croquettes with pine nuts, pularda cannelloni, hake in green sauce with poached egg and wild asparagus, and Iberian pork with foyot sauce. Around 40 EUR per person without drinks.
The Team
Head chef Jose Manuel Zafra leads the kitchen alongside gastronomic consultant Ismael Alonso, delivering seasonal Mediterranean dishes with an author's touch.
Highlights
What Diners Say
Consensus
El Nido del Mirlo Ratings & Reviews
Professional Ratings
Mediterranean, seasonal, croquettes, terrace, singular building, hidden gem, good value
Diner Ratings
4.7
45 reviews
TripAdvisor
4.6
22 reviews
Professional recognition includes Macarfi food 6.7/10. Diners rate it 4.7/5 on Google (45 reviews) and 4.6/5 on TripAdvisor (22 reviews).
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Reservations
How to Book El Nido del Mirlo
Booking
Reservations recommended. Book by phone at +34 931 425 929 or email info@mirlobarcelona.com. Open to both hotel guests and outside diners.
Reserve
Experience
El Nido del Mirlo Dining Experience
The restaurant is set within Torre Macaya, a 1918 modernist manor that inspired Carlos Ruiz Zafón's La Sombra del Viento. Diners can choose between the elegant interior dining room with period details and the protected garden terrace with mature trees and a covered winter pergola. A swimming pool and chill-out area adjoin the garden. The atmosphere is intimate, refined, and peaceful.
Navigate
El Nido del Mirlo Location & Neighbourhood
Getting There
Located inside Hotel Boutique Mirlo on Avinguda del Tibidabo, in the historic Torre Macaya, a 1918 modernist manor in Sant Gervasi - la Bonanova. The building famously inspired Carlos Ruiz Zafón's novel La Sombra del Viento. The restaurant opens onto a protected garden with mature trees.
Nearby
Sant Gervasi - la Bonanova is an affluent residential neighbourhood in the upper part of Barcelona, at the foot of Tibidabo mountain. Avinguda del Tibidabo is one of the city's most prestigious addresses, lined with modernist mansions and villas. The area offers a peaceful retreat from the city centre with easy access to Tibidabo and Collserola.
Nearby Restaurants

Bonanova
Traditional Catalan
Traditional Catalan cooking from chef Herrero in Sant Gervasi - la Bonanova.

ABaC
Mediterranean
Mediterranean cooking from chef Jordi Cruz in Sant Gervasi - la Bonanova.

Thai Bistro 57
Thai
Thai-French fusion bistro with Mediterranean ingredients in Sant Gervasi.

La Venta
Catalan
Catalan kitchen led by chef Raul Esteban in Sant Gervasi - la Bonanova.

Saó
Mediterranean
Elevated Mediterranean cuisine with French technique, built on seasonal Catalan produce through three evolving tasting menus.
Details
El Nido del Mirlo Reservations, Hours & Contact
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 13:00–22:30 |
| Tuesday | 13:00–22:30 |
| Wednesday | 13:00–22:30 |
| Thursday | 13:00–22:30 |
| Friday | 13:00–22:30 |
| Saturday | 13:00–22:30 |
| Sunday | 13:00–22:30 |
El Nido del Mirlo hours verified 2026-03-01. Contact the restaurant to confirm.
Contact
Recommended
Good to Know
Social
From hotelmirlobarcelona on Instagram

A retreat in Barcelona where time stands still. Suites designed for relaxation, details that make a difference, and moments to remember. Calm and privacy in Barcelona. This is the Hotel Mirlo experience. Hotel Boutique Mirlo Barcelona Av. del Tibidabo 32 08022 - Barcelona Sarrià - Sant Gervasi +34

🍽️ Hay noches que merecen un lugar especial 💖✨ Ven a cenar al Nido del Mirlo y déjate llevar por una cocina mediterránea con producto fresco de temporada, en un rincón de la ciudad donde el tiempo parece detenerse. Disfruta en nuestra terraza cubierta y climatizada nuestro tartar de atún. carpacci

Feliz Día del Padre 🥂👨 Hoy es el día perfecto para celebrarlo como se merece... En nuestra terraza, con una copa de vino blanco y una propuesta única: 🍽️ Vieiras japonesas con infusión de leche thai, salsa de cebollinos y polvo de col lombarda ✨💖 Un plan pensado para disfrutar, compartir y brindar

The art of contemplation 🌼🌹🌷🐝 🦋 🌞 Letting spring arrive slowly, among flowers, light, and calm. Because there are places where time is meant to be enjoyed without rush. #spring #springflowers🌸 El arte de contemplar 🌼🌹🌷🐝 🦋 🌞 Dejar que la primavera entre despacio, entre flores, luz y calma. Porque

When you prefer the comfort and privacy of your room, our room service brings the culinary experience to your door: a gourmet 🍔, a cheese board 🧀, and a sweet chocolate dessert 🍫. #burguerlovers #visitbarcelona Cuando prefieres la tranquilidad de tu habitación, nuestro room service lleva la exper

😀 Discover our 🏨 boutique hotel in Barcelona, a space designed for rest and well-being. Our 16 rooms offer a peaceful atmosphere, filled with natural light, relaxation, and a private hammam in every room. Some also feature a hydromassage bathtub, sauna, and/or private terrace, allowing you to enjoy
Questions
El Nido del Mirlo FAQ
Is El Nido del Mirlo really in the building that inspired La Sombra del Viento?
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Yes, El Nido del Mirlo is housed in Torre Macaya, a 1918 modernist manor that served as the inspiration for the fictional Palacete Aldaya in Carlos Ruiz Zafón's bestselling novel La Sombra del Viento.
Can I dine in the garden at El Nido del Mirlo?
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Yes, the restaurant opens onto a protected garden designated by Barcelona City Hall with mature trees. There's also a covered winter pergola for year-round outdoor dining.
How do I get to El Nido del Mirlo on Avinguda del Tibidabo?
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The closest metro station is Av. Tibidabo (L7), just a 4-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can take L3 to Penitents station, which is a 9-minute walk.
What kind of Mediterranean dishes does head chef Jose Manuel Zafra serve?
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Chef Jose Manuel Zafra serves seasonal Mediterranean cuisine with dishes like strawberry gazpacho with goat cheese ice cream, spinach croquettes with pine nuts, pularda cannelloni, hake in green sauce with poached egg and wild asparagus, and Iberian pork with foyot sauce. The menu costs around 40 EUR per person without drinks.
Do I need to be a hotel guest to eat at El Nido del Mirlo?
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No, the restaurant is open to both hotel guests and outside diners. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling +34 931 425 929 or emailing info@mirlobarcelona.com.
What's the atmosphere like dining at El Nido del Mirlo?
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The atmosphere is elegant, intimate, and refined, set within the historic modernist manor with period details. You can choose between the sophisticated interior dining room or the peaceful garden terrace.