El Provisional
El Provisional
El Provisional is a small, charming casa de menjars on Carrer de Balmes in the Eixample, serving creative Mediterranean market cuisine from chef Sergi Marquès. The kitchen leans on seasonal Catalan recipes with original touches, and the daily-changing weekday lunch menu draws a loyal crowd of Eixample locals and office regulars.
Background
About El Provisional
The Story
El Provisional -- a 'casa de menjars' (house of food) in Catalan -- is a small, inviting restaurant on Carrer de Balmes in the heart of the Eixample. True to its name, it has the feeling of a neighbourhood discovery that locals want to keep to themselves. The intimate, 25-seat room has earned a loyal following among Eixample residents and weekday office regulars for its quality lunch menu and personal service.
The Cuisine
Chef Sergi Marquès delivers creative Mediterranean market cuisine rooted in Catalan recipes, with a menu that changes frequently based on what is fresh and available. Signature dishes include patatas bravas, homemade croquetas, duck cannelloni with pine nuts, marinated salmon with pistachios, and seasonal fish preparations. The daily weekday lunch menu offers exceptional value at around 25 EUR per person.
The Team
Chef Sergi Marquès leads the kitchen, delivering seasonal Mediterranean cuisine rooted in Catalan recipes. The team brings warmth and attentiveness to a small dining room, and reviewers consistently highlight the personal, caring approach that makes regular diners feel at home.
Highlights
What Diners Say
Consensus
El Provisional Ratings & Reviews
Professional Ratings
Market cuisine, locals eat here, good lunch menu
Aggregated across 864 opinions from 3 platforms
Diner Ratings
4.7
505 reviews
Diners rate El Provisional 4.7/5 on Google (505 reviews), praising the quality-to-price ratio of the weekday lunch menu, the warmth of the service, and chef Sergi Marquès's creative seasonal cooking.
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Reservations
How to Book El Provisional
Booking
Reservations recommended, especially for the popular weekday lunch service. Book by phone at +34 930 15 16 59, by mobile at +34 930 151 659, or through . Email elprovisionalbcn@gmail.com for group bookings -- the restaurant offers full venue hire for private events and catering.
Reserve
Experience
El Provisional Dining Experience
A small, attractive casa de menjars with an elegant yet modest interior. The 25-seat space is intimate and cozy, designed for unhurried weekday lunches, with an open kitchen and warm, neighbourhood feel. Reviewers consistently praise the personal service and the sense of a hidden local favourite.
Navigate
El Provisional Location & Neighbourhood
Getting There
Located on Carrer de Balmes at the corner of Carrer d'Arago in the Dreta de l'Eixample, one of Barcelona's most central neighbourhoods. The restaurant is a short walk from Passeig de Gracia metro and surrounded by the elegant architecture of the Eixample grid.
Nearby
La Dreta de l'Eixample is one of Barcelona's most central and elegant neighbourhoods, home to iconic landmarks like Casa Batllo and La Pedrera along Passeig de Gracia. The area around Carrer de Balmes has a strong local dining scene with neighbourhood restaurants, tapas bars, and cafes that cater to residents and office workers. The grid layout of the Eixample makes it easy to explore on foot, with excellent metro connections.
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Details
El Provisional Reservations, Hours & Contact
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 13:00–16:30 |
| Tuesday | 13:00–16:30 |
| Wednesday | 13:00–16:30 |
| Thursday | 13:00–16:30 |
| Friday | 13:00–16:30 |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
El Provisional hours verified 2026-04-01. Contact the restaurant to confirm.
Contact
Recommended
Good to Know
Social
From elprovisional on Instagram
Bacallà amb albergínia i romesco. Melós, pell cruixent i una base que ho lliga tot. #elprovisional #menumigdia #bacalla #restaurantbcn
Migues amb sobrassada, ou poché i raïm. #elprovisional #migas #sobrasada #instafood #menumigdia
Our SARAOS catering service handles weddings and events. #saraoscatering #saraoselprovisional #boda #evento #catering
Prawn tartare on patacon, a standout at our Latin party. #elprovisional #fiestalatina #patacon #gamba
Last week we had an intense experience at the MIPIM fair in Cannes, made possible thanks to the whole team.
Cauliflower with slow-cooked bacon and black garlic aioli. The restaurant will be closed for a week while the team runs a catering in Cannes.
Questions
El Provisional FAQ
Why is El Provisional only open for lunch?
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El Provisional operates as a traditional casa de menjars focused on weekday lunch service, open Monday to Friday from 13:00 to 16:30 and closed on weekends.
What's special about El Provisional's daily menu del dia?
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The menu del dia changes daily based on fresh market ingredients and offers exceptional value at around 25 EUR per person.
How do I make a reservation at El Provisional?
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Reservations are recommended as this small restaurant is popular with locals. Book by phone at +34 930 15 16 59, through, or email elprovisionalbcn@gmail.com.
What dishes is El Provisional known for?
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Popular dishes include their house bravas, homemade croquetas, and creative seasonal preparations of salmon and fresh fish. The kitchen focuses on Mediterranean market cuisine that changes frequently based on seasonal availability.
Where exactly is El Provisional located in Barcelona?
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El Provisional is at Carrer de Balmes 66 in the Dreta de l'Eixample neighborhood. It's a 5-minute walk from Passeig de Gràcia metro (L2/L3/L4).
Is El Provisional good value for money in Barcelona?
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Yes, at around 25 EUR per person for creative Mediterranean market cuisine, El Provisional offers exceptional value. With a 4.7/5 Google rating from 505 reviews, diners consistently praise the price-to-quality ratio.
Does El Provisional have outdoor seating?
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Yes, El Provisional has a small terrace with outdoor seating available.