La Pubilla
La Pubilla
Repsol SoleteRepsol's Solete distinction recognises casual dining spots, street food, and neighbourhood gems with outstanding quality.La Pubilla is a contemporary Catalan market restaurant on Placa de la Llibertat in Gracia, directly across from Mercat de la Llibertat. Chef-owner Alexis Penalver, trained at Akelarre and Casa Calvet, took over the space (originally opened 1912) around 2010.
Background
About La Pubilla
The Story
La Pubilla's name comes from a bygone Catalan word for the eldest daughter destined to receive the family inheritance. The original establishment opened in 1912 on Placa de la Llibertat, directly across from the market. Over a century later, chef Alexis Penalver took it over around 2010, transforming it into a reference for contemporary Catalan market cuisine. Penalver trained at Akelarre (3 Michelin stars) in San Sebastian and Casa Calvet in Barcelona before bringing his skills to this neighbourhood gem. He also runs Hermos, a fish bar inside the adjacent Llibertat market.
The Cuisine
Chef Alexis Penalver serves contemporary Catalan market cuisine emphasising mar i muntanya, offal, legumes, and slow-cooked dishes sourced directly from Mercat de la Llibertat across the street. Signature dishes include pork cheek with potatoes, cod with samfaina, terrine of pig face and foot with tender octopus, and Thursday rice with chicken and prawns. Menu del dia at 16 EUR (3 courses with wine). Tasting menu at 55 EUR. Around 30 EUR per person a la carte without drinks.
The Team
Chef-owner Alexis Penalver leads the kitchen, having trained at Akelarre (3 Michelin stars) and Casa Calvet. Google reviewers give it 4.6/5 from 2,880 reviews.
Highlights
What Diners Say
Consensus
La Pubilla Ratings & Reviews
Professional Ratings
Recommended
Guía Repsol Solete
Diner Ratings
4.6
2,880 reviews
Yelp
4.6
66 reviews
Professional recognition includes Repsol Solete and TimeOut 3/5. Diners rate it 4.6/5 on Google (2,880 reviews) and 4.6/5 on Yelp (66 reviews).
Been to La Pubilla? Share your experience with the community.
Reservations
How to Book La Pubilla
Booking
Reservations essential -- La Pubilla fills up quickly, especially for lunch. Book by phone at +34 932 182 994. No reliable online booking system. Walk-ins face high risk of disappointment. A solid line of people waiting forms by 13:30.
Experience
La Pubilla Dining Experience
A narrow, cosy neighbourhood restaurant with a home-like aura reminiscent of a grandmother's kitchen. Simple, unpretentious, and authentic -- the charm is in the warmth and the connection to the market across the street. Strong local vibe where regulars fill every table. Not a design restaurant but full of character.
Navigate
La Pubilla Location & Neighbourhood
Getting There
Located on Placa de la Llibertat in Vila de Gracia, directly across from Mercat de la Llibertat, the market that supplies the restaurant with fresh produce. Chef Alexis Penalver also runs Hermos, a fish bar inside the market.
Nearby
Vila de Gracia is one of Barcelona's most characterful neighbourhoods, centred around a series of picturesque plazas and the historic Mercat de la Llibertat. The area has a strong independent identity with traditional shops, artists' studios, and a vibrant food scene that attracts locals and visitors alike.
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€€€€Chef Silvia Hofmann runs a fusion dining room in Sant Gervasi - Galvany.
Details
La Pubilla Reservations, Hours & Contact
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 08:30–17:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:30–23:30 |
| Wednesday | 08:30–23:30 |
| Thursday | 08:30–23:30 |
| Friday | 08:30–23:30 |
| Saturday | 08:30–23:30 |
| Sunday | Closed |
La Pubilla hours verified 2026-03-01. Contact the restaurant to confirm.
Contact
Essential
Good to Know
Social
From lapubillagracia on Instagram
Un mar i muntanya celestial, capaç d'obrir les portes de l'incert paradís, es va donar al menú de dissabte passat a la Pubilla en forma d'un capipota que es fonia entre llengua i paladar i uns magres daus de tonyina vermella flamejada directament de l'alè del drac que va matar Sant Jordi! Salut! #l
Hoy hemos estampado estas camis para @lapubillagracia. Nos encanta porque son como nuestra familia y restaurante favorito en Barcelona. Pasad por allí, os quedáis a comer y de paso os pilláis la vuestra. ❤️ Muchas gracias! . . . #restaurante #resturant #restaurantebarcelona #barcelona #barridegraci
Fricasse de bolets amb porro y castanyes #lapubillagracia #cuinademercat #cuinacatalana
Questions
La Pubilla FAQ
Where exactly is La Pubilla located in Gracia?
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La Pubilla is located at Placa de la Llibertat, 23 in Vila de Gracia, directly across from Mercat de la Llibertat. It's a 4-minute walk from both Gràcia (L6/L7/S1/S2) and Sant Gervasi (L6/S1/S2) metro stations.
What's on La Pubilla's menu del dia and how much does it cost?
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La Pubilla's menu del dia costs 16 EUR and includes three courses with wine. The menu changes daily based on market availability.
How do I make a reservation at La Pubilla?
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You must book by phone at +34 932 182 994 as reservations are essential and there's no online booking system. Walk-ins face high risk of disappointment as the restaurant fills up quickly.
What are La Pubilla's signature dishes?
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La Pubilla's signature dishes include slow-braised pork cheek with potatoes, terrine of pig face and foot with tender octopus, and Thursday rice with chicken and prawns (mar i muntanya).
What's the connection between La Pubilla and Mercat de la Llibertat?
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La Pubilla sits directly across from Mercat de la Llibertat and sources its ingredients daily from this market. Chef Alexis Penalver also runs Hermos, a fish bar inside the market itself.
Can I see La Pubilla's current menu and prices online?
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La Pubilla doesn't have a reliable online menu system and the menu changes daily. For current offerings, check their Instagram @lapubillagracia or call +34 932 182 994. The menu del dia is 16 EUR, tasting menu 55 EUR, and expect around 30 EUR per person a la carte without drinks.