In the heart of the Eixample, at 231 Aragón Street, far from Camp Nou, from the luxurious restaurants in Gavà frequented by soccer players or from the suburbs where they live, there is a great little restaurant that has conquered, quietly and far from the lists, the palate of FC Barcelona players and coaches.
We are talking about Gaudim, a place without reservations and with an apparently simple cuisine that, however, shows off on its instagram a collection of photos that could perfectly be the official photo of the Barça squad, with almost all its players portrayed next to the chef of the place.
Semi, the silent star chef
We are talking about chef Semi (Husamettin Cifci), a cook who opened Gaudim in 2013, after starting in a tavern. As he explains to several media, with hardly any formal training he took forward a project guided by family learning – his mother-in-law taught him traditional dishes – and the instinct to excel.
From there until now, with that collection of photos on his instagram where you find from Messi to Lamine Yamal, Hansi Flick, Lewandowski, Iniesta, Gavi, Ansu Fati, Pau Victor, and even Nikola Mirotic. Also actors, such as Luis Zahera or managers such as Sanro Rosell. Behind them, a wall of memorabilia reminiscent of the Artist’s Corner is covered with signed jerseys, boots or balls.
However, Semi insists that his is a humble restaurant, which seeks discretion and does not want to compare itself with anyone, but to give good food to whoever comes, regardless of their profession.
What to eat at the footballers’ restaurant
Gaudim cultivates the Mediterranean fusion with Japanese touches, with a menu with all kinds of regular hits. Highlights include Balfegó tuna, rice dishes, sashimi, carpaccios, sea urchins with tartar and caviar… in general, product cuisine.
On the other hand, at the beginning there is a menu of classic tapas with anchovies, croquettes or bravas with black garlic. Among the main courses, strong classics such as kobe entrecotes (280€), lamb shoulders, fish and rice dishes. The most expensive, the lobster, red shrimp, crayfish and clams, at €65 per person.
A not very surprising offer but that, for some reason, has seduced the Barça players, who flock to this restaurant that, in the heart of Barcelona, and without fanfare, has become the second dressing room of the culé team.
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