The cannelloni are practically an annexed arm of the Catalan territory. Eating cannelloni for Sant Esteve is synonymous with Christmas, celebration and tradition. Three things that are usually liked, regardless of the city or country from which one comes.
For some, this typical dish is also synonymous with something else: family. In many homes, it has been (and often is) cooked by our grandmothers. They were the ones who brought the recipe to the table, specifically to our palates. For many, it was a way to take advantage of the quantities of meat used to make escudella and carn d’olla amb pilota, the quintessential dishes of the Christmas meal in Catalonia.
The origin of cannelloni
Although the love for our grandmothers is unconditional, as is the recognition they deserve for so many good dishes, it seems that cannelloni have their origin in a curious story.
As expected, the word cannelloni comes from Italian, from cannelloni. It seems that its origin is located in southern Italy. Specifically, it is said that it was the Italian composer Gioachino Rossini who first elaborated this dish: it was the Cannelloni alla Rossini. However, there is no total consensus on this.
What we do know for sure is that the cannelloni arrived in Catalonia through several Italian cooks, who worked for the Barcelona bourgeoisie of the 19th century. Many say that it was the emblematic restaurant Maison Dorée who popularized this dish among the wealthier population. From that moment on, it quickly spread to all social classes with some minor modifications.
Be that as it may, all these recipes have become so popular that it is possible to draw up a list of the best cannelloni in Barcelona (of course, without leaving out your grandmother’s). A list that, as it could not be otherwise, includes from the most classic versions of this dish to the most innovative ones.
Can Culleretes
This is one of the oldest restaurants in the old part of the city. Its walls are tinged with history and have witnessed the presence of all kinds of celebrities.
📍 Quintana, 5
Cal Boter
Not long ago we told you about this other restaurant, an emblem in the neighborhood of Gràcia. At that time we referred to it to recognize one of its star dishes, the escalivada. What we did not tell you is that it also deserves a separate topic to address this other delicacy, the cannelloni.
📍 Tordera, 62
The bar of the 7 portes
Continuing with the route of traditional recipes, one of them is cooked in La barra del 7 portes, where you can taste the same dishes of 7 Portes and one of the best cannelloni in Barcelona in reduced format.
📍 Reina Cristina, 11
A pluma
A relatively new place that is here to stay. An ode to chicken dishes that stands out for the quality of the product. Beyond its delicious chicken al ast, about which we have spoken on occasion, the cannelloni of this restaurant deserve a separate recognition. As a curiosity, its cannelloni measures 20 centimeters and is prepared in a Josper oven.
📍 Several addresses
Va de Cuina
With a more innovative aspect than these four restaurants, we could say that the cannelloni of Va de Cuina is almost one of the hits of its chef, Jordi Vilà. We don’t want to reveal his secret, but we do want to say that this place is a real paradise for ready-made dishes and preserves.
📍 Major de Sarrià, 130
Gaig
Another must when it comes to cannelloni. This restaurant is headed by renowned chef Carles Gaig. During the pandemic, this place became especially famous for offering its dishes with the option of delivery. Recipes that arrived from the restaurant’s kitchen to our tables in an impeccable way.
📍 Nau Santa Maria, 5
Gelida
The Gelida is one of the great Catalan restaurants in Barcelona and as such, sometimes they prepare some deluxe cannelloni. We repeat: sometimes. This great dish is not always on the menu but when it is, it’s worth it. Therefore, we recommend you to call before if you are going to try only this dish, ask for it for sure if you find it and, if not, do not regret it, because the rest of the dishes are wonderful.
📍Location: Carrer de la Diputació, 133, L’Eixample, 08015 Barcelona