Origins
In the 1940s, Ramón Ballarín, founder of Can Ramonet, began working at El Ocho winery (the small winery on Calle Atlántida 8). He started out in the industry selling and delivering wines and spirits to restaurants and picnic areas in the neighborhood.
In 1956, Ramón and his wife Ramona decided to run a popular tavern frequented mainly by fishermen, which had been a warehouse and wine cellar since 1763. It was, therefore, the oldest tavern in Barceloneta. It was in this house, built in 1753 at 17 Maquinista Street, that the history of Can Ramonet began seven decades ago.
At first, they only served wine to take away, but it quickly became popular to drink glasses of wine on top of the stored barrels and, soon after, to accompany them with appetizers such as olives and anchovies, which Ramona cleaned non-stop. Very soon, the daily specials that Ramón announced with poetry and rhymes on his blackboards in the street became famous.
We cannot forget to mention Tete, Sinesio, who started as manager at that time and remained so for 50 years. A personal friend of the family, he helped to promote a business that aimed to satisfy its customers at all times.
From tavern to restaurant
Eventually, the small tavern unwittingly transformed into a restaurant. Cod salad, fresh fish from the beach, stewed snails, among other dishes, were served to local customers and visitors who came to Barceloneta.
Over the years, and with the logical evolution of the passage of time, the restaurant has become a gastronomic benchmark, preserving traditional recipes while evolving with new offerings.
Three generations
The founders, Ramon Ballarín and Ramona Vall-llaura, were followed by their daughter Magda and her husband David, who knew how to maintain the essence that their parents represented. Magda and David’s successors, the third generation, are now in charge: their son Marc, Ana, and Jesús. They are a new generation that is well aware of the principles that have made this family business a benchmark, and they know that Barceloneta is the neighborhood that has given them the opportunity for decades to show the world their work.
Balance
This could be the word used to describe the secret of Can Ramonet’s success. They know how to combine the iconic recipes of a lifetime of seafood cuisine with innovative touches and ingredients. Traditional Catalan and seafood cuisine that has also evolved. Knowing how to combine the quality of local produce with the warmth of customer service that is also very friendly and humble.
Now they are the Ramonet Group. Thanks to their hard work over many years, they have been able to open more establishments, all in Barceloneta: El Nou Ramonet (2003), a restaurant that follows in the footsteps of Can Ramonet, larger and more comfortable to meet all their customers’ needs; La Vinoteca (2008), a neighborhood wine shop that returns to its roots; and La Fresca (2014), a small corner spot where you can enjoy tapas or hamburgers in a relaxed atmosphere.
History and flavor
At Can Ramonet, the flavors of the Mediterranean blend with history. It has a lifelong gastronomic foundation. The most classic dishes, such as seafood or mixed grill, also give way to roast beef or oxtail. Always made with Del ta rice, of course. Hand-cleaned Cantabrian anchovies, fresh fish from the market (brought in by fishermen from Barceloneta) baked or cooked Donosti style, red prawns, Joselito Iberian ham, and meat from Girona, among other mouthwatering dishes. Every bite is a tribute to traditional Catalan cuisine made with local ingredients.
Ramonet Group
Starting from the original restaurant, Can Ramonet , the family has opened other establishments that remain faithful to their origins while offering a more varied menu.
New Can Ramonet
Opened by Magda Ballarín and David Francés in 2003. Initially designed to satisfy customers who couldn’t get a table at Can Ramonet, it is now a venue with its own personality, particularly suited to group celebrations.
La Fresca
A lively restaurant with quick service. Tapas and small dishes for vermouth or a more informal meal with a menu and set menu. Don’t forget their breakfasts and brunches.
La Vinoteca
A space for wine lovers that pays homage to the origins of Can Ramonet. Specialists in wine pairing with over 800 wines.
