A Barceloneta classic since 1921
Fortunately, Paco Alcalde Restaurant is one of those establishments that has managed to maintain its essence over time. In fact, not even the owner’s name has changed over three generations: Paco Alcalde..
Paco Alcalde, the grandfather, came from Berlanga de Duero (Soria) in 1921 at just 13 years old. He settled in Barceloneta and began working at a small wine bar that served wine to the workers at the factories operating in the area at the time. Before long, his employer sold him the business. It was a space of barely 30 m² where Paco even slept on a mattress beneath the wine barrels. With the support of his wife, Guadalupe, Paco Alcalde gradually expanded his business by purchasing and merging the adjacent premises.
Over the years, thanks to the hard work of Paco, Guadalupe, and their son Paquito, what began as a wine cellar became a renowned restaurant called—of course—Paco Alcalde.
Over the years, Paco Jr. drove the business forward with innovative ideas: on weekdays, he served set menus for 11 pesetas to local workers, and on weekends, he served neighbors and Barcelona residents who came down to the beach or to eat in Barceloneta.
Paco Alcalde Jr. took over the restaurant with the support of his wife, Rosalía Estrada, whom he met while working as a sales clerk at the Tarrés bakery in the neighborhood. Paco and Rosalía, with their warmth and great people skills, made a perfect team.
It was the early ’60s, and the place was one of the first in the neighborhood to have a television. It became a gathering spot for neighbors of all ages. Some came to watch soccer, while the younger ones tuned in to their favorite shows, like *Bonanza* or *Perry Mason*, all while sipping on a Crush or Sandoru orange soda, which were popular back then. Adults, whether in couples or groups of friends, would stop by for a few glasses of wine or small bottles of that vermouth so hard to find in other bars, while enjoying their famous “bombas” (with apologies to La Cova Fumada), grilled cuttlefish cubes, or their renowned anchovies.
A Favorite Among Celebrities
In the 1970s and 1980s, the fame of Paco Alcalde’s restaurant attracted celebrities, especially from the worlds of entertainment and sports. The restaurant is now run by the third generation: Paco Alcalde Jr., the grandson and current owner. A restaurateur by birth and a huge soccer fan, young Paco forged a special relationship with players from both Barça and Español, who were regulars at the restaurant. From Pitu Ramos, Caszely, Calderé, and Pedraza (who gave him tickets to the fateful 1986 Champions League final in Seville against Steaua Bucharest) to later figures like Guardiola and Koeman. From the world of “show business,” artists such as La Maña became more than just customers—they were almost family.
A team that became a family
A very special mention goes to Bárbara Belmonte, Paco’s wife who passed away prematurely and the mother of Rosalía—who, at just 22, helps her father with purchasing and supplier matters—and Toni, who also worked in the family business.
In a business like this, the concept of family also includes people who, at different times, have been part of the restaurant’s team. Among others, we must mention Ángel, the manager for decades; Manolo, a charismatic waiter during the ’70s and ’80s; Puri, the cook who is retiring this year at age 77; Jamal, the current manager and Paco’s right-hand man, who has been by his side for nearly 20 years; and Aleix, a taxi driver who served as the family chauffeur, since Paco (the father) was terrified of driving.
Maintaining traditional cuisine
Paco Alcalde has successfully combined innovation with tradition. He has expanded and diversified his menu to embrace current tastes and trends, while at the same time preserving those timeless classic dishes—the cornerstones of the neighborhood’s long-standing seafood cuisine—such as Zarzuela and Bouillabaisse, prepared just as they were in the past with fresh, locally sourced fish and shellfish and cooked in the traditional style.
Whether with family, as a couple, or in a group, enjoy tapas, rice dishes, and paellas, fresh seafood, or high-quality meats, accompanied by a varied wine list. The dining room at Paco Alcalde exudes the warm, family-friendly atmosphere of one of the restaurants with the richest history and tradition in the typical cuisine of Barceloneta and Barcelona.
