To talk about Salamanca Restaurant is to talk about Silvestre Sánchez, founder and the soul of a Barceloneta classic restaurant for over 50 years.
Silvestre Sánchez Sierra was born in 1937 Aldearrodrigo (Salamanca), a town of just 150 residents. He was the fourth of six siblings. He spent his childhood helping his father, a shepherd, attending school when possible, and working in the fields like most of his neighbors.
Until he took advantage of his military service to study and prepare to join the National Police. With the first salary he received from the Police Academy in Madrid (1,200 pesetas), he bought his father a wristwatch. The townspeople would ask Ángel Sánchez the time, and he would say, “The policeman took my watch.”
Upon his return, he was sent to Barcelona. He imagined working as a policeman in his native Salamanca and getting married there, but he left crying on the train from Atocha station. It was 1963.
With a salary of between 1,500 and 2,000 pesetas, very respectable for the time, he saved money and sent gifts to his parents.
Among other things, a television so his father could watch the bullfights.
At the same time, he combined his work as a police officer with that of an insurance salesman at El Corte Inglés. Silvestre was a restless young man who earned a good living.
Beginnings in the hotel and catering industry
He came to the sector by chance. In 1969, Silvestre bought a bar called “Ca Rosith ” , located in Barceloneta, to be run by his brother Modesto, with a partner for 600,000 pesetas. . With the support of his wife Lorenza and his brother Modesto, he went ahead with the business. They set up a grill to make grilled mussels, fish and seafood.
Although he gained fame with his ham sandwiches Guijuelo , brought expressly from his native Salamanca.
The establishment was first called Bar Salamanca and finally Restaurante Salamanca. Working tirelessly, Silvestre and his family kept the business growing. They acquired several adjoining premises, transforming, in just a few years, from a humble bar and restaurant into the grand restaurant it is today, which boasts several dining rooms and a magnificent terrace facing the sea.
Salamanca, a landmark
The reputation of Restaurante Salamanca grew. It is famous for its frying pans, the quality and freshness of its seafood and fish, and the exquisite hams, sausages, and meats from Salamanca.
The care and dedication with which Silvestre treats everyone is now a hallmark of the restaurant, and he teaches his team how to treat all who visit. At the entrance, you can read a phrase that sums up this spirit of service: “We will treat the customer as we would like to be treated at their place.”
Over the years, especially during the Olympic season, Barceloneta evolved and grew, as did the restaurant itself, which is centrally located. Restaurant and bar have always been traveling companions. El Silvestre supports and collaborates with a multitude of initiatives that benefit what is his second home: Barceloneta.
8 dining rooms and a heated terrace
El Salamanca has a team headed by Silvestre himself, of 150 people, including the kitchen, administrative and management services, and the 80 waiters who, coordinated by eight dining hall managers, guarantee the best service from 11 a.m. to midnight, every day of the week.
Its eight dining rooms and heated terrace are ideal for group, business, or family meals.
For all these reasons and its history, Restaurante Salamanca is now a cult restaurant. The flagship establishment of the Silvestre Group, run by Silvestre and his sons, Javier and Ángel.
A must-see for celebrities.
A place with walls covered in photos of Silvestre with hundreds—they claim thousands—of celebrities, friends, and all kinds of clients. The restaurant has always been and is visited by personalities from the world of culture, entertainment, sports, politics, and society, who pose for photos with Silvestre. Thousands of anecdotes, interesting gatherings, intimate evenings, celebrations, and encounters have taken place on the Salamanca stage. All of this still refers to the city and, above all, to the neighborhood it belongs to.
Two lands, two families
As the famous bolero saying goes “How can you have two loves at the same time and not be crazy?” Silvestre proves it’s possible. He’s capable of loving and always keeping his Salamanca in mind, and at the same time, loving and feeling that same devotion for Barceloneta, which once welcomed him and of which he is a very active part.
As is also the case in his heart for two families. The carnal family—logically—that he forms with his sons, Javier and Ángel, his daughters-in-law, and his beloved grandchildren; and also the restaurant family.
Of course, the team that works there, and also the customers and friends who are always welcome at Salamanca.
Two lands, two families, and a lot of love. That’s Silvestre.
