A Gourmand's Guide To Girona: Spain's Secret Foodie Paradise Waiting To Be Devoured

Nestled high on a hilltop in the enchanting Catalan countryside just outside Girona, a journey of discovery awaits. A mere 15 minutes spent wandering the narrow, medieval streets of Girona’s old town leads to an inviting drive north toward the French border, approximately 30 minutes away.

The taxi soon veers onto a charming country lane lined with cork oaks, their delicate leaves creating a picturesque canopy overhead as the ascent begins.

At the summit of Sant Julia Mountain, a striking circular building with a curving, copper-toned concrete roof emerges—a captivating fusion of fortress grandeur and modernist elegance. The Roca brothers —Joan, Josep, and Jordi, have officially levelled up to A-list status in the culinary scene and beyond!

This extraordinary trio includes a celebrated chef, an esteemed sommelier, and a skilled pâtissier, all linked to El Celler de Can Roca, their famed three-Michelin-starred restaurant that has claimed the prestigious No. 1 title twice in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards. Their magical touch combines innovative fine dining with a delightful twist on traditional recipes, all while embracing cutting-edge food technology like sous-vide water baths. And let’s not forget their flair for the dramatic—these culinary wizards were using smoke-filled glass domes to wow diners long before they became the signature move on MasterChef! Now, they’ve added a dazzling new jewel to their empire: a stylish hotel that’s sure to turn heads.  

Where Culinary Dreams Meet Heritage

Their growing roster already includes the charming boutique hotel Casa Cacao (a sweet retreat that opened in 2020), three mouth-watering restaurants, an ice cream parlour, and a fabulous sandwich bar, all nestled in the heart of Girona. So, get ready, food enthusiasts!

The Rocas are serving up more than just meals; they’re crafting an entire culinary experience! Within the sleek, uncluttered reception of Esperit Roca, the true star is the breathtaking landscape framed by grand floor-to-ceiling windows.

Spectacular views showcase the verdant plains of northern Catalonia’s wine-rich Empordà region, with the striking petrol-blue Pyrenees, Montseny, and Gavarres mountains looming in the distance. The Roca brothers firmly believe in remaining true to their roots in Girona. Joan highlights the city’s significance as their birthplace and home, emphasizing its small-town charm.

Sant Julia, the site of their new hotel, carries historical weight, having once housed the ancient Iberian Bronze-age settlement of Gerunda, which predates the Roman city later named Girona. This rich heritage adds depth to the brothers’ culinary ventures, connecting them to their beloved landscape.

The mountaintop complex may seem modern at first glance, but its roots trace back to a 19th-century fortress complete with a moat. Following a 2018 transformation into a luxury hotel and gem museum, the venue temporarily closed due to the pandemic.

The vision for this space evolved to include a wine cellar for the extensive collection amassed by the Roca brothers, along with an exhibition to showcase the story of their acclaimed restaurant, El Celler de Can Roca, alongside the ever-popular Casa Cacao. 

Set within a beautifully transformed historic hotel, the ambience required only minimal renovations. Featuring a spacious L-shaped outdoor pool and a modern aesthetic, the space retained its industrial charm with polished plaster pillars, wooden floors, and textured ceilings. Over-the-top rococo-style furnishings were cleverly swapped for breezy, neutral palettes, creating an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere that perfectly aligns with the celebrated flavours of El Celler.

Redefining Culinary Experience

Motivated by an astounding 129,000-person waiting list for El Celler de Can Roca, the Roca brothers set out on an audacious quest to broaden their culinary horizons. The outcome is an enchanting new venue that exhibits the culinary triumphs that have shaped their legacy over the past three decades. 

Every element radiates comfort and authenticity, seamlessly woven into the breathtaking landscape. Each of the hotel’s 15 rooms boasts stunning panoramic views, with freestanding bathtubs positioned for gazing at majestic mountains. The minibar surprises with local treasures, including the Rocas’ own craft beer and exquisite Casa Cacao chocolate. Dining here is a true highlight, featuring delightful dishes like a tomato salad with lime vinaigrette, followed by confit hake paired with rocket pesto and local picapoll wine, promising an unforgettable culinary adventure. 

Sip, Savour And Stroll

While guests can easily meander through scenic medieval hilltop villages or bask on the sun-kissed beaches of Costa Brava, the allure of the new exhibition space is undeniable. This exceptional foodie showcase captivates with towering 50-foot screens that unveil interviews with the illustrious Roca brothers, shedding light on their remarkable culinary odyssey.

Quirky serving dishes and vintage gadgets, such as a retro 1997 water-bath cooker, pepper the exhibit alongside an impressive collection of curated cookbooks and historic photographs. Behind heavy curtains lies a hidden treasure: a crater-like domed room resonating with the haunting strains of Handel’s ‘Triumph of Time and Truth’. This enchanting space houses an expansive wine cellar poised to accommodate 80,000 bottles—a true sanctuary for connoisseurs. Esperit Roca restaurant serves iconic classics amid a sophisticated atmosphere, offering breathtaking countryside views.

Diners can sample inventive dishes like the Contessa, a white asparagus ice cream adorned with truffle shavings, or the Todo la Gamba, a delightful medley of prawn delicacies. The crescendo is the Cromatismo Verde, a vibrant dessert blending apple granita, avocado mousse, and a zesty citrus finish. Don’t miss the chance to walk the Muralles de Girona, where ancient Roman history meets stunning vistas before leaving Girona.