The Roca brothers, renowned defenders of Catalan cuisine, are preparing to open a new restaurant, Fontané, on April 27, 2025. This exciting new venture will be located on the first floor of the Castell de Sant Julià, an iconic castle that now houses Espíritu Roca, a restaurant awarded a Michelin star. This new space is set to offer a warm, welcoming environment that honors the Roca family’s dedication to Catalan gastronomy while remaining accessible to all.
Honoring Family Heritage
The timing of the Fontané restaurant’s opening is deeply personal for the Roca brothers. They’ve chosen to open on April 27, the feast day of their mother, Montserrat Fontané, in tribute to her and her enduring influence on their culinary journey. The restaurant’s name, Fontané, is a direct nod to their mother’s legacy, and it aims to reflect the familial ties and roots that have shaped their careers in the culinary world.
The Setting: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
The new restaurant will be located in a space with a unique atmosphere: the first floor of the Sant Julià Hotel. The space, currently used for breakfast service for guests, offers stunning views of the surrounding green mountain landscape through large windows. The design is minimalist yet warm, made entirely of wood and earth, with simple tables that create an inviting ambiance. This open-plan space, with its natural materials and panoramic views, will now transform into Fontané — a restaurant that embraces both tradition and modernity.
Fontané’s design, like that of the Roca brothers’ other establishments, will ensure comfort and a welcoming environment, creating the perfect setting for both locals and visitors to enjoy authentic Catalan dishes.
Access and Ambience
Unlike the Espíritu Roca restaurant, which is located on the opposite side of Sant Julià Castle, Fontané will have its own separate entrance. The restaurant will be open to both hotel guests and the public, emphasizing the Roca brothers’ desire to create a space that welcomes everyone to experience Catalan cuisine at its finest.
Though the Roca brothers are remaining tight-lipped about specific details for now, they’ve made it clear that Fontané will focus on serving Catalan dishes, a cuisine close to their hearts and the inspiration behind this project. The restaurant’s head chef, Elisabeth Nolla, will lead the kitchen, bringing her expertise and passion for traditional Catalan flavors to every dish.
A Culinary Celebration of Catalonia
With Fontané, the Roca brothers continue their mission to share the rich flavors and cultural heritage of Catalonia with the world. This new restaurant will offer guests a chance to experience classic Catalan cuisine in a modern yet welcoming environment, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers and those looking to discover the depth and diversity of Catalonia’s culinary traditions.
Stay tuned for more details as Fontané prepares to open its doors this spring, bringing a fresh wave of Catalan cuisine to the heart of Sant Julià Castle.
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