Windsor

The story

Windsor Barcelona: Modern Catalan Cuisine in a Modernist Setting – Michelin Recommended

Windsor Barcelona

On a quiet stretch of Còrsega, in Barcelona’s Eixample district, Windsor occupies the principal floor of a modernist building. The dining room is intimate and serene, filled with natural light from an interior garden that brings the outdoors in. It has been a fixture of the city’s dining scene since 1996, and the Michelin Guide has recognised it with a Recommended award for 2026.

Chef Carlos Alconchel and his kitchen

Carlos Alconchel has led the kitchen since he was 27, having started at Windsor at just 21. He learned his craft from his grandmother’s stews and croquetas, then worked his way through Barcelona restaurants before taking the helm. In an interview, he describes his approach as “updating the Catalan recipe book with new techniques, always adapting, always searching for a personal stamp.” He cites Joan Roca and Nandu Jubany as inspirations for their respect of the product.

The cuisine is contemporary Catalan, rooted in local, seasonal ingredients. The kitchen balances tradition and modernity, producing food that is fresh, flavourful, and healthful. Dishes evolve with the market, but a few have become signatures: the acclaimed rice with octopus and pig’s trotters, baked in the pan with red pepper allioli; a smoked vegetable rice with broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, and green beans; and a meloso rice made with the juice of Palamós prawn heads. For something lighter, the crema catalana espuma with caramel ice cream and lemon gelée reimagines a classic.

The space and the experience

Windsor’s setting is as considered as its cooking. The modernist architecture, with high ceilings and a calm palette, creates a refined yet welcoming atmosphere. There is outdoor seating for warmer months, and the restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible. The wine list is interesting and well-curated, with pairing options available.

The team also emphasises sustainability: they work with Km 0 producers, manage energy and waste carefully, and prioritise work-life balance for staff. It is a place where the food, the service, and the surroundings feel coherent and intentional.

Whether for lunch or dinner, Windsor offers a genuine taste of contemporary Catalan cuisine in Barcelona – a restaurant that has earned its place on the Michelin Guide year after year.