The story
El Portal Vell is the younger, more refined sibling of a family-run restaurant group that has been part of Lliçà d’Amunt’s culinary landscape since 1952. That year, La Cruïlla opened as a beloved spot for home-style cooking, and its success led the family to create El Portal Vell in 1996. Where La Cruïlla keeps the flame of traditional Catalan dishes alive, El Portal Vell was conceived as a more sophisticated expression of the same passion—a place where Mediterranean gastronomy meets both tradition and modern technique.
The restaurant’s philosophy is clear from its own words: “Un homenatge a la cuina tradicional i moderna, fusionant essència i innovació en cada plat.” That is, a tribute to traditional and modern cooking, fusing essence and innovation in every plate. The Catalan roots are unmistakable, yet the kitchen approaches them with a contemporary sensibility. The result is a menu that respects the flavours of the region while surprising with subtle refinements.
This commitment to quality and evolution has not gone unnoticed. El Portal Vell earned a place in the Michelin Guide, receiving the “Recommended” distinction for 2026—a nod to the family’s decades of dedication and their ability to offer a dining experience that feels both grounded and forward-looking.
Whether you sit in the air-conditioned dining room or on the outdoor terrace, the atmosphere is welcoming and unpretentious, a reflection of the family’s long-standing connection to the community. Here, the food speaks for itself: rooted in Catalan tradition, lifted by a chef’s modern touch.
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