El Celler De Can Roca

El Celler de Can Roca Visiting Guide: Tickets, Hours, and Tips

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the historic city of Girona, Spain, El Celler de Can Roca stands as a global icon of culinary innovation and tradition. Founded in 1986 by the Roca brothers—Joan, Josep, and Jordi—the restaurant has transformed from a family-run eatery to a three Michelin-starred destination, repeatedly named the World’s Best Restaurant. Its avant-garde Catalan cuisine, immersive tasting menus, and world-class wine cellar attract food enthusiasts worldwide (BBVA; The World’s 50 Best Restaurants).

This guide provides detailed visitor information: how to secure reservations, ticketing and menu details, accessibility, and travel tips, as well as insights into nearby Girona historical sites. Whether you’re a culinary pilgrim or a cultural explorer, planning ahead ensures an unforgettable experience at El Celler de Can Roca and in the captivating city of Girona.

History and Origins
Founding and Early Years
Growth of the Roca Trio
Michelin Recognition and International Acclaim
Visiting El Celler de Can Roca
Reservations and Visiting Hours
Menu Structure and Pricing
Accessibility and Visitor Tips
Girona: Exploring the Historic City
Major Attractions Near El Celler de Can Roca
Practical Information for Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Visitor Recommendations
Sources

History and Origins

Founding and Early Years

Established in 1986 adjacent to their parents’ traditional restaurant, the Roca brothers launched El Celler de Can Roca with a vision to blend Catalan tradition with culinary innovation. Joan led the kitchen, Josep curated the wine cellar, and later, Jordi joined as pastry chef. The brothers built on their mother’s recipes, embracing new techniques like vacuum cooking and pioneering a creative, spontaneous approach while honoring local heritage (BBVA).

Growth of the Roca Trio

Jordi’s arrival in 1997 marked a significant evolution, as his inventive desserts—rooted in a passion discovered while working under Damian Allsop—completed the team’s synergy. Their collaborative dynamic established El Celler de Can Roca’s distinctive culinary identity, where each brother contributed unique expertise: Joan with savory dishes, Josep with wine and hospitality, and Jordi with desserts (BBVA).

Michelin Recognition and International Acclaim

The restaurant received its first Michelin star in 1995, a second in 2002, and, after relocating to its custom-designed Can Sunyer location in 2007, a third in 2009. In 2013 and 2015, El Celler de Can Roca was named the World’s Best Restaurant, and Jordi Roca was awarded Best Pastry Chef in the World in 2014 (BBVA; The World’s 50 Best Restaurants).

Visiting El Celler de Can Roca

Reservations and Visiting Hours

Due to its global acclaim and limited seating (maximum 60 diners), reservations are essential and highly competitive. Bookings open at midnight (local time) on the first day of each month, for dates up to 11 months ahead (Fine Traveling).

Reservation Process:
1. Visit the official reservation page at midnight on the first day of the month.
2. Select date, party size (2–12), and provide payment details.
3. If unavailable, join the waiting list and monitor for cancellations.
4. Confirm your reservation two weeks prior.
Visiting Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday
  - Lunch: 12:30–14:30
  - Dinner: 19:30–21:30
- Closed Sundays, Mondays, and selected holidays (Food Drink Destinations).

El Celler de Can Roca offers two main tasting menus, both reflecting Catalan heritage and avant-garde technique:

Tasting Menu: 7+ courses; €165–€190
Festival Menu: 15+ courses; €205–€225
Wine Pairing: €55–€110

Menus evolve seasonally and accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Expect an immersive, four- to six-hour experience, with dishes presented as “chapters” in a culinary narrative (Food Drink Destinations; CNN Travel).

Accessibility and Visitor Tips

Location: Carrer de Can Sunyer, 48, 17007 Girona, Spain—20 minutes’ walk or a short taxi ride from Girona Train Station (CNN Travel).
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.
Languages: Staff speak English, Spanish, Catalan; multilingual menus available.
Dress Code: Smart casual; elegant attire typical.
Payment: Major credit cards; payment after meal; credit card required for booking.
Cancellations: At least 14 days in advance (El Celler de Can Roca Reservation Info).
Dietary Needs: Notify in advance for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options.
Photography: Allowed without flash; video not permitted.

Travel Tip: Girona is about 40 minutes by high-speed train from Barcelona, making it a popular day-trip or overnight destination. Parking is limited; taxis or public transit recommended in the city center.

Girona: Exploring the Historic City

Major Attractions Near El Celler de Can Roca

Girona’s compact old town offers centuries of history and culture, much of it within walking distance of the restaurant. Key sites include:

Girona Cathedral: Featuring the widest Gothic nave in the world (Happy to Wander).
- Hours: Mon–Sat 10:15–18:45, Sun 14:00–18:45
- Tickets: ~€7 adults; discounts available
Passeig de la Muralla (City Walls Walk): Panoramic views from Roman and medieval walls
- Open: 9:00–20:00 (seasonal); free entry
El Call (Jewish Quarter): Medieval streets; Jewish History Museum
- Museum: Tue–Sat 10:00–19:00, Sun 10:00–14:00; ~€5 admission
Arab Baths: 12th-century Romanesque baths
- Open: 10:30–18:30; ~€3.50 adults; free for under 12
Plaça de la Independència: Lively neoclassical square with cafés
Sant Daniel Monastery: 11th-century monastery, open 9:00–13:00 & 16:00–19:00
Archaeological Museum of Catalonia: Artifacts from prehistory to Middle Ages
- Tue–Sat 10:00–19:00, Sun 10:00–14:00; ~€5 admission
Cinema Museum: Film history and technology
- Tue–Sat 10:00–19:00, Sun 10:00–14:00; ~€4 admission

For more nearby attractions, see the detailed summary table below.

Practical Information for Visitors

Getting Around: Girona’s historic core is pedestrian-friendly. Most attractions are a 10–25 minute walk from El Celler de Can Roca.
Language: Catalan and Spanish are official; English widely spoken in tourist areas.
Seasonality: Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
Accommodation: Options range from boutique hotels in the old town to luxury resorts nearby (e.g., Hotel Nord 1901 Superior).
Day Trips: Girona is a gateway to the Costa Brava and easily connected to Barcelona (Happy to Wander).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are El Celler de Can Roca’s visiting hours?
A: Lunch: 12:30–14:30, Dinner: 19:30–21:30, Tuesday to Saturday.

Q: How do I get tickets (reservations)?
A: Reservations open monthly at midnight on the first day, 11 months in advance, via the official website.

Q: Is the restaurant wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes.

Q: Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
A: Yes, with advance notice.

Q: What are some nearby Girona attractions?
A: Girona Cathedral, Jewish Quarter, Arab Baths, city walls, Archaeological Museum, and more.

Q: How do I get to El Celler de Can Roca from Barcelona?
A: Take the high-speed AVE train (~40 minutes) to Girona, then a taxi or 20-minute walk.

Summary Table: Key Girona Attractions Near El Celler de Can Roca

Attraction	Distance from Restaurant	Visiting Hours	Ticket Info
Girona Cathedral	~2 km	Mon–Sat 10:15–18:45, Sun 14:00–18:45	~€7 adults; discounts available
Passeig de la Muralla	~1.5 km	9:00–20:00 (seasonal)	Free entry
El Call (Jewish Quarter)	~2 km	Museum: Tue–Sat 10:00–19:00, Sun 10:00–14:00	~€5 admission
Arab Baths	~2 km	10:30–18:30	~€3.50 adults; free under 12
Plaça de la Independència	~2.5 km	Open public space	Free
Sant Daniel Monastery	~3 km	9:00–13:00 & 16:00–19:00	Free (donations appreciated)
Archaeological Museum	~2 km	Tue–Sat 10:00–19:00, Sun 10:00–14:00	~€5 adults; reduced rates
Cinema Museum	~2 km	Tue–Sat 10:00–19:00, Sun 10:00–14:00	~€4 admission

Summary and Visitor Recommendations

El Celler de Can Roca is not merely a restaurant—it is a celebration of Catalan culture, innovation, and storytelling through food, set in the heart of Girona’s rich historical landscape. Advance planning is essential due to high demand and limited seating. Beyond the restaurant, Girona’s medieval streets, monuments, and vibrant atmosphere offer a rewarding cultural experience (BBVA; Happy to Wander).

Visitor Tips:

Book reservations as early as possible.
Notify the restaurant of dietary restrictions and special occasions in advance.
Use taxis or public transport within Girona.
Explore Girona’s historical sites before or after your meal for a well-rounded experience.

For the latest updates, exclusive travel tips, and audio guides to Girona’s landmarks, download the Audiala app and follow us on social media.