Montserrat is a popular spot for day trips outside Barcelona, drawing many visitors. It's less than an hour away by car, though longer by train, and boasts beautiful scenery, nature, and a rich history. Plus, the boys' choir adds a musical flair to the experience.
However, dining at Montserrat can be a challenge. Mornings are bustling with tourists and pilgrims, making it crowded. Staying for lunch allows for a quieter experience. And if you're staying overnight, you'll need dinner options too. Here are some of the best places to eat.
Located within Hotel Abat Cisneros, Restaurant Abat Cisneros is a cozy spot perfect for smaller groups. Housed in what used to be the monastery stables from the 16th century, its stone arch ceiling adds to its charm.
A casual bar-cafe nestled in Montserrat, Bar de la Plaça offers both indoor and outdoor seating for a relaxed dining experience.
Seasonality: Open from March to November, it welcomes visitors seeking quick bites or leisurely meals.
Menu: Serving snacks like sandwiches, hamburgers, cakes, along with beverages both soft and alcoholic.
Booking: No reservations are accepted, walk-ins are welcome.
Right inside the monastery, you'll find several convenient choices. The two sit-down restaurants are Restaurant Montserrat and Restaurant Abat Cisneros, offering Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine in a more formal setting. For a quicker bite, La Cafeteria provides a cafeteria-style service with a variety of sandwiches, salads, and snacks. There's also a Self-Service Restaurant with similar options.
While vegetarian options might be limited on monastery grounds, especially at the cafeterias, you have a few possibilities. Restaurant Abat Cisneros usually has vegetarian main courses on their menu. Another option is checking out La Barca Restaurant in the nearby town of Monistrol de Montserrat, which offers vegetarian and vegan choices alongside their Mediterranean fare.
All the restaurants mentioned previously are family-friendly. The cafeterias and La Barca Restaurant tend to be more casual, with ample space for little ones. They also offer options like kid-sized portions or familiar choices like pasta and fries.
For an unparalleled dining experience with a view, head to Restaurant Montserrat. It boasts panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Restaurant Abat Cisneros also offers some tables with mountain views, while La Barca Restaurant has a pleasant outdoor terrace overlooking the town of Monistrol.
Finding late-night options near Montserrat is limited. The monastery restaurants all have set closing times, usually around 9:30pm. La Barca Restaurant in Monistrol de Montserrat closes at 5pm most days, with extended hours until 7pm on weekends. Your best bet for a late-night bite might be grabbing something from the on-site supermarket at the monastery before it closes.
Reservations are generally not required at the monastery restaurants, especially the cafeterias. However, they can get busy, particularly during peak season. For Restaurant Montserrat and Restaurant Abat Cisneros, especially if you have a large group or prefer a specific time, making a reservation in advance is recommended.
Catalan cuisine is a highlight of the region. Be sure to try dishes like "pa amb tomàquet" (bread with tomato), "escalivada" (roasted vegetables), or "botifarra" (Catalan sausage). Sample local cheeses like "manchego" or indulge in fresh seafood paella. Don't forget to try some "crema catalana," a delicious Catalan custard dessert.
The monastery has a large parking area, but it can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season. There's also limited street parking around the monastery itself. La Barca Restaurant might have on-site parking available, but it's best to check beforehand.