Quirat
Barcelona, Spain
â1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
The gourmet restaurant at the Intercontinental Barcelona is another example of a hotel keen to diversify its services for guests by transforming itself into a foodie destination in its own right. Quirat, which has its own independent entrance (as well as access via the lobby), represents, in its own words, âthe purity and wealth of the elements that form the landâ. Chef VĂctor Torres, who is renowned for his cuisine at the Michelin-starred Les MagnĂČlies in ArbĂșcies, creates contemporary Catalan cuisine that always showcases locally sourced ingredients while at the same time fully respecting seasonality. Dishes here are full of depth and flavour, with simplicity only evident in their sauces and reductions. Highlights on the menu include oyster with macadamia âajoblancoâ and pickled grape, Puy lentils with grilled red prawn, and duck magret with coffee, salsify and Melanosporum truffle â dishes that VĂctor Torres views as tiny jewels, hence the naming of his menus 18K and 24K. The hotel even has its own kitchen garden!
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
"18K" and "24K" Menus Highlighting Local and Luxurious Ingredients: Quirat offers unique tasting menus such as the "18K" menu, which focuses on locally sourced Catalan ingredients prepared to showcase the region's best produce, and the "24K" menu, a lavish multi-course experience including standout dishes like a highly praised duck breast, paired with a carefully curated wine selection.
Chef VĂctor Torres, Spainâs Youngest Michelin-Starred Chef: Quirat is led by VĂctor Torres, who became the youngest Spanish chef to earn a Michelin star. His culinary vision emphasizes purity, seasonal ingredients, and a deep connection to the natural cycles of the region, creating dishes that are both artistic and rooted in local terroir.
Location and Ambiance Combining Elegance with Local Culture: Situated within the InterContinental Barcelona hotel, Quirat offers an elegant yet cozy atmosphere featuring exposed brick and velvet armchairs, providing a refined but warm setting that complements the gastronomic journey through Catalan flavors and the cultural richness of Barcelona.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Quirat in Barcelona include:
Grilled Oyster: Featured in a signature dish paired with Perolâs Butifarra, capers, and thyme soup, highlighting the restaurantâs emphasis on pure, high-quality seafood flavors.
Wagyu Cecina: Smoked butter and Wagyu cecina appear in the 18K and 24K tasting menus, showcasing premium cured meat with rich, smoky notes.
Maresmeâs Peas and Sea Urchin: This combination reflects the use of local produce and seafood, creating a refined balance of sweetness and umami in dishes like peas with onion soup and sea urchin.
Duck Magret: Prepared with coffee and salsify, this ingredient is part of a signature dish that blends robust flavors with delicate textures, a hallmark of Chef VĂctor Torresâs Catalan cuisine approach.
Pumpkin, Citruses, and Spices: Used in dessert or palate-cleansing courses, these ingredients demonstrate the restaurantâs attention to seasonal and aromatic elements to round out the tasting experience.
These ingredients are significant as they represent Quiratâs philosophy of purity, local sourcing, and culinary craftsmanship under Chef VĂctor Torres, who emphasizes Catalan tradition with modern techniques.