Why the Roca Brothers say: “Three Heads, One Hat”

Free-style, avant-garde and faithful. These are the words used to describe El Celler de Can Roca. The award-winning restaurant in Girona conquered the summit of world cuisine. With a unique mixture of anarchy and sophistication.

El Celler opened in 1986 by brothers Joan (chef) and Josep Roca (sommelier and maitre d’). Then, younger brother Jordi (pastry chef) came on board in 1998. But this is no ordinary family restaurant.

The beginning

The brothers started El Celler in 1986 next to the house of their parents, Josep Roca and Montse Fontané. Their parents were the owners of Can Roca, a bar-restaurant in Taialà-Germans Sàbat, on the outskirts of Girona.

With Joan in the kitchen and Josep in the dining room, the restaurant soon outgrew the tiny premises. They relocated to the country house in Carrer Can Sunyer where it they remain today. The 1911 building was the creation of architects Bosch i Bataller and mixes modernist and colonial styles. In 2007, the site quadrupled in size after renovation work. As a result, it now has 200 square metres each of kitchen, dining and wine space. And there is a separate function hall and pristine gardens. El Celler is a destination that iy stunning and stimulating on every level.

The philosophy of the Roca brothers

The restaurant combines science, art and education with gastronomy. The brothers embrace academic debate as a method to stimulate creativity. They arrive at a common idea from three different viewpoints. Like a living example of a culinary venn diagram. Or, in their own words: “three heads, one hat”. Any collision of flavour or texture is possible. But there must be a point where every component harmonizes in euphoric accord.

Three centuries of evolution

El Celler de Can Roca is the result of evolution. Of a family engaged in the restaurant trade for generations, stretching back to 1700. Their parents, Josep Roca and Montserrat Fontané, married in 1962 and opened the original Can Roca in 1967.

All three Roca brothers studied at the Girona Catering School. All three are honorary doctors at the University of Girona. And all are winners of National Gastronomy awards. All this lead to the restaurant earning three Michelin stars.

In 2009, Restaurant Magazine placed El Celler de Can Roca at 5th in the World’s 50 best restaurant awards. It rose to fourth place in 2010, second in 2011 and 2012 and to first place in 2013.

A deserved accolade for the three rocks of Girona.