In 1919, a group of residents from El Prat, driven by the desire to create a space for social gatherings and theatrical performances in their town, founded the Centre Artesà. Today, over a century later, the building designed by modernist architect Antoni Pascual remains one of the focal points of life in El Prat de Llobregat. Since 2019, L'Artesà has been a municipal facility (the Town Council purchased the site in 2003 for its renovation) housing theatre, dance, music, and circuses across 5,000 square metres, while also serving as an essential meeting point and food hub for the town: Cafè L'Artesà.
A Space Steeped in History
The building served as the Casa del Pueblo (Social Club run by Spanish Socialist Party) during the Spanish Civil War. Later, it regained its original function as a theatre and cinema until the 1980s. With such a rich history, it's no surprise that Cafè L'Artesà, run by its manager Lluís Aguado and chef Joan Navarro, is dearly loved by El Prat's residents. This unique space preserves the essence of the modernist building constructed a hundred years ago. Its hydraulic tile flooring has become one of its most distinctive features, while the lofty vaulted ceilings and large windows overlooking a tree-filled courtyard lend it characteristic charm and beauty.
From Meeting Point to Food Landmark
This courtyard is a favourite spot for many to enjoy breakfast, vermut (vermouth) or good company any day of the week. Open year-round from morning until late at night, Cafè L'Artesà has become a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, drawn by its exceptional food offering.
At its core, the café's cuisine is the key ingredient in its recipe for success. The menu focuses on local, high-quality products, featuring grilled meats and fish, artisanal pinchos, tapas, and tostas as its star dishes.
El Prat: A Land of Fine Produce
The commitment to locally sourced ingredients is a key factor in a town like El Prat, which boasts a long agricultural tradition and is located in the Parc Agrari del Baix Llobregat. This outstanding location makes the town a veritable breadbasket for the metropolitan area, producing vast quantities of top-quality fruits and vegetables.
El Prat takes pride in two leading products among all this agri-food wealth: Prat artichokes and Pota Blava chicken. The Alcachofa (artichoke) is one of the region's most emblematic vegetables. The Pota Blava chicken is raised traditionally outdoors with natural feed, and bears the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) seal that guarantees its quality and culinary excellence.
Commitment to the Community
Cafè L'Artesà actively participates in culinary initiatives across the town and region to promote local produce and champion a cuisine with its own identity—rooted in the land and based on locally sourced ingredients.
Here, every dish is a statement with real impact on the local region’s economy: supporting the development of local farmers and producers while reducing the environmental impact. This responsible approach has earned the café recognition from the Barcelona Sustainable Tourism Commitment.
With a cuisine that speaks the language of the land, a sustainability-driven philosophy that guides every decision, and genuine ties to its community, this establishment continues to write its story. And it does so, as always, with the finest ingredient of all: authenticity.
