Can Barrina

Can Barrina is a 17th-century farmhouse on the road that climbs from Sant Esteve de Palautordera to the village of Montseny, at kilometre 12.7, already at the gates of the village. It stood empty for thirty years until the present owners bought it in 1984 and restored it as a hotel and restaurant. On the round-arched door are engraved the two years of its history: 1620 and 1987. Inside, the main walls, the hearth hood and the mouth of the bread oven are preserved.

The holm-oak grill and seasonal mushrooms

The kitchen works with seasonal, local produce, what the house calls zero-kilometre. The menu is organised around the holm-oak grill, for meat, and a section of seasonal mushrooms, which in autumn is the reason to come: the house shows dishes of rovellons (saffron milk caps) on its website. The menu is completed by salads, home-style stews, fresh fish and seafood, and desserts made in the house. The cellar holds wines, cavas and champagnes from several denominations of origin.

The website does not publish the menu with prices or the set menus. Ask when you book which mushrooms they have that day and whether there is a menu for groups.

Dining rooms with fireplaces and the terrace over the Tordera

The dining rooms are rustic, with a fireplace, separate tables and private rooms for those who want to eat apart. In summer the terrace opens, facing the valley of the River Tordera: you eat outdoors and dine under the stars. If you want that table, ask for it when you book.

The farmhouse is also rented for weddings, family celebrations and corporate events, so on some Saturdays the dining room may be taken by a banquet. That is one more reason to call before going up.

Call first, because it does not publish opening hours

The website gives no opening days or hours. You book on 938 473 065 or 638 079 675, or by email at [email protected]. If you are sleeping in the house, the Can Barrina hotel has double rooms, a family suite and an apartment; when booking directly, the house offers a welcome gift and discounts with its Green Card.

By car you arrive by the road from Sant Esteve de Palautordera to Montseny. A few kilometres lower down, at km 7.5, the Can Vila horse rides leave, and in the village square is La Fonda del Montseny, which serves meals Wednesday to Sunday. Without a car, Bus Parc line 576 runs up at weekends and on public holidays from Santa Maria de Palautordera station to the village of Montseny.

A table for the Vallès side

For anyone coming up to spend the day on the Montseny's Vallès side who wants to sit down to a leisurely meal after walking, for a couple looking to dine on the terrace in summer and for groups that need a room of their own.