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Water, Air, Earth and Fire: A Sensory Journey to the Roots of the Mediterranean with ELDELMAR

ELDELMAR is the new restaurant by the Torres Brothers, located in the renewed Olympic Port of Barcelona. Inspired by the Mediterranean, its design reflects a deep respect for nature and the fusion of Mediterranean cultures, creating a space that balances tradition and contemporaneity. Beyond its cuisine, ELDELMAR offers a sensory experience that invites guests to reconnect with the roots of the Mediterranean.

Starting Point: An Open-Plan Restaurant Facing the Sea

The appointment of Barcelona as host city for the 37th America’s Cup in 2024 marked a milestone for the city, driving a major transformation of the iconic Olympic Port infrastructure inherited from the 1992 Olympic Games. This large-scale redevelopment has given rise to a new gastronomic destination known as the Balcón Gastronómico, a collection of eight restaurants aiming to redefine the culinary experience of the area. Among them stands ELDELMAR, the new restaurant by the Torres Brothers, located directly by the sea overlooking Nova Icaria Beach.

The Creative Concept: Mediterranean Roots Through the Four Elements

The design of ELDELMAR draws inspiration from the natural elements shared across Mediterranean cultures through their unique geography and climate. The creative concept revolves around four essential elements: water, air, earth and fire. These are expressed symbolically and sensorially throughout the space, creating an atmosphere that connects guests with the essence of the Mediterranean.

Water is represented through green mosaic ponds that evoke traditional Mediterranean architecture. Inspired by Roman domus, Greek villas and Iberian country estates, these water features not only organize the spatial layout but also naturally regulate temperature and humidity, creating a refreshing and welcoming environment. The mosaic aesthetic, inspired by Moroccan craftsmanship, further reinforces this connection to Mediterranean traditions.

Air, an essential element of the Mediterranean climate, is expressed through a reinterpretation of the traditional windmills found in the Greek and Balearic islands. Three suspended elements integrated into the ceiling allow air to circulate gently throughout the dining area, creating a sensation of freshness and movement reminiscent of the sea breeze along the coast.

Earth materializes through the use of stone and ceramic finishes covering the bars and flooring, combined with wood and natural fibers that pay tribute to traditional craftsmanship.

Fire, an essential component of Mediterranean cuisine, is embodied through the open showcooking kitchen facing the dining room, featuring copper finishes that evoke the glow and warmth of flames. In the lounge area facing the harbor, a fireplace enhances the warm and intimate atmosphere, offering a dining experience designed to be enjoyed not only through taste, but through all the senses.

Spatial Layout: Fluidity and Connection Between Indoors and Outdoors

Located on the upper level of the harbor, ELDELMAR enjoys a privileged setting to experience the Mediterranean at its finest. With uninterrupted sea views, the main dining room is conceived as an open-plan space that encourages continuity between the interior and the outdoor terrace through a large glazed façade.

The rear area houses the kitchen with the showcooking experience, the wine cellar and the bar. The latter is positioned at the main entrance, closer to the city side, alongside a lounge area furnished with armchairs and low tables surrounding a fireplace, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. Conceived as an ideal setting for private events, this area offers guests a place to relax while enjoying views towards the city.

Materiality and Colour: A Play of Textures and Natural Tones

The design of ELDELMAR respects the original structure of the building, preserving the glass envelope proposed by the city council while concentrating interventions exclusively within the interior. The façades facing the sea remain untouched, ensuring panoramic views from every point of the dining room.

On the remaining façades, semi-circular arches finished in stucco and wooden slats evoke traditional coastal architecture, providing privacy, solar protection and a distinctive exterior character.

Inside, neutral finishes in sandy tones dominate the palette, including cement flooring and stucco walls, allowing more vibrant elements — such as the green ceramic ponds, brown ceramic walls, reclaimed wood surfaces and copper accents — to stand out visually. This chromatic base is complemented by touches of vegetation and textiles, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Furniture Design: Where Craftsmanship Meets Contemporary Design

The furniture collection at ELDELMAR is primarily composed of bespoke designs crafted from traditional materials such as terracotta, sisal, raffia, ceramic, marble and wood. These materials are combined with organic and contemporary forms, merging artisanal heritage with modern design language.

All furniture pieces are produced by local workshops specializing in carpentry, ceramics, metalwork and painting, supporting the local commercial and artisanal network while reinforcing the project’s connection to its cultural context.

The Final Touch: Details that Evoke Freshness and Elegance

The landscape proposal incorporates native Mediterranean vegetation — including olive trees, aromatic plants and laurels — creating a natural environment that strengthens the restaurant’s connection with its surroundings.

Additionally, the tableware and staff uniforms follow a design language that balances elegance with freshness, while selected plates, cutlery and glassware reinforce the overall concept of the restaurant. Suppliers and designers are also locally based, further strengthening the project’s relationship with regional craftsmanship.

A Project that Celebrates Local Craftsmanship

ELDELMAR is far more than a restaurant: it is a collaborative project conceived to revitalize the Olympic Port and transform it into a new landmark destination for Barcelona. Through this initiative, local commerce and craftsmanship are actively supported, empowering local artisans, workers and businesses while creating a vibrant space that attracts both residents and visitors, generating a positive impact on the community.

The Torres Brothers’ ELDELMAR restaurant is a celebration of the Mediterranean’s cultural diversity and richness, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a unique experience within an exceptional setting.