As summer stretches across the city, El Palace Barcelona invites guests to ascend to a world of fragrance, flavour, and floral splendour with the debut of El Jardín Libanés—a new rooftop pop-up celebrating the soulful cuisine of Lebanon. In collaboration with renowned chef Paul Haddad, the hotel’s rooftop has transformed into a serene Mediterranean terrace, alive with the aromas of orange blossom, jasmine, and spices.
Opening its doors on 12th June and welcoming diners every evening until the end of September, El Jardín Libanés offers a rich tapestry of culinary heritage rooted in Haddad’s Beirut upbringing and decades of experience in both Lebanon and Barcelona. Drawing inspiration from generations of family recipes, the menu is a heartfelt tribute to the communal, generous, and sensory nature of Lebanese cuisine.
At the heart of the experience is the rooftop garden itself—an enchanting oasis where orange blossom and jasmine vines frame views of the Sagrada Familia. In Lebanese culture, orange blossom is a symbol of purity and celebration, while jasmine traditionally adorns gateways, bringing a sense of welcome and beauty. Together, they create a setting that evokes the spirit of a Lebanese courtyard in full bloom.
The menu showcases an abundant selection of mezze—vibrant sharing plates meant to be savoured slowly and together. Diners will find creamy houmous, smoky moutabal, spicy mouhamara, and crisp crudités nestled alongside classics like tabbouleh, fattoush, falafel with tahini, spinach fatayer, and kébbe kraás. Each dish carries the imprint of Haddad’s culinary journey and his deep respect for tradition.
For a more expansive taste of Lebanon, guests can choose from two tasting menus. La Mezza del Chef features an array of grilled meats—shish taouk, lamb ribs, kafta, and more—served with grilled vegetables and traditional Lebanese breads. The result is a feast of texture, smoke, and spice that mirrors Lebanon’s diverse culinary landscape.
Alternatively, La Mezza del Cedro presents the renowned samke harra, a roasted sea bass fillet with a tomato and nut medley, delicately spiced and paired with cumin-scented basmati rice and crispy pita. The dish nods to Lebanon’s coastal traditions and Haddad’s own family tables, where seafood is revered and celebratory.
No Lebanese meal is complete without something sweet. Guests at El Jardín Libanés are treated to a trio of iconic desserts: baklawa soirée, a syrup-soaked pastry filled with spiced nuts; mahmoul de pistacho, a rose-water-scented biscuit of pistachio and semolina; and mohalabihe, a silky milk pudding topped with crushed walnuts. Each bite is a delicate echo of Middle Eastern hospitality.
With its culinary depth, floral beauty, and romantic skyline views, El Jardín Libanés offers far more than dinner—it’s a sensory escape to the heart of Lebanon, told through the lens of Barcelona’s storied rooftops. Chef Haddad’s passion for heritage cooking and El Palace’s timeless elegance come together in a dining experience that is both nostalgic and novel.
Reservations for El Jardín Libanés are now open for the summer season. Whether you are a Barcelona local or a traveller seeking something extraordinary, this rooftop journey promises an evening of warmth, generosity, and unforgettable flavour.
