A well-composed wide shot of a dining space showcasing a striking gallery wall. The dark wooden shelving unit contains an assortment of framed posters, records, and photographs. The lively patterned seating below and simple wooden tables with black chairs complete the cohesive and visually rich aesthetic.

Casa Fiero: Cristina Carulla Studio Layers Memory and Style in a Barcelona Restaurant

Words by Eric David

89 Carrer de Londres, Barcelona, Spain

Located in Barcelona’s Eixample district, Casa Fiero is an imaginative take on the casa de comidas, a type of traditional Spanish restaurant serving home-style dishes at affordable prices. Designed by Cristina Carulla Studio for a quartet of long-time friends, the restaurant takes the familiar template of a neighbourhood eatery and reimagines it as an eclectic, irreverently styled interior where gastronomy, music, and design converge. Its identity lies in layering: childhood photographs and Tintin comics sit beside counterculture posters, bespoke furniture is mixed with vintage finds, and Art Déco flourishes are intertwined with sleek contemporary details. The result is a space that feels at once intimate and cosmopolitan, timeless and playful, its eclecticism grounded in the personal memories of its founders, shaped by Carulla’s intuitive touch.

A close-up of a dining nook that feels both retro and refined. A round wooden table is surrounded by sleek chrome-framed chairs with cream upholstery. The setting is framed by a bold art piece in a polished, silver frame, which contrasts with the earthy tones of the wall materials.

Photography by Javi Dardo.

This view of the dining area highlights a maximalist, vintage aesthetic. The space is filled with a bold, black and yellow patterned banquette that incorporates shelving for menus. A vibrant red lamp on a table adds a pop of color, complementing the extensive gallery wall with its collection of framed records and art.

Photography by Javi Dardo.

This view of the dining room showcases an eclectic, maximalist design with bold textural contrasts. The walls feature a decorative, cork-like finish and sections of reflective mirror. Upholstered banquettes in a rich burgundy color invite guests, while a prominent, centrally-placed painting adds an artistic focal point.

Photography by Javi Dardo.

Spatially, Casa Fiero is designed to adapt to different rhythms of the evening. A lively bar offers its own character and vantage point, while the main dining room invites both convivial gatherings and quieter meals. Soon to open, a private room tucked discreetly behind a passageway will add another layer of intimacy.

Rather than commit to a single style, the interiors thrive on layering with hints of Art Déco in the curves of chrome shelving and gleaming metallic surfaces, retro notes in patterned banquettes and textured wall sconces, and more modern vibes in the bar’s urban detailing. Cork-lined walls temper the sheen of steel, while wood panelling and timber furniture ground the rooms in familiarity, alongside recurring pops of butter yellow that serve to animate details throughout the space.

This image captures a cozy dining nook, blending Art Deco with mid-century modern design. The warm lighting highlights the glossy, yellow tiles and a decorative, wood-paneled wall. A small table is surrounded by sleek chrome-framed chairs, emphasizing a blend of graphic lines and soft, organic shapes.

Photography by Javi Dardo.

A detail shot focusing on the interplay of light and materials. A vintage-inspired metal sconce with a perforated screen casts a warm light on a rich, wood-paneled wall. The reflection in the adjacent mottled mirror reveals a lamp and bar stools, adding depth and a sense of inviting atmosphere.

Photography by Javi Dardo.

This interior view highlights a sophisticated retro-industrial aesthetic. The stainless steel bar counter and bar stools with tan leather seats create a sleek, classic look. A large mirror reflects the bar area, while framed art and a textured woven sconce add warmth and artistic detail.

Photography by Javi Dardo.

A full view of a vibrant bar area with a strong Art Deco influence. The curved, stainless steel counter is a striking focal point, complemented by low-slung, tan leather bar stools. The space is crowned by a line of whimsical, circular ceiling lights and a frieze of framed drawings, creating an elegant and playful environment.

Photography by Javi Dardo.

This interior view focuses on the upper bar area, where a line of whimsical, black-and-white drawings adds an element of nostalgic Art Deco flair. Below, a sleek, modern bar light fixture holds a rack of elegant glassware. The glossy ceiling reflects the light, enhancing the warm and sophisticated atmosphere of the space.


Photography by Javi Dardo

A close-up of a distinct mid-century modern light fixture, combining polished wood and metal with elegant, spherical glass shades. The fixture hangs in front of a curved frieze of framed black-and-white drawings. Below, a rack of hanging glassware and a wall of yellow tiles add to the space's rich and multi-layered aesthetic.


Photography by Javi Dardo

A detailed, low-angle shot of the bar counter. The sleek, brushed metal surface is softened by a recessed, curvilinear section of polished wood, adding a subtle warmth. A lone chrome-framed bar stool with a tan leather seat rests in front, highlighting the clean lines and meticulous craftsmanship of the space.

Photography by Javi Dardo.

  • A dining area defined by rich textures and warm tones. The wall, clad in a unique cork-like material, is complemented by a wooden sideboard and shelves holding delicate glassware. A small vintage-style lamp adds an intimate glow, highlighting the space's tactile quality.

    Photography by Javi Dardo.

  • A wide, welcoming view of a dining area that skillfully combines Art Deco flair with mid-century design. A large, geometric lamp on a wooden counter anchors the space, while subtle lighting accentuates the interplay of glossy tiles and organic cork-like wall texture, creating a sophisticated and warm ambiance.

    Photography by Javi Dardo.

  • A close-up of a circular dining table set with minimalist white plates and glassware. The elegant mid-century modern chairs feature polished chrome frames and plush, cream-colored cushions. The backdrop is a textured wall with a warm, speckled pattern, creating a rich contrast between materials.

    Photography by Javi Dardo.

  • A detailed shot of a custom-built counter, showcasing a thoughtful material palette. A column covered in narrow, cream-colored tiles and a textured glass light fixture creates a striking vertical line, while the warm wooden surface of the counter adds a natural, grounding element to the retro-inspired design.

    Photography by Javi Dardo.

  • This close-up captures two prominent, circular light fixtures with a textured glass finish, hanging against a mirrored wall. The strong, direct light highlights the ribbed pattern of the glass and the reflections of bottles and glasses from the bar, creating a luminous and visually intriguing composition.

    Photography by Javi Dardo.

This inviting dining area blends mid-century modern with eclectic design. The dark wooden grid-like shelving unit, filled with framed art and memorabilia, creates a gallery wall, while the bench's lively black and white pattern adds a bold, organic contrast to the linear architecture.

Photography by Javi Dardo.

Against this backdrop, a mix of bespoke and vintage pieces creates a dynamic tension evident in the custom-designed tables, shelves, and wall lights paired with second-hand lamps and chairs. Even the smallest components play their part; from the bathroom mirrors to the ceramic handle on the front door, each designed specifically for Casa Fiero, underscore the studio’s meticulous approach.

One wall in particular anchors the restaurant’s spirit: an eclectic salon-style arrangement of posters, photographs, and ephemera drawing on Barcelona’s counterculture which emerged during Spain’s democratic transition in the late 1970s and 1980s. In Casa Fiero, references to this era include the seminal magazine Ajoblanco, Tintin comics, and key figures such as artists Javier Mariscal and José Pérez Ocaña infusing the interiors with the epoch’s spirit of rebellion and play.

A well-composed wide shot of a dining space showcasing a striking gallery wall. The dark wooden shelving unit contains an assortment of framed posters, records, and photographs. The lively patterned seating below and simple wooden tables with black chairs complete the cohesive and visually rich aesthetic.

Photography by Javi Dardo.

A stylish, close-up view of a dining booth with a vintage-retro aesthetic. A woven metal sconce with a warm glow illuminates a wall of wooden paneling and a vibrant banquette with a wavy, black and yellow pattern. The composition is a rich tapestry of textures, colors, and artful details.

Photography by Javi Dardo.

A comprehensive view of a vibrant eclectic dining space. A lively, black and yellow patterned bench seating runs along a wall with a grid of wooden shelves filled with framed art and records. The warm lighting creates an inviting atmosphere, while stainless steel kitchen fixtures are visible in the background.

Photography by Javi Dardo.

This interior view showcases the kitchen's eclectic mix of industrial and retro elements. A large, angled mirror reflects the functional stainless steel countertops and yellow tiled walls, while a bold, patterned banquette and a dramatic red wall add depth and warmth to the space.

Photography by Javi Dardo.

The cosmopolitan layering also extends well beyond the city. Inspirations drawn from New York and London’s nightlife lend the restaurant a nocturnal energy, reflected not only in the design but also in the soundtrack where music creates more than a mere background but its own unique atmosphere. With an eclectic mix ranging from Rosalía and Bad Bunny to Gilberto Gil, Arctic Monkeys, and Willie Colón, the playlist blurs genres just as the interiors fuse eras and styles, reinforcing the sense of an ever-shifting mood.

The restaurant’s culinary approach follows the same ethos of unpretentious sophistication, with chef and co-founder Víctor Ródenas reinventing traditional recipes through memory and imagination. Rooted in simplicity and guided by seasonal ingredients, his menu balances familiar comforts with bold touches showcasing dishes such as Bluefin tuna belly crudo with roasted tomato ponzu and ñora peppers, Cal Rovira grilled pig’s ear with roasted jus, mustard and piparras, and casserole noodles with sausage and cod.

A dynamic, multi-angled view of a kitchen space. The industrial aesthetic is defined by stainless steel surfaces and open shelving, while a high-gloss red panel and a dramatic, slanted mirror add a bold, deconstructed, and unexpectedly artistic element to the functional design.

Photography by Javi Dardo.

An organized, professional kitchen area with stainless steel counters and shelving. The bold yellow tiled wall provides a graphic pop of color, while vintage-style kitchen equipment and art prints add a layer of eclectic character to the otherwise industrial and highly functional space.

Photography by Javi Dardo.

A luminous, yellow-toned display cabinet showcases a collection of polished silver coupe and dessert glasses. The warm light reflects off their curved, sculptural forms, highlighting the elegant simplicity of their design and creating a sense of refined, vintage-inspired opulence.

Photography by Javi Dardo.

A low-angle shot of a custom-built counter cabinet with a warm, mellow yellow finish and chrome trim. The rounded corner and subtly reflective surface evoke a retro-modernist aesthetic. An integrated, illuminated shelf reveals a curated collection of polished metallic drinking vessels, drawing the eye to the artful display.

Photography by Javi Dardo.

  • A vibrant culinary display features a shelving unit against a backdrop of glossy, yellow subway tiles. The warm light accentuates the metallic luster of various kitchen vessels and the clean, white ceramic tableware, creating a balanced composition of color, texture, and function.

    Photography by Javi Dardo.

  • A close-up of a striking, vintage-inspired door handle crafted from dark, glazed ceramic. Its geometric, grid-like relief contrasts with the smooth, warm terracotta-toned door and a sleek metal frame, creating a tactile and visually compelling entrance detail.

    Photography by Javi Dardo.

  • A square, framed piece of art hangs against a warm-toned wall. The artwork itself is a simple, minimalist composition of four handwritten notes on pale paper, arranged askew on a solid yellow background. The black frame and simple content emphasize a subtle, personal sense of artistry.
  • A minimalist bathroom with a glowing, circular light fixture casting a warm, ethereal halo onto a white wall. The metallic trim of the mirror and the geometric faucets on the sink stand out against the deep red door reflected in the background.

    Photography by Javi Dardo.

A vibrant and unconventional bathroom interior. The scene is dominated by a circular, glowing light fixture and a large mirror reflecting a deep red wall. A sleek, white cabinet and framed artwork with handwritten notes add layers of detail, creating a playful yet refined atmosphere.

Photography by Javi Dardo.

Balancing the ease of a neighbourhood eatery with the eclecticism of a cosmopolitan lounge, Casa Fiero adds a distinctive note to Barcelona’s dining scene. Cristina Carulla Studio’s approach has resulted in an eatery that is layered but never contrived, where personal histories, cultural references, and simple pleasures joyously fuse together.

A sun-drenched street view reveals the inviting facade of a restaurant. A bold red awning and a simple, illuminated sign cast playful shadows on the textured, ochre-colored building. The composition captures a welcoming atmosphere and classic Mediterranean charm.

Photography by Javi Dardo.