Spanish cuisine keeps going strong. Restaurants throughout Spain now boast a grand total of 214 Michelin stars so almost anywhere you go here you can enjoy the very best food.
The way people choose their holiday destinations and dates has changed. The fact is that Spanish gastronomic culture’s very high level has turned our country into an ideal place to indulge in one of the world best cuisines. Indeed, thanks to Spain’s exceptional gourmet standing (with the world’s fifth largest number of Michelin stars), in almost any corner of the country you’ll find a nearby restaurant proudly bearing the world’s highest culinary distinction.
There are 214 Michelin stars distributed across Spain in 174 restaurants holding this coveted mark of a “good table” awarded by the prestigious Michelin guide. Twenty-nine restaurants here have two stars, and another eleven have been granted the highest distinction of all, the celebrated three Michelin stars. What’s more, these figures are constantly on the rise, making our country an indispensable place to enjoy the best dishes prepared by the foremost chefs.
Three-star establishments
The many holiday attractions of Spain are splendidly complemented by the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable menu at any one of the country’s 3-star restaurants, such as Juan Mari Arzak's establishment in San Sebastián. Actually, it’s more than just a restaurant: it’s a legend. Arzak won his first star in 1972 and his became the second Spanish 3-star restaurant in 1989. It is still run today by Juan Mari himself, representing the third generation of the Arzak family devoted to the world of gastronomy, and by his daughter Elena, who is a passionate chef like her dad.
If seafood of any type is what you fancy, Ángel León’s Aponiente restaurant in Puerto de Santa María (Cádiz Prov.) is the ideal place to go. Ángel’s cuisine features splendid seafood products prepared in uniquely tasty ways for the enjoyment of those fortunate enough to eat here. Quique Dacosta, for his part, is the celebrated chef of the three-star restaurant bearing his name. In this new season, his culinary style is opening up more to imagination and fantasy, without sacrificing the superb quality of the local products of Denia (Alicante Prov.) that go into his dishes. Mention should also be made of the world-famous restaurant led by the Roca brothers: El Celler de Can Roca. Located in warm fascinating premises in Girona, this establishment has received countless culinary distinctions. Since 2009, Joan, Josep and Jordi have held three Michelin stars and they have stood on the podium of ‘The World’s 50 Best Restaurants’, for ten years –a well-deserved acknowledgement.
Enjoy an all-around experience
Another very interesting possibility for travellers is to combine exclusive lodging with a truly magnificent lunch or dinner. This is a fusion that is now offered by prestigious hoteliers and chefs around the country to please the most demanding customers. Barcelona, for example, has restaurants of two world-famous chefs, Martín Berasategui and Jordi Cruz, and the latter runs the Michelin 3-star restaurant ABaC, located in the hotel of the same name, where he offers a delectable cuisine prepared by state-of-art techniques.
Gourmet islands
Spain is fortunate indeed to have the crystal-clear waters and spectacular landscapes of the Balearic Islands. Not surprisingly, in Mallorca, the capital of the Balearics, there are three places where you can lodge in high style and enjoy a menu fit for a king. The restaurant Zaranda run by master chef Fernando P. Arellano is located in a unique setting: the Castell Son Claret, a castle dating back to 1450 which stands in the interior of the island. Zaranda, the Balearics’ only Michelin 2-star restaurant, features enticing traditional Mallorcan cuisine. Overlooking the sea, we find Miguel Navarro’s restaurant Es Fum which boasts one Michelin star. Located at St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort, it is a place where you can admire a spectacular sunset while enjoying a menu of delectable dishes such as truffles or lobster. Another establishment distinguished by the prestigious Michelin guide is the restaurant Andreu Genestra, run by the chef of the same name. This is a gastronomic space that explores the culinary culture of Mallorca, with wonderfully flavourful dishes. The island of Ibiza is also a gourmet location. In 2019 Martín Berasategui has opened his first restaurant on the island: Etxeko Ibiza at the Bless Hotel. This celebrated chef already holds 12 Michelin stars so it will not be surprising if Etxeko raises the total to 13.
Martín Berasategui opens in Mallorca
The chef with the most Michelin stars in Spain –ten, ranking him No. 3 worldwide– is set to create a new concept in Palma combining entertainment with gastronomy. In 2020, premises of 30,000 m2 with indoor and outdoor areas will host a blend of Berasategui’s cuisine with the shows of renowned artists. The restaurant will be called ‘Hit’, in allusion to the concept of “garrote” in Spanish, which Berasategui has often used in the course of his career to express an idea of strength, energy, enthusiasm and originality.
