Spain is one of the most diverse countries in the world from a culinary point of view. Its wide variety of climates, ways of life and preferences in each region, province or city make it an irresistible destination for food lovers. There are thousands of restaurants youll want to visit, but if you really want to experience the best, you should try the establishments with the greatest international prestige, those which have been awarded Michelin Stars. We suggest a route visiting some of the most famous restaurants in Spain. An unforgettable experience which will take you to unique locations and you can also take the opportunity to explore some of the best preserved natural spaces in Europe. We start in the Basque Country, one of the regions in Spain with the greatest culinary tradition. Here, in the province of Guipúzcoa, you will find Martín Berasateguis restaurant with the same name, a threestar establishment which has been open since 1993. The chefs creativity and his mastery of culinary techniques are the principal features of this restaurant in LasarteOria, just 8 kilometres from San Sebastián. Youll be fascinated by one of Martín Berasateguis most famous dishes, the millefeuille of smoked eel, foie gras, spring onions and green apple, a classic dish which has been on the menu since the restaurant first opened. Your next stop should be in the province of Vizcaya. In the town of Larrabetzu youll find the Azurmendi restaurant, run by the renowned chef Eneko Atxa. His first Michelin Star came in 2007 and in 2012 he was awarded his third. This is a new concept of a sustainable restaurant with a kitchen garden, greenhouse, open kitchen and a laboratory. Everything here is designed to make dining an experience for the senses from the moment you arrive. The surrounding area is spectacular with the restaurant located between green hills and vineyards. As a reflection of his Basque culinary roots, the chef Eneko Atxa creates dishes like the truffled egg cooked inside out and with a smooth texture. The egg yolk is injected with truffle juice using a syringe and then cooked at a low temperature. This is a complex technique which results in a unique dish. Just 10 kilometres from San Sebastián, in the town of Errenteria, youll find the restaurant run by Andoni Luis Aduriz, Mugaritz. This is a twostar establishment which has made a name for itself as one of the most innovative in Spain. The chefs imagination and his unrelenting search for new techniques and flavours have resulted in dishes as surprising as the Edible Stones, a green potato which looks exactly like a pebble.
Continuing our culinary journey through Spain, we travel to Catalonia, another region renowned for its exceptional gastronomy. In the heart of Barcelona, you’ll find the legendary restaurant El Celler de Can Roca, run by the Roca brothers. With three Michelin stars, this establishment is often ranked among the best restaurants in the world. Their approach is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, with dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. One of their signature creations is the Oysters with Palo Cortado, which combines the intense flavor of the sea with the subtle, nutty notes of aged sherry. The restaurant is also famous for its creative desserts, crafted by the youngest Roca brother, Jordi, who is a worldrenowned pastry chef. A little further south, in the province of Girona, you’ll find another gem: Les Cols, a twostar restaurant located in a beautifully renovated 15thcentury farmhouse. Run by chef Fina Puigdevall, the menu here is inspired by the local landscape and the changing seasons. Her dishes are simple yet sophisticated, highlighting the natural flavors of the ingredients. A standout dish is the Volcanic Pork, a tribute to the region’s volcanic soil, which gives a unique texture and flavor to the meat. The minimalist decor of the restaurant, with its glass walls and open spaces, allows diners to feel at one with nature while enjoying their meal. Heading west to the region of La Rioja, famous for its wine, we find the restaurant Venta Moncalvillo, located in the small village of Daroca de Rioja. This onestar restaurant is a familyrun establishment, with brothers Carlos and Ignacio Echapresto serving as chef and sommelier, respectively. Their cuisine is deeply rooted in the local terroir, with a focus on fresh, seasonal produce and traditional recipes. The wine list is extensive, featuring some of the best wines from the region, carefully selected to complement the dishes on the menu. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely meal. In the heart of Spain, in the capital city of Madrid, you’ll discover DiverXO, the only restaurant in the city with three Michelin stars. Run by the maverick chef Dabiz Muñoz, DiverXO is known for its bold, avantgarde approach to cooking. The dining experience here is theatrical and immersive, with each dish presented as a work of art. One of Muñoz’s most famous creations is the Sweet Piglet with Strawberry Hoisin, a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. The restaurant’s decor is as daring as the food, with colorful murals and unusual table settings that transport diners to a different world. Finally, we head to the southern region of Andalusia, known for its rich culinary heritage and vibrant flavors. In the city of Córdoba, you’ll find Noor, a twostar restaurant that offers a unique take on Andalusian cuisine. Chef Paco Morales draws inspiration from the region’s Moorish past, using ancient recipes and techniques to create modern dishes. The menu is a journey through history, with each course telling a story about the region’s diverse cultural influences. The restaurant’s interior is equally impressive, with intricate tilework and elegant furnishings that evoke the splendor of Andalusian palaces. From the lush green hills of the Basque Country to the sundrenched landscapes of Andalusia, Spain offers a culinary adventure like no other. Each region has its own distinct flavors and traditions, and the country’s Michelinstarred restaurants are a testament to the creativity and skill of its chefs. Whether you’re savoring a delicate seafood dish in Catalonia or enjoying a bold, innovative creation in Madrid, you’ll find that Spanish cuisine is a feast for the senses.
