Spain’s Culinary Revolution: Where to Find Avant-Garde Dishes

Spain is a paradise for innovative cuisine. In fact, it is the country with the most avant-garde chefs in the world. A new generation of chefs has inherited the legacy of figures like Ferran Adrià, regarded as the most innovative chef of all time, and continues to surprise us with its creativity. At the forefront of innovation are the dishes of chef David Muñoz (DiverXO, Madrid), the only three-Michelin-starred Madrid restaurant. His creations, which he calls canvases, are truly works of art that combine the best of Spanish and Asian cuisine, resulting in a fusion of flavors that is as surprising as it is appetizing. In Spain, there are several avant-garde cuisine routes, and one of them is in the Basque Country, where you can find three of the most famous restaurants in the world: Martín Berasategui, Arzak, and Mugaritz. In San Sebastián, the first two are run by two of the most renowned Spanish chefs, Martín Berasategui and Juan Mari Arzak. The third, Mugaritz, is led by chef Andoni Luis Aduriz and is located in the town of Errenteria, just 15 minutes from San Sebastián. All three restaurants hold three Michelin stars, the highest distinction awarded by the prestigious French guide. The Martín Berasategui restaurant is located in Lasarte, very close to San Sebastián. Its chef is known for his creative spirit, with over 40 years of experience in the kitchen. His dishes are a true homage to the senses and are prepared with fresh, locally sourced products. The famous chef Arzak runs the Arzak restaurant alongside his daughter, Elena, and they are considered the world’s leading figures in avant-garde Basque cuisine. Elena Arzak was named the world’s best female chef by the prestigious culinary magazine Restaurant in 2012. Another of the Basque Country’s great chefs is Pedro Subijana, who runs the Akelarre restaurant in San Sebastián. This establishment is a temple of great cuisine, with three Michelin stars. In its kitchen, you’ll find the perfect balance between tradition and innovation, with dishes as creative as they are delicious. The restaurant also offers spectacular views of the Cantabrian Sea. Continuing our route through the Basque Country, we arrive at the Azurmendi restaurant, run by Eneko Atxa. This impressive building, which blends seamlessly with the surrounding nature, is located in the hills of the town of Larrabetzu, just 10 minutes from Bilbao. Its chef, Eneko Atxa, has achieved three Michelin stars and is known for his focus on sustainability in his culinary creations. In fact, Forbes magazine considers Azurmendi the most sustainable restaurant in the world. In Navarre, you’ll find another of Spain’s great avant-garde chefs, Koldo Rodero, who runs the Rodero restaurant in Pamplona, where his innovative dishes have earned him prestigious awards. In 2014, he was named the Creator Chef of the Year by the International Academy of Gastronomy. In La Rioja, the Echaurren restaurant is a must-visit. This historic establishment has always been a reference point for traditional Riojan cuisine, but now, chef Francis Paniego has taken the reins and is surprising diners with his innovative and creative dishes. His efforts have been rewarded with two Michelin stars. Another avant-garde cuisine route is in Catalonia, where you can enjoy the creations of some of the most renowned chefs in the world. One of them is Jordi Cruz, who runs the ABaC restaurant in Barcelona. This establishment has two Michelin stars and is known for its innovative dishes that play with flavors and textures. One of his most famous creations is the ‘Coulant de manzana,’ a dessert that combines the flavors of apple and cinnamon in a surprising way. In Girona, you’ll find the Celler de Can Roca, run by the Roca brothers: Joan, Josep, and Jordi. This restaurant has three Michelin stars and is considered one of the best in the world. The Roca brothers are known for their creativity and innovation, and their dishes are a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. One of their most famous creations is the ‘Ostra con aire de manzana,’ a dish that combines the flavors of the sea with the freshness of apple. Another must-visit restaurant in Catalonia is the Tickets restaurant in Barcelona, run by the Adrià brothers: Albert and Ferran. This establishment is a tribute to the creativity and innovation that made El Bulli famous. The Adrià brothers continue to surprise diners with their avant-garde dishes, such as the ‘Olivas esféricas,’ a dish that plays with the texture and flavor of olives. In Andalusia, you can also find some of Spain’s most innovative chefs. One of them is Ángel León, who runs the Aponiente restaurant in El Puerto de Santa María. This establishment has three Michelin stars and is known for its focus on seafood. Ángel León is known as the ‘chef of the sea,’ and his dishes are a tribute to the flavors and products of the ocean. One of his most famous creations is the ‘Plancton marino,’ a dish that uses marine plankton to create a unique and surprising flavor. In Madrid, you can enjoy the creations of Paco Roncero, who runs the La Terraza del Casino restaurant. This establishment has two Michelin stars and is known for its innovative dishes that combine traditional Spanish flavors with modern techniques. One of his most famous creations is the ‘Ostra con licuado de lechuga y cítricos,’ a dish that combines the flavors of the sea with the freshness of lettuce and citrus. Another must-visit restaurant in Madrid is the Coque restaurant, run by the Sandoval brothers: Mario, Diego, and Rafael. This establishment has two Michelin stars and is known for its focus on traditional Spanish flavors with a modern twist. One of their most famous creations is the ‘Cochinillo lacado,’ a dish that combines the flavors of roasted suckling pig with a modern presentation. Spain’s avant-garde cuisine is not limited to its most famous chefs. There are many other restaurants across the country that are pushing the boundaries of culinary innovation. One of them is the Disfrutar restaurant in Barcelona, run by chefs Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch, and Mateu Casañas. This establishment has two Michelin stars and is known for its creative and surprising dishes that play with flavors and textures. One of their most famous creations is the ‘Macaron de parmesano con suero de leche,’ a dish that combines the flavors of Parmesan cheese with a modern twist. Another innovative restaurant in Spain is the DSTAgE restaurant in Madrid, run by chef Diego Guerrero. This establishment has two Michelin stars and is known for its focus on creativity and innovation. One of his most famous creations is the ‘Yogur de espárragos blancos,’ a dish that plays with the flavors and textures of white asparagus. In Valencia, you can enjoy the creations of chef Ricard Camarena, who runs the Ricard Camarena restaurant. This establishment has two Michelin stars and is known for its focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. One of his most famous creations is the ‘Arroz de carabinero,’ a dish that combines the flavors of rice and seafood in a surprising way. Another must-visit restaurant in Valencia is the Quique Dacosta restaurant, run by chef Quique Dacosta. This establishment has three Michelin stars and is known for its focus on creativity and innovation. One of his most famous creations is the ‘Gamba roja de Dénia,’ a dish that celebrates the flavors of the red shrimp from the town of Dénia.