Discover the top Michelin-star restaurants in Spain, focusing on exquisite Basque and Catalan cuisine.
Fact checked by
Michelai Graham
When discussing Michelin star restaurants in Spain, the focus is often on the prestigious three-star establishments, particularly in the Basque city of San Sebastian. Michelin stars are awarded to many restaurants globally each year, but it is the exclusive three-star locations that truly capture culinary enthusiasts’ attention. As of fall 2017, Spain boasts seven three-star Michelin restaurants. Continue reading to learn more about each venue, including their unique offerings and culinary philosophies.
El Celler de Can Roca
Address: Carrer de Can Sunyer, 48, 17007 Girona, Spain
Phone: +34 972 22 21 57
Located near Barcelona, El Celler de Can Roca is crafted by the Roca brothers: Josep, Jordi, and Joan. The restaurant serves three distinct menus featuring three, five, or nine dishes, complemented by an impressive wine cellar. Their culinary journey began in Can Roca, the family establishment that their parents manage in Taialà. This passion is evident as El Celler de Can Roca consistently ranks among the world’s 50 best restaurants, having secured the number one position twice.
Akelarre
Address: Padre Orkolaga Ibilbidea, 56, 20008 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Phone: +34 943 31 12 09
Akelarre is one of three three-star restaurants in San Sebastian, offering two set menus alongside an à la carte option. Signature dishes include roast lobster and egg with caviar and cauliflower puree. Overlooking the scenic Bay of Biscay, the restaurant is under the expert guidance of Pedro Subijana, who has directed the kitchen since 1975.
Arzak
Address: Alcalde J. Elosegi Hiribidea, 273, 20015 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Phone: +34 943 27 84 65
Juan Ramon Arzak, located just outside of San Sebastian, has roots in the restaurant industry and began his culinary journey roasting meat. Over time, with the support of acclaimed chef Maite Espina, he developed a unique style of Basque cuisine.
Martin Berasategui
Address: Loidi Kalea, 4, 20160 Lasarte-Oria, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Phone: +34 943 36 64 71
Dish highlights from Martin Berasategui include red mullet with edible crystals, rockfish paired with saffron, and roast pigeon with marrow, potatoes, and arugula. It’s noteworthy that San Sebastian holds the record for the highest concentration of Michelin-star restaurants per capita in the world.
Carme Ruscalleda’s Sant Pau
Address: Carrer Nou, 10, 08395 Sant Pol de Mar, Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 937 60 09 50
This Catalan establishment features a unique “micro menu” of tapas, alongside its main menu that highlights a freeze-dried sausage and ham dish. Chef Carme Ruscalleda emphasizes a philosophy of del cap al plat — “from head to the plate,” inspired by the local produce, sea, and culture of the Maresme region.
Azurmendi
Address: Barrio Leguina, s/n, 48195 Larrabetzu, Bizkaia, Spain
Phone: +34 944 55 83 59
Located near Bilbao, Azurmendi focuses on sustainability, having been awarded the title of the most sustainable restaurant in the world in 2014 by 50 Best Restaurants. The establishment emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including recycling waste, harvesting rainwater, and utilizing geothermal energy.
Quique Dacosta
Address: Carrer Rascassa, 1, 03700 Dénia, Alicante, Spain
Phone: +34 965 78 41 79
Although Denia, a beach resort in eastern Spain, is not widely known for Michelin-quality cuisine, Quique Dacosta earned his third star in 2012. He aims to explore and revive lost ingredients and forgotten flavors, positioning himself as a leading figure in avant-garde cuisine in Spain.
