1. El Celler de Can Roca – Girona
Ranked among the best restaurants in the world, El Celler de Can Roca is helmed by the three Roca brothers. With three Michelin stars, this Girona-based restaurant combines traditional Catalan cuisine with modern techniques, offering a tasting menu that’s an exploration of flavors, textures, and creativity.
Signature Dish: Charcoal-Grilled Lamb with Fermented Vegetables
Michelin Stars: ★★★
Location: Carrer de Can Sunyer, 48, Girona
Website: El Celler de Can Roca
2. Arzak – San Sebastián
Arzak is a pioneering restaurant in Spanish gastronomy, led by Juan Mari Arzak and his daughter Elena. With three Michelin stars, this restaurant in San Sebastián is known for its modern Basque cuisine, blending traditional flavors with cutting-edge techniques. The innovative menu changes with the seasons, showcasing the finest local ingredients.
Signature Dish: Lobster with Crystallized Vegetables
Michelin Stars: ★★★
Location: Av. del Alcalde José Elosegi, 273, San Sebastián
Website: Arzak
3. Akelarre – San Sebastián
Chef Pedro Subijana’s Akelarre offers a Michelin three-starred dining experience with stunning views of the Bay of Biscay. Known for its creative interpretations of Basque cuisine, Akelarre presents seasonal tasting menus that reflect the flavors of the land and sea, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and locally sourced produce.
Signature Dish: Turbot with Caviar and Liquid Salad
Michelin Stars: ★★★
Location: Paseo Padre Orcolaga 56, San Sebastián
Website: Akelarre
4. DiverXO – Madrid
As Madrid’s only three Michelin-starred restaurant, DiverXO by Chef David Muñoz is a gastronomic playground where art, theater, and cuisine converge. Muñoz’s avant-garde approach to cooking results in a multi-sensory experience, where dishes are bold, creative, and unexpected.
Signature Dish: Peking-Style Pig’s Ear with Strawberry Hoisin
Michelin Stars: ★★★
Location: Calle del Padre Damián, 23, Madrid
Website: DiverXO
5. Azurmendi – Larrabetzu
Located in the Basque Country, Azurmendi is a three Michelin-starred restaurant that is at the forefront of sustainable gastronomy. Chef Eneko Atxa’s focus on sustainability and local ingredients is evident in the tasting menu, which highlights the natural beauty of Basque flavors with creative, eco-conscious dishes.
Signature Dish: Fermented Vegetables with Txakoli
Michelin Stars: ★★★
Location: Barrio Legina s/n, Larrabetzu
Website: Azurmendi
6. Quique Dacosta – Denia
Named after its head chef, Quique Dacosta in Denia has earned three Michelin stars for its innovative take on Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant is renowned for its creative presentations, with a focus on local seafood and fresh produce from the surrounding region.
Signature Dish: Red Shrimp from Denia
Michelin Stars: ★★★
Location: Carrer Rascassa, 1, Denia
Website: Quique Dacosta
7. Martin Berasategui – Lasarte-Oria
Chef Martin Berasategui’s eponymous restaurant holds three Michelin stars and is located just outside San Sebastián. Known for its precise techniques and innovative Basque-inspired dishes, the restaurant offers a tasting menu that is a masterclass in flavor and presentation.
Signature Dish: Mille-Feuille of Smoked Eel, Foie Gras, and Green Apple
Michelin Stars: ★★★
Location: Loidi Kalea, 4, Lasarte-Oria
Website: Martin Berasategui
8. Abac – Barcelona
Chef Jordi Cruz’s Abac offers a two Michelin-starred dining experience in the heart of Barcelona. The modernist tasting menu draws inspiration from both traditional Catalan dishes and global influences, resulting in a unique fusion of flavors. The restaurant’s elegant setting complements its inventive cuisine.
Signature Dish: Iberian Pork with Curry and Smoked Milk
Michelin Stars: ★★
Location: Av. del Tibidabo, 1, Barcelona
Website: Abac
9. Sant Pau – Sant Pol de Mar
Before it closed in 2018, Sant Pau by Carme Ruscalleda was one of Spain’s most renowned three Michelin-starred restaurants. Today, Carme continues to innovate with her other restaurant projects, but the legacy of Sant Pau lives on in the memories of its unforgettable dishes inspired by Catalonia’s landscapes and flavors.
Signature Dish: Squid with Ink and Almonds
Michelin Stars: Former ★★★
Location: Sant Pol de Mar, Barcelona (Closed)
10. Tickets – Barcelona
Though not traditionally Michelin-starred, Tickets by Albert Adrià, the brother of famed chef Ferran Adrià, revolutionized tapas dining in Barcelona. The restaurant offered a whimsical take on classic Spanish tapas, where each dish was a playful twist on traditional flavors. Tickets may have closed in 2021, but its influence on the dining scene in Spain remains strong.
Signature Dish: Air Baguette with Jamón Ibérico
Michelin Stars: N/A
Location: Barcelona (Closed)
Conclusion
Spain’s Michelin-starred restaurants offer some of the finest dining experiences in the world, where culinary creativity meets tradition. From the innovative Basque cuisine at Arzak to the theatrical dining at DiverXO, these top restaurants continue to elevate Spain’s reputation as a global gastronomic destination. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge creations or modern twists on regional classics, these restaurants are a must-visit for food lovers in 2024.
