The Michelin Guide, originally published in 1900 as a guidebook for French motorists, has become the most prestigious culinary guide in the world. Spanning 32 countries, the guide rewards restaurants with Michelin stars, with three stars being the highest accolade a restaurant can receive. In Spain, the Michelin Guide has been in operation since 1910, and over the years has become an important part of the country's culinary landscape.
Spain is a country renowned for its food and drink, and the Michelin Guide has played an important role in highlighting some of the best restaurants in the country. The guide currently awards stars to over 200 restaurants in Spain, with Catalonia and the Basque Country being particular hotspots for Michelin-starred dining experiences.
In recent years, there has been a surge in the number of Michelin-starred restaurants in Spain, with 11 new restaurants receiving their first star in the 2021 edition of the guide. These new additions are spread across the country, with restaurants in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville all being recognized.
One of the most notable restaurants in Spain to receive Michelin stars is El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Catalonia. The restaurant, run by the Roca brothers, has held three Michelin stars since 2009 and has been named the best restaurant in the world twice by Restaurant magazine.
El Celler de Can Roca is a world-renowned restaurant located in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. Founded in 1986 by the three Roca brothers - Joan, Josep, and Jordi - the restaurant has been awarded three Michelin stars and has been named the best restaurant in the world twice by Restaurant magazine.
The restaurant is known for its avant-garde cuisine, which combines traditional Catalan flavors and techniques with innovative cooking methods and modern presentation. The Roca brothers have a strong commitment to using locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, and they work closely with local producers and suppliers to create their menus.
The dining experience at El Celler de Can Roca is a multi-sensory journey that engages all the senses. The restaurant's interior is modern and stylish, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The service is impeccable, with staff who are knowledgeable about the menu and the ingredients.
The menu at El Celler de Can Roca is divided into three main sections - Classic, Evolution, and Sweet - each of which offers a different culinary experience. Dishes might include roasted lobster with seaweed, avocado and passion fruit, or oyster with melon and cucumber granita, among many others. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list featuring Catalan and Spanish wines, as well as international selections.
In addition to its Michelin stars and accolades from Restaurant magazine, El Celler de Can Roca has been recognized with numerous other awards and honors, including a place on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list since 2009.
Visiting El Celler de Can Roca is a truly unforgettable dining experience that showcases the best of Spanish gastronomy and the Roca brothers' innovative and creative approach to cooking.
The Michelin Guide has not been without its critics in Spain, however. Some chefs have spoken out against the pressure to conform to Michelin's standards and the impact this can have on creativity and innovation in the kitchen. Others have criticized the cost of dining in Michelin-starred restaurants, which can be prohibitively expensive for many people.
Despite these criticisms, the Michelin Guide remains a highly respected institution in Spain and around the world. For food lovers and culinary enthusiasts, a visit to a Michelin-starred restaurant in Spain can be an unforgettable experience, showcasing the very best of the country's gastronomy.
