LUXONOMY Ranking: The 10 Best Restaurants in Spain

Spanish gastronomy is highly renowned for its variety and flavour. Signature dishes like paella, gazpacho and tapas have become staples in Spain, as well as around the world. Spanish cuisine is well-regarded for its use of fresh ingredients and bold flavours, reflecting regional and seasonal variations. Spanish dishes often feature fish, seafood and cured meat such as chorizo and jamon, as well as vegetables, legumes, and fruits like oranges, lemons, and olives. Spanish cuisine also boasts a long history of wine and beer production and a thriving artisanal food culture, making it a popular destination for food and drink lovers.

Spanish chefs bring a variety of flavours and techniques to the culinary world. They are also at the forefront of a movement in the culinary world to emphasise fresh, local and seasonal ingredients that add to the authenticity of their dishes.

These are for LUXONOMY the 10 best restaurants in Spain

1. Arzak (San Sebastián, Basque Country). Arzak is an acclaimed three-Michelin starred restaurant located in San Sebastian, Spain. The restaurant is run by Juan Mari and Elena Arzak, and is known for its innovative Basque cuisine. Juan Mari has pioneered modern Basque cooking, creating a cuisine inspired by tradition whilst also embracing current trends. Dishes include sea urchin with asparagus and chorizo, crayfish bisque with lime foam and saffron, and red mullet with smoked vegetables. The restaurant has won numerous awards for its cuisine, and has been listed as one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants since 2006.

2. El Celler de Can Roca (Girona, Catalunya). Celler Can Roca is an award-winning Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located in Girona, Spain. The restaurant was founded by three brothers, the Roca brothers – Joan, Josep, and Jordi – in 1986 and has gained international acclaim for its innovative cuisine. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes inspired by the best seasonal ingredients from Catalonia, modified according to the brothers’ own innovative methods. The menu features fresh seafood, meats, vegetables, and desserts, each dish prepared with skill and flair by the brothers. Celler Can Roca has two Michelin stars and has been ranked among the top-25 restaurants worldwide by The Guardian.

3. Asador Etxebarri (Axpe, Basque Country)

Asador Etxebarri is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in the tiny village of Axpe in the province of Biscay, a region of the Basque Country in the north of Spain. The restaurant is run by one of the world’s most acclaimed grilling chefs, Victor Arguinzoniz. He has developed a style of cooking that is focused on charcoal grilling over vine cuttings, which give the food an unparalleled flavor. Every dish is cooked over the coals, often for hours and crafted in manner that enhances the natural flavor and texture of the food. Each day, Victor and his small team carefully select only the freshest and best ingredients. The menu offers an ever-changing selection based on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and features dishes such as bone marrow and peppers, garlic shrimp and squid with mushrooms, as well as their signature dish grilled suckling pig. Asador Etxebarri has developed a reputation as one of the

4. Aponiente (El Puerto de Santa María, Andalucía)

The Aponiente Restaurant opened in 2006 and is the brainchild of Chef Angel Leon, a four-time regional winner of the Madrid Fusion awards. The restaurant is renowned for its innovative and avant-garde approach to Spanish cuisine and its emphasis on sustainability – it’s the first Michelin-rated restaurant ever to use sea products and organic waste in its dishes. They use alternative cooking methods and source ingredients from sustainable fishing companies, and have been heralded for their ambitious menu and techniques. From the sea foam “paella” and the seaweed “carpaccio” to the crushed potato ice cream and the olive oil “soup”, it is no wonder Aponiente has become one of the most talked-about restaurants in Spain.

5. DiverXO (Madrid).

Diverxo is a 3-Michelin-starred restaurant located in Madrid, Spain. Founded in 2008 by chef David Muñoz, it offers a unique culinary experience, combining fine dining with bold flavors, unexpected textures, and bold presentations. The restaurant offers a tasting menu of 20-30 dishes, including fish, meat, and vegetables, as well as delicious desserts.

6. Sant Pau (Sant Pol de Mar, Cataluña).

Sant Pau is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Sant Pol de Mar, Cataluña, Spain. It is run by head chef Carme Ruscalleda and her husband and manager, Ton Balada. With its imaginative and artistic plates and the dedication and passion of the entire team, Sant Pau is considered one of the top restaurants in the world. The menu features creative interpretations of traditional Catalan fare – with each dish bearing the signature of Carme Ruscalleda – and pairs the dishes with fine Spanish and world-renowned wines. The restaurant’s interior, with its light wood and blue touches, provides a warm atmosphere to complement the incredible flavors awaiting guests. Sant Pau is truly a must-visit dining experience in Cataluña!

7. Zaranda (Valencia, Comunidad Valenciana).

Zaranda restaurant in Valencia is well known for its fabulous Mediterranean cuisine and a spectacular view of the city skyline. Featuring a range of traditional Iberian dishes, crafted with carefully sourced ingredients, the menu at Zaranda perfectly balances traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques. Main courses such as the braised octopus with artichokes, anchovies and potatoes, or the sea bream in papillote with lemon cream is a must try. Perfectly pairing these savory dishes are some of the finest regional wines, providing an atmosphere that celebrates the Mediterranean culture. With experienced and professional staff, equally warm ambiance, Zaranda is sure to give diners a memorable dining experience.

8. Coque (Madrid). Coque Restaurant is an awarded Michelin-starred establishment in Madrid, Spain. They combine traditional Spanish ingredients and techniques with modern cooking methods to create innovative dishes with a deeper natural flavor and strong roots in the gastronomic heritage of their country. The menu changes daily and includes dishes such as a celeriac, saffron and chestnut tart, a cod tartare, roasted baby eel and piquillo peppers, and a range of innovative desserts. The lunch and dinner menus are accompanied by a carefully selected wine list that features Spanish and international labels.

9. Lasarte (Barcelona, Cataluña). Lasarte is a contemporary Spanish restaurant located in Barcelona. Offering creative cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere, Lasarte dishes up the best of Mediterranean-influenced dishes and drinks in the heart of Barcelona’s street culture. Located in the Eixample neighbourhood of Barcelona, the modern venue has been designed to create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, which is celebrated in each dish. The restaurant has been recognized by the Michelin Guide as one of the top restaurants in Barcelona and is known for its emphasis on local, artisanal products and creative flavor combinations. The menus offer Spanish dishes with unique twists from the kitchen team. Dishes range from innovative starters, such as octopus carpaccio with honey and almond dressing, to classic house specialties such as grilled salmon with saffron risotto. The kitchen team also uses regional and sustainable ingredients in order to create unique dishes that draw inspiration from the seasons. In addition to its extensive menu, the bar offers a wide selection of cocktails

10. Quique Dacosta (Dénia, Alicante): con influencias mediterráneas y asiáticas