Michelin Guide Spain 2025

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Written by Inbal Cabiri
Last updated date - July 16, 2025
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The winners and losers of the 2025 Michelin Guide to Spain

The launch of the 2025 Michelin Guide for Spain, held in Murcia, was much more than a culinary celebration – it reflected the depth, diversity and creativity of Spanish cuisine. The guide, which has become a symbol of global gastronomic excellence, showcased Spanish cuisine’s ability to balance groundbreaking innovation with deep traditional roots. Alongside restaurants that gained new stars and enriched the local food scene, the ceremony was not without moments of disappointment, which reminded us of the high standards of French society.

The Michelin Guide, recognized as a symbol of culinary excellence, awards its stars to restaurants (and not to the chefs themselves), based on five uniform criteria worldwide: quality of raw materials, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavors, personal expression through the dishes, and consistency. The selection is based on anonymous tasting experiences of Michelin reviewers, and focuses on the quality of the food served – regardless of the service, tableware, or atmosphere.

First of all - Valencia

The festive ceremony could not begin without a reference to the “Dana” disaster that occurred in the neighboring autonomous community of Valencia last month. More than two hundred and twenty people lost their lives and thousands lost their homes in floods that hit several villages. The region is still only at the beginning of the long road to recovery. The gala ceremony gave the stage to the initiative “ Desde Valencia para Valencia “ (From Valencia to Valencia) led by chefs Ricardo Camarena, Begona Rodrigo and Kika Da Costa, in collaboration with the Valencian Businessmen’s Association (AVE) and renowned chefs from around the world (René Redzepi, Alain Ducasse, Massimo Bottura, Ana Roche, Paslo Rivero are just a small part of the list) who have joined together to raise funds for the reconstruction of the areas affected by the storm. Many restaurants throughout Spain and abroad will hold solidarity meals next weekend, the proceeds of which will be donated to the victims of the disaster.

The Michelin Guide for Spain currently has 291 starred restaurants – 16 with the maximum rating of three stars, 33 with two stars and no less than 242 with one Michelin star, which continues to place Spain at the top of the world’s culinary scene.

The big winner: three stars for Asturias

Casa Marcial, located in the pastoral village of La Salgar in Asturias, is the only restaurant to receive its third star this year. Under the leadership of siblings Nacho and Esther Manzano, the restaurant offers dishes that connect the region’s landscapes with local ingredients and high-end cooking techniques.

The remaining restaurants that were ranked at the top received the coveted title again and received a renewed entry ticket to the prestigious club of restaurants that are “worth a special trip.”

Two Stars: Creativity as a Way of Life

This year, three new restaurants were added to the ranking of restaurants that excel in cuisine “worth going out of the way for” –
Alevante from Cadiz by chef Ángel León, known as the “Chef of the Sea” for his seafood expertise, who also heads the three-star Aponiente restaurant; Lú Cocina y Alma , also Andalusian – from Jerez de la Frontera, by Juanlu Fernández, which combines Andalusian cooking and traditional French techniques. The third is Retiro da Costiña from Galicia, headed by Manuel Garcia, the third generation of a family of restaurateurs who transformed a small, remote village on the tip of the Iberian Peninsula into a culinary center that offers a multi-sensory experience that also includes a tour of the champagne corner, wine cellar and bakery, through the dining room and into the lounge.

One star: Barcelona and Madrid head to head

Barcelona , one of Europe’s leading culinary hubs, stood out this year with four new restaurants receiving their first Michelin star –

Teatro Kitchen & Bar, a restaurant established in the former location of Albert Adria’s unforgettable “Tickets,” which closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chef Oliver Peña has managed to preserve the place’s famous sense of playfulness, combining modern techniques with traditional dishes; Chef Ricardo Radice’s Fishiology restaurant, which offers a contemporary interpretation of fresh fish and seafood dishes;

Mae, managed by German Espinosa and Diego Mondragon, represents contemporary Catalan cuisine with international touches; Prodigi by chef Jordi Tara, offers a seasonal menu that combines tradition and culinary innovation.

Madrid was not left behind and boasted no less than five new restaurants that received their first star –

Chispa Bistró – by Argentine chef Juan D’Onofrio, specializing in seasonal grilled dishes with an emphasis on combining traditional and modern flavors.

Gofio – Chef Seif Cruz focuses on highlighting the heritage of the Canary Islands in the heart of Madrid through diverse tasting menus.

Pabú – presenting a creative and modern interpretation of traditional Japanese dishes.

Sen Omakase – A classic “omakase” restaurant led by Chef Stephen Wu, where the chef selects the dishes for diners. The menu includes up to 42 dishes, with an emphasis on using fresh fish, ensuring an authentic Japanese experience.

Velasco Abellà – A new restaurant opened in 2023 by chefs Oscar Velasco and Monza Abellà. The menu focuses on classic dishes with a modern interpretation, while adhering to precise techniques and using uncompromising raw materials.

The Roca brothers’ ambitious project Esperit Roca in Sant Julia de Remis near Girona also received a first star – a restaurant offering two menus – one focusing on savory dishes inspired by the classics of “El Celler de Can Roca”, and the other highlighting the creative talent of pastry chef Jordi Roca. The restaurant is part of an entire complex that opened a few months ago and is housed in a carefully renovated historic building that combines a restaurant, boutique hotel, distillery and exhibition space, offering a holistic gastronomic experience.

In total, nine restaurants in Catalonia were awarded their first star this time around – a surprising change of approach considering Michelin’s almost complete disregard for the northeastern community of Spain that characterized the guide just three years ago .

The disappointments

Alongside the celebrations at these nine restaurants, three Catalan restaurants were unhappy with the publication of the guide. All three, by the way, are from Barcelona.

Chef Albert Adria’s Enigma restaurant, which many had predicted would finally earn its second star this year, was left with just one star. Michelin’s decision to leave the restaurant in this category created a clear sense of disappointment among many, especially given the accolades it had received throughout the year.

If that weren’t enough, two restaurants lost a star this year, for the first time in Spain in several years.

The first is Moments , the restaurant of chef Raúl Belem, son of Carma Roscadia, one of the most prominent and respected chefs in Spain. The restaurant, which was one of the outstanding pearls of the Mandarin Oriental hotel, is now left with only one star – a decision that sharpens Michelin’s strict requirements. Belem opened a new restaurant called Cuina Sant Cugat a few months ago, which could be a possible explanation for the loss of the star.

The second is the Xerta restaurant, which focused on flavors from the southern region of Catalonia and is the only one in Europe to offer a kosher menu. It lost its lone star this year.

Special Awards: Honoring those behind the scenes

Beyond the stars, the Michelin Guide presented four special awards this year that highlighted the people behind the culinary experience. Cristina Diaz Garcia of Maralba Restaurant won the Service Award for the warmth and professionalism she brings to guests.
José Luis Paniagua of Atrio was recognized as Sommelier of the Year for his extensive knowledge of wines.
Carlos Casillas from Barro Restaurant won the Young Chef Award, for his innovation and passion for the kitchen, while Pedro Sobijana from Akelaŕe won the Mentor Award for his exceptional contribution to shaping Spanish cuisine.

Green star

Nine restaurants have been awarded the Michelin Green Star for sustainable gastronomy for the first time. This year, Michelin is once again demonstrating its commitment to this burning issue. Michelin reviewers have identified these restaurants as having close collaborations with local producers and a focus on the local terroir. Above all, the restaurants are presenting a particularly creative approach to zero waste . In addition to these nine restaurants, there are another 57 restaurants in Spain that are considered to be pioneers in the field of sustainability. These restaurants set high standards of good environmental practices, which ultimately benefit us all. Will the day come when this will be the criterion that guides diners in choosing a restaurant for their dinner? I hope so. Time will tell.

How to eat at a Michelin restaurant without selling a kidney

Michelin-starred restaurants, with their elegant atmosphere and meticulous service, are usually a symbol of luxury—and a hefty bill. But before you give up on your dream in favor of homemade pasta, there are clever ways to sample the dishes of an acclaimed chef without breaking the bank. Here are some tips that can make the fantasy an accessible reality.

Bib Gourmand: Quality at a reasonable price

Most of us have heard of the stars, but the Michelin Guide also offers a Bib Gourmand category, which is especially suitable for food lovers on a budget. These are restaurants that offer excellent dishes at an affordable price, often a two-course menu and dessert for less than the average price in the area.
These are places where the food is excellent and the atmosphere is pleasant, without the pretentiousness of Michelin stars.

Almost-star: Restaurants in the guide without an official rating

There are restaurants that appear in the Michelin Guide but haven’t yet won a star or a Bib Gourmand. Sometimes these are places that are just before the big break, with prices that are still user-friendly. These are restaurants worth seeking out, especially in areas where the culinary scene is vibrant but has not yet been on the radar of mass tourism.

Don't be afraid of one star.

One-star restaurants are often the most affordable choice for those looking for a luxurious yet accessible experience. The chefs at these restaurants maintain a very high standard, but the prices still don’t compare to those of two- or three-star restaurants.

Lunch Menu: A Cost-Effective Secret

One of the little-known – and yet most effective – tricks is to order a lunch menu. In many Michelin-starred restaurants, the price for lunch can be half or more than the price of the dinner menu. This way you can sample the chef’s creations without being tempted by the most expensive flagship dishes on the menu.

Where to eat? Outside the main cities

In metropolitan cities like Paris, London, or Tokyo, Michelin-starred restaurant prices skyrocket. But restaurants in the suburbs or rural areas often offer an equally worthwhile – and sometimes even more exciting – experience at significantly more affordable prices.

Give up on wine pairing

Wine pairings are usually a significant additional charge, so consider taking a glass or bottle instead. This could be a significant difference in the end.

In any case - book in advance and plan wisely.

Success at Michelin restaurants starts with planning. In most cases, it is difficult to find a free seat at any given moment. The more popular and prestigious the restaurant, the more patience you will need to wait until you can get a seat (see El Celler de Can Roca ).
It is worth checking the prices on the restaurant’s website in advance and adjusting your selection to your budget. Since it is usually a set tasting menu , pay attention to how many dishes it includes, which drinks are included and which are at an additional cost.