Why Spain is Now the Top Culinary Destination in Europe

Spanish Cuisine: A Culinary Revolution

The number one restaurant in the world is in Barcelona, Spain. This year, at The World’s 50 Best ceremony in Las Vegas, Spanish restaurants dominated the top rankings. A relatively small country is now competing alongside culinary powerhouses like France and Denmark, as well as giants like the United States. For much of the 20th century, French cuisine was the pinnacle of global fine dining. However, since the groundbreaking Spanish restaurant El Bulli closed in 2011 after five consecutive number-one wins, a new wave of culinary innovation has emerged in Spain.

The Rise of Spanish Chefs

“Spanish cuisine has been having its moment for years,” says Ángel León, chef of Aponiente, Andalucía’s first-ever three-star restaurant, currently ranked at number 72 by The World’s 50 Best. He emphasizes that Spanish cuisine is diverse and rich in roots, stating, “There is not just one style of Spanish cuisine. Spanish chefs aren’t new to the scene or positioning themselves according to passing trends. They are veterans.”

Elkano, Getaria

The Dining Experience at Disfrutar

Disfrutar, the world’s new best restaurant, invites guests to enjoy a dazzling tasting menu of over 30 dishes in a modern, unfussy dining environment. Chefs Oriol Castro, Mateu Casañas, and Eduard Xatruch demonstrate their creativity, honed during their time at El Bulli.

Quique Dacosta

Signature Dishes

Dishes at the world’s best restaurant include a panchino bun filled with Beluga caviar and a tartine of foie gras enhanced with spherified corn. The culinary artistry on display represents a continuation of the legacy established by El Bulli.

Elkano, Getaria

Top Contenders in Spanish Cuisine

Other noteworthy restaurants this year include Asador Etxebarri, Axpe (ranked number two), DiverXo in Madrid (number four), Quique Dacosta in Dénia (ranked 14th), and Elkano in Getaria (28th). Each of these establishments illustrates the diverse approaches to Spanish cuisine that are currently thriving.

Traditional Meets Avant-Garde

“Spanish cuisine is rooted in high-quality ingredients,” explains Pablo Vicari, chef at Elkano. “Haute cuisine restaurants like Disfrutar creatively elevate traditional elements. These restaurants stand alongside traditional spots like Elkano and Etxebarri, which also showcase sophistication.”

Asador Etxebarri

A Legacy of Excellence

Spanish chefs have long been influential on the global culinary stage. Ferrán Adrià’s El Bulli won the top spot five times, a record never surpassed. El Cellar de Can Roca, another Catalán restaurant, also held the prestigious title twice.

The influence of El Bulli on both Spanish and global cuisine cannot be understated. It revolutionized global dining practices at the turn of the century, pioneering techniques such as foams and spherification, and introducing iconic dishes like the liquid olive.

Asador Etxebarri

Ingredient Diversity

Spain’s culinary dominance is also attributed to its rich array of ingredients. The country is renowned for its olive oil, wines, cheeses, seafood, fruits, and vegetables, with a focus on using the very best for its own culinary scene. The vast diversity, encompassing over 52 provinces, supports a deep-rooted knowledge of ingredient cultivation and preparation.

DiverXO

The Impact of Tourism on Spanish Cuisine

In 2023, a record 84 million international tourists visited Spain, with 28 percent citing cuisine as a primary motive. This reflects the accessibility of Spanish culinary excellence, where high-end dining coexists joyfully with casual tapas experiences.

“The way of eating in Spain is a privilege,” says León. “We have upscale dining options, affordable tapas, and excellent mid-range restaurants that are difficult to find elsewhere.” The Michelin guide acknowledges around 250 restaurants in Spain where dining is accessible for less than 40 euros, underscoring the country’s vibrant food culture.

Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Future of Spanish Cuisine

With inspiration drawn from culinary icons like Adrià and Arzak, Spanish chefs are forging an exciting path forward. The top restaurants in Spain continue to blend artistry and science with a commitment to high-quality ingredients. Sustainability and an emphasis on traditional practices will shape the future of Spanish cuisine, solidifying Spain’s status as a culinary mecca.


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