Costa Brava is one of the world’s major culinary hubs. Its cuisine is unmistakably Mediterranean but has also been largely influenced by Roman, Greek, French, Italian, Arabic and Jewish gastronomy. Traditional dishes abound in fresh vegetables such as tomato, garlic, and aubergine, seasoned with garlic and complemented with staple ingredients including legumes, bread, and pasta. Fresh sea produce is plentiful, particularly in towns closer to the area’s rugged northeastern coast, where local fishing traditions have existed for centuries.
The region was once home to El Bulli (the “best restaurant in the world”) and acclaimed chef Ferran Adrià. Although El Bulli closed in 2011, the region’s gastronomic culture has continued to flourish.
Discover some of the best Michelin-star restaurants in Costa Brava right now.
El Celler de Can Roca ***
Run by the brothers Joan, Josep and Jordi Roca, “The cellar of Can Roca” is the only restaurant in Girona to be awarded three Michelin stars. For 30 years, it has been crafting flavourful and inspiring food. The brothers pride themselves on creating a 360º experience, with a dining space surrounded by an interior forest, and large windows that flood the restaurant with natural light. This isn’t one to miss if you’re looking for a unique experience.
Bo.Tic **
Bo.Tic is run by Albert Sastregener and around twenty other culinary professionals in Baix Empordà, Girona. You can order a range of creative dishes, from light tapas to seasonal and stewed fares such as cream of mushrooms, duck with orange, and even foie gras cotton candy. Bo.Tic’s artistic presentation and exquisitely paired flavours are bound to blow you away.
La Cuina de Can Simón *
In the picturesque seaside town of Tossa de Mar is La Cuina de Can Simón, a Michelin-star restaurant seeped in local history. Its cuisine is heavily seafood-based, as a testament to the town’s century-old fishing tradition. Can Simón is nestled underneath the historic walls of the old town, Vila Vella. Take an after-dinner stroll, and you’ll come across the charming cove of Platja d’es Codolar, well known for its white sands and clear waters surrounded by beautiful stone buildings. Dining here is a delight due to each dish’s fantastic flavour and elegant and colourful presentation.
Empòrium Restaurant *
This remarkable hotel restaurant was awarded a Michelin star for its sea and mountain cuisine based on the landscape of the Alt Empordà. With roots dating back to 1635, Empòrium has a rich and fascinating heritage which runs in line with the Jordà family. Today, Jordà twins, Màrius and Joan, run the renowned restaurant of Empòrium, serving traditional cuisine with a contemporary twist.
Mas Romeu
Experience the magical ambience of Mas Romeu, just outside the town of Lloret de Mar. The Garriga family run this restaurant, which is situated inside a stone building of a pinkish-orange hue. Although it hasn’t yet been awarded any stars, it has earned a special feature in the official Michelin Guide. You might like to take a seat on Mas Romeu’s charming patio terrace, where clusters of tables are shaded by umbrellas, trees and hanging lamps, and musical performances take place on summer evenings. Take delight in an extensive à la carte menu characterised by Catalan cuisine, with specialities such as foie gras and apple with vanilla oil, beef tenderloin in salt with charcoal-grilled vegetables, and monkfish “Simi-Tomba” with potatoes in garlic sauce.
Hopefully, this has given you a taste of the region’s superb culinary culture. When it comes to Michelin-star restaurants in Costa Brava, these are some of the best—but there are plenty more for you to discover.
Contact us today for more information on real estate investment opportunities in Spain.
