Michelin-starred restaurants in Alicante – Spain 2024

Spain is in 2nd place in Europe. Here we will find a total of 214 restaurants that have received 265 Michelin stars. 174 restaurants received one star, 29 establishments were marked with two Michelin stars, while only 11 restaurants have three stars.

The region with an impressive number of restaurants awarded Michelin stars is Catalonia, which offers over 50 top restaurants. In Barcelona alone we will find as many as 23 establishments. One cannot forget that the Basque Country is also among the top Spanish regions.

When buying property in Spain you will certainly have the opportunity to visit many establishments from the guide. If you are looking for a house, villa or apartment, we invite you to contact our real estate office.

What is the Michelin guide?

The Michelin Guide, also known as “Michelin Stars,” is a series of travel guides published by the French tire company Michelin. These guides are particularly known for rating restaurants on a 3-level scale for exceptional cuisine quality. In addition to restaurants, Michelin guides also rate hotels and tourist attractions.

History of the Michelin guide

The history of the guide dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, when the Michelin brothers, André and Édouard, began publishing free guides for drivers to promote car travel (and thus increase demand for tires). The first edition of the guide appeared in France in 1900. The guides contained information such as maps, tips on car repair and maintenance, lists of gas stations, and ratings of hotels and restaurants.

The Michelin star system was introduced in the 1930s and has become one of the most prestigious awards in the restaurant industry. The evaluation criteria are closely guarded, and Michelin inspectors make anonymous visits to assess the quality of dishes, mastery of culinary technique, personality of the cuisine, value for money, and consistency of quality.

What is a Michelin star?

A Michelin star is a highly valued distinction among the best culinary establishments. They are awarded to restaurants offering exceptional gastronomy that stand out among their competition with luxury dishes. In short, a Michelin star means a very good restaurant. Check on what basis the awards are given and which Spanish restaurants were included in the guide.

Awards are given on a 3-level scale expressed in stars:

• 1 star – indicates restaurants with the highest quality ingredients, prepared dishes have a distinctive taste and are at a consistently high level, one star means a good restaurant in its category
• 2 stars – indicate restaurants where the personality of the chef and their talent are visible in the prepared dishes, and the dishes themselves are avant-garde
• 3 stars – indicate restaurants of the highest level, where the chef’s gastronomy is at the peak of their profession, cooking is clearly an art, and some dishes are meant to become classics

How are Michelin stars awarded?

Obtaining Michelin stars requires excellence on many levels. Michelin stars are awarded only and exclusively for cuisine. Inspectors evaluate what is on the plate. The quality of service or restaurant decor does not matter when awarding a Michelin star.
The inspector’s evaluation takes into account the following criteria:

• quality of offered dishes
• harmony of flavors
• mastery of culinary techniques
• chef’s personality
• consistency in menu and time

10 restaurants with Michelin star in Alicante

Below we will present several renowned restaurants awarded stars in the Michelin guide. The province of Alicante has many restaurants marked with this distinction. Want to know if the establishment you want to visit is on the list of the world’s best cuisines in 2024? Go to https://guide.michelin.com/en, find and book a restaurant in Alicante. Visit several points on the map of Spain and discover the culinary journey of the Spanish Costa Blanca region.

Quique Dacosta Restaurant in Dénia

The restaurant in Denia, run by Quique Dacosta, is a place where culinary art meets sustainability philosophy. The establishment has been marked with the highest number, as many as three Michelin stars.

The chef put in great effort and dedication, which is why he was awarded the Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts in 2020. He takes guests on a journey through exquisite cuisine, presenting both iconic dishes and lesser-known compositions. Every element of the menu is carefully thought out. Dacosta boldly combines flavors, focusing on surprising combinations and local ingredients.

Number of stars: (***)
Cuisine: European, Mediterranean, Spanish
Prices: Menu 210 €
Address: Rascassa 1, Denia, 03700, Spain
Tel. +34 965 78 41 79

L’escaleta Restaurant in Cocentaina

The restaurant in Cocentaina marked with two Michelin stars, run by chef Kiko Moya, is an exceptional place located on the slopes of Montcabrer, known as the “magic mountain”. It has been operating for over 40 years, and its tasting menu (Sabor and Saboer) celebrates local traditions and seasonal products, introducing modern accents to them. One of the characteristic dishes is “arroces al cuadrado” – rice baked on a rectangular iron tray, which conquers guests’ palates. Moya, avoiding unnecessary decorations, combines flavors in a simple but emotional way, and all this is complemented by an excellent wine list.

Number of stars: (**)
Cuisine: Spanish, Mediterranean, European
Prices: Menu 95/155 €, Menu 50/70 €
Address: Pujada Estació del Nord 205, Cocentaina, 03824, Spain
Tel. +34 965 59 21 00

BonAmb Restaurant in Javea

The restaurant in Javea, run by chef Alberto Ferruz, is a place where each season brings new culinary inspirations. Located in a restored country house, surrounded by picturesque landscape, it captivates with both aesthetics and exceptional menu. Ferruz, also known from the starred Casa Pepa, creates three creative menus “Encesa”, “Pesquera” and “Fustal”, which celebrate local fishing traditions and the richness of the Mediterranean Sea. Fresh fish, seafood and vegetables and herbs from nearby gardens play a central role here. The prepared dishes are a nod to the region’s history and Alicante’s culinary roots.

Number of stars: (**)
Cuisine: European, Spanish, Mediterranean
Prices: Menu 89/135 €, Menu 63/78 €
Address: Carretera de Benitachell 100, Xàbia, 03730, Spain
Tel. +34 965 08 44 40

Casa Pepa Restaurant in Ondara

The restaurant in Ondara, housed in a former country house, has undergone an impressive metamorphosis under the eye of Emmanuelle Baron and Alberto Ferruz, a Michelin-starred chef from BonAmb.

This is a place that combines tradition with modernity, offering contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with classic elements. The bright dining room, semi-visible kitchen and charming terrace full of palms and century-old vines create a unique atmosphere. The restaurant, formerly managed by Pepa Romans, now managed by Sole and Ton Ballester, has a new, promising future ahead, still adhering to the highest culinary standards.

Number of stars: (*)
Cuisine: Spanish
Prices: Menu 45/75 €, Menu 50/65 €
Address: Partida Pamis 7-30, Ondara, 03760, Spain
Tel. +34 965 76 66 06

Audrey’s By Rafa Soler Restaurant in Calpe

The restaurant in Calpe, named after Audrey Hepburn, is an elegant culinary gem under the leadership of chef Rafa Soler. This place combines creativity and advanced techniques with deep respect for local, seasonal ingredients. Soler, creating the tasting menus “Roots”, “Origin” and vegetarian “Farm” discovers the flavors of the Mediterranean in a subtle way, yet full of character. Particular attention is drawn to the homemade bread baked according to a family recipe and olive oil from thousand-year-old trees, produced and bottled on site. It’s a real feast for the palate.

Number of stars: (*)
Cuisine: European, Mediterranean, Spanish
Prices: Menu 42/85 €, Menu 50/65 €
Address: Avenida Juan Carlos I 48, Calp, 03710, Spain
Tel. +34 608 66 76 37

La Finca Restaurant in Elche

The restaurant in Elche, La Finca, is a charming place run by chef Susi Díaz, who constantly refreshes her culinary approach, drawing inspiration from traditional Alicante recipes. Supported by her family, Díaz creates dishes full of elegance and passion, with emphasis on local ingredients, especially fish and seafood. Her dishes are not only exceptional in terms of taste, but also visually enchanting, often enriched with aromatic herbs and flowers from her garden. Guests can choose from the menu or decide on the Origen tasting menu, highlighting an innovative approach to the Alicante region’s tradition.

Number of stars: (*)
Cuisine: Mediterranean, European, Spanish
Prices: Menu 75/105 €, Menu 70/85 €
Address: Partida de Perleta 1-7, Elche, 03295, Spain
Tel. +34 965 45 60 07

Monastrell Restaurant in Alicante

The restaurant in Alicante, Monastrell, is a place that delights lovers of good cuisine. The menu, created by talented chef María José San Román, emphasizes natural flavors, offering dishes rich in fresh fish and seafood. Local products from the fish auction and their own garden, just 15 km away, form the foundation for exceptional dishes, including vegetarian options. Guests can enjoy Mediterranean specialties at affordable prices. Monastrell, with 1* Michelin, is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to discover the culinary richness of Spain.

Number of stars: (*)
Cuisine: Mediterranean, European, Spanish
Prices: 65/95 €, Menu 50/75 €
Address: Avenida del Almirante Julio Guillén Tato 1, Alacant, 03001, Spain
Tel. +34 965 12 66 40

Baeza & Rufete Restaurant in Alicante

The restaurant in Alicante, run by talented chef Joaquín Baeza, is a real feast for the senses. Here, in an unpretentious atmosphere, passion for cooking combines with the team’s many years of experience, which was trained by the famous Martín Berasategui.

Modern Mediterranean cuisine stands out with seasonal ingredients from Alicante and aromatic herbs, such as lemon basil and mint, carefully selected by the chef. Guests can taste a carefully composed menu that includes short and long options, as well as various “raciones” that enrich the culinary experience. It’s worth coming here to experience the intensity of flavors that will stay in memory for a long time.

Number of stars: (*)
Cuisine: Modern, Mediterranean, European, Spanish
Prices: Menu 95 €, Menu 165 €
Address: Avenida de Ansaldo 31, Alacant, 03540, Spain
Tel. +34 965 16 22 47

El Xato Restaurant in La Nucia

The restaurant in La Nucía, run by the fourth generation of the Figueira family, has been on the market for over 100 years. The tradition of the establishment’s history dates back to 1915, when a small wine cellar was opened. Today, under the watchful eye of chef Cristina Figueira, this prestigious restaurant in the Marina Baixa region combines local flavors with modern accents. Guests can enjoy exquisite dishes, such as grilled langoustine tartar, in an intimate atmosphere where everyone feels among friends. The menu includes two gastronomic proposals, Tentaciones and Centenario, which offer an exceptional opportunity to pair wines from the Valencia region.

Number of stars: (*)
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Contemporary, Fusion
Prices: Menu 35/54 €
Address: Avenida l’Esglèsia 3, la Nucía, 03530, Spain
Tel. +34 965 87 09 31

Peix & Brases Restaurant in Dénia

The restaurant in Denia, Peix & Brases, combines tradition with modernity, creating an exceptional culinary experience. Located almost at the port, it offers two different atmospheres: on the ground floor there is a gastro-bar serving informal fusion-style dishes, while on the first floor guests can enjoy a gastronomic dining room with access to a rooftop terrace. The menu features traditional Mediterranean dishes that focus on open grill, as well as spicy rice specialties. Additional Esencia and Degustación menus introduce more refined flavors, placing great emphasis on the aesthetics of dishes. The rich offer will satisfy even the most demanding palates.

Number of stars: (*)
Cuisine: Mediterranean, European, Spanish
Prices: Menu 42/85 €, Carte 55/70 €
Address: Plaza de Benidorm 18, Denia, 03700, Spain
Tel. +34 965 78 27 57