JOSÉ CARLOS GARCIA One Michelin Star UPDATE JUNE 2026 Rumour has it that Michelin-starred chef José Carlos García was planning to move his restaurant from Malaga Port. Even he wasn’t entirely sure about his new destination. While he knew he wanted to leave the port, the location remained uncertain. Finally, the Malaga-born chef, who has held a Michelin star at his eponymous restaurant for nearly 15 years, is returning to his roots. “It was a difficult decision, but I’

If you’re heading to Bilbao, you’re in for a treat. This city isn’t just about the Guggenheim Museum or its stunning riverside views. Nope, Bilbao is a food lover’s paradise. From pintxos bars tucked away in narrow alleys to Michelin-starred restaurants that push culinary boundaries, the dining scene here is vibrant and diverse. I’ve spent quite some time exploring the best dining in Bilbao, and I’m excited to share my discoveries with you. Ready to eat your way through this

We visited the Bar Rioja in the Regent’s Quarter in King’s Cross, London. It is part of the Camino group, which has a significant presence in this area. This bar is dedicated to some of our favourite Spanish wines from the Rioja region of northern Spain. La Rioja, Spain’s largest and most popular wine region, was the first to become internationally famous. It is also one of the 17 provinces of Spain, and the smallest. . It lies in the country’s north, approximately 120km from

AIRE GASTROBAR Michelin Guide A return to Aire Gastrobar. This longstanding favourite in Málaga City is ideally located in the heart of town, just a short walk from the Bullring (Plaza de Toros). After settling in, we began with Jamón ibérico de castaña-bellota from the Genal Valley in Ronda (this luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth Iberian ham comes from pigs fed on chestnuts and acorns). Croquetas de gambas al pil-pil con emulsión de sus cabezas (prawn croquettes in pil-pil sau

RESTAURANT ES PORT DE VALLDEMOSSA Our friend Siddu Amin recently returned to Mallorca, and we had lunch at an off-the-beaten-path fish restaurant in Port de Valldemossa that has been operating since 1969. It has gained popularity among those willing to make the effort to visit. With its old-fashioned charm and warm, inviting atmosphere, it becomes particularly busy with tourists during lunchtime. Driving to the hard-to-reach beach and port at Port de Valldemossa requires nerv

X ETAPAS - TAPAS GAMBERRAS Our friend, Siddu Amin, recently returned to Mallorca, and we had lunch at X Etapas, a charming, well-managed family-run restaurant located away from the tourist crowds. This hidden gem retains an authentic local atmosphere, making it friendly and welcoming. The restaurant has a small but efficient team, with Carmen expertly serving the delicious tapas and managing the entire establishment on her own. The menu features a creative twist on traditiona

A TASTE OF SPAIN WITH MARUKA Our friend, Howard Goldsmith of Alicante Sunshine Villas, moved from Manchester to just outside the small village of Sax, in inland Alicante, over twenty years ago. This story is one of the reasons he loves it there and would never return to the UK. Our elderly (elderly!! I’m 65) neighbours have adopted us as their children. Manolo and Maruka (Maria Eugenia) are 89 and 78, respectively. They live in an enormous townhouse where she was born, and sh

ARAGMA IBIZA We visited Aragma Ibiza, the sister restaurant of Tapas in Sant Antoni de Portmany. The restaurant is located in a fantastic spot with views of the marina. It is overseen by a talented Greek head chef who prepares authentic, homemade dishes inspired by Greek cuisine. These shared-dining offerings are of exceptional quality and made with the freshest ingredients. Each dish is both delicious and surprisingly original. We started with three alhmbra cañas Our meal in

RESTAURANTE ES PUETÓ This is a traditional beach bar, or chiringuito, with an Ibicencan heritage that dates back to 1969. Unfortunately, 2026 may be the last year we can enjoy it, as it is scheduled for demolition at the end of the year due to the Costas rule. This regulation aims to restore the coastline by removing beach bars and restaurants. The chiringuito is located directly on the beach in Cala de Bou, and this friendly family-run bar is loved by locals and tourists ali

RESTAURANTE CA’S PAGES This is one of the most historic restaurants in northern Ibiza. It is run by two sisters, Carmen and Lucia, whose family started offering their traditional Ibiçencan cooking in 1972. It is situated in the basement of the family home and in the shaded, planted garden at the back. The beautiful partially covered outdoor seating area is filled with greenery and bathed in soft lighting. Arrive early to have a wider choice of seating. You will find large, lo