AZURMENDI Three Michelin Stars Chef Eneko Atxa Azurmendi was the youngest Spanish chef to obtain 3 Michelin stars in 2012. You will understand why when you visit this subtropical glasshouse, which overlooks the beautiful Basque countryside and is located 25 minutes from Bilbao. Azurmendi operates as a self-sustaining ecosystem focused on sustainability. It is environmentally friendly, utilises renewable energy sources, recycles all generated waste, collects rainwater, and

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

If you’re dreaming of a trip that combines stunning coastlines, mouth-watering food, and a culture that feels like nowhere else on earth, then the Basque Country should be at the top of your list. Here is a plan to help your Basque Country adventure with insider tips, practical advice, and a sprinkle of humour to keep things fun. So, let’s dive into the best way to make your trip unforgettable. San Sebástian Planning a trip to the Basque Country can feel a bit overwhelming at

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

LA JOSEFITA IBIZA La Josefita is a charming little restaurant located in the backstreets of Sant Antoni de Portmany (San Antonio), close to the famous West End, which is currently undergoing a significant transformation from its previous rather wilder incarnation. This new tapas restaurant, opened in August 2023, pays tribute to Grandma Pepita - Josefa Pepita. The Josefita offers a concise menu of reimagined, familiar tapas. We started with; Berenjena frita (deep-fried auberg

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