Discover the Michelin stars of the Basque Country: a unique culinary experience

Three Michelin stars represent the highest accolade for a restaurant and its chef. This is how the Michelin guide promises that it is worth travelling from all over the world to try its culinary repertoire. The Basque Country has four restaurants with this seal of approval:

Arzak. Juan Mari Arzak and his daughter Elena are living proof of the way Basque cooking has evolved over the last five decades. Their restaurant has been the base for 4 generations of chefs and continues to transform the traditional Basque repertoire into a compendium of essences that is recognised worldwide.

Martín Berasategui. Berasategui, who gives his name to his restaurant, is the cook with the most Michelin stars in Spain, a total of 12. This, his masterpiece, is in Lasarte, where it continues to amaze every year with new dishes alongside its classics.

Azurmendi. Located in Larrabetzu, near Bilbao, this is a landmark in the cuisine of Bizkaia province. Its Adarrak menu features an educational tour of cuisines, the greenhouse and a final gift.

Akelarre. Back in Donostia-San Sebastián, this landmark restaurant, now with a hotel and spa attached, is located on the mountain of Igeldo. Pedro Subijana, the father of new Basque cuisine, continues to surprise with his creativity and technique, without forgetting his traditional roots.

There are currently two restaurants with two Michelin stars to be found in the Basque Country, both in Gipuzkoa province. These stars reflect recognition by the Michelin tasters of Spain and of France, where the guide originated.

Mugaritz. This traditional Basque country house near Errenteria serves a tasting menu with a unique approach that defies classification. Its willingness to explore the limits of gastronomy makes it a candidate for a third star. 

Amelia by Paulo Airaudo. Overlooking La Concha beach in Donostia-San Sebastián, this restaurant seeks to stand out with an approach that combines Basque cuisine with subtle Italian and Asian touches.

The Basque Country has 17 restaurants with one Michelin star, a wide variety of approaches that you'll have to travel all over the region to try. Holding a Michelin star means recognition by experts at national level. Here are some of the highlights:

Garena. In Bizkaia province is the Michelin-starred establishment with the cheapest menu in the region. This restaurant, located in Lamindao, offers its seasonal menu for €48.

Boroa. This restaurant is in a traditional farmhouse dating from the 15th century and, as one might expect, its approach evokes the green, timeless Basque Country we all have in our heads.

Elkano. In the fishing town of Getaria, this restaurant takes full advantage of local produce, giving fish a starring role. It is an establishment closely linked to the sea and to sailors, specialising in grilled dishes.

Arrea! Run by Edorta Lamo, this restaurant located in Santa Cruz de Campezo offers an incomparable experience with its "furtive cuisine", wasting nothing, with its roots in the mountains of Álava province.

The list of restaurants with one star is completed by: Marqués de Riscal, Kokotxa, Zarate, Alameda, Zortziko, Etxebarri, Txispa, Mina, Nerua, Ola Martín Berasategui, Andra Mari, Alameda and Eneko.