Madrid is a culinary destination that is known for its traditional Spanish cuisine and innovative gastronomy. Many food enthusiasts want to know how many Michelin stars Madrid has. In this article, we will explore the Michelin-starred restaurants in Madrid and what makes them stand out.
What are the Michelin stars?
The Michelin Guide is a prestigious restaurant guidebook that awards stars to restaurants based on their quality of food, service, and ambiance. The guide was first published in 1900 by the French tire company Michelin to encourage more people to travel and explore new places. Today, it is considered one of the most authoritative guides for fine dining around the world.
The Michelin stars are awarded on a scale of one to three, with three being the highest accolade a restaurant can receive. One star denotes “a very good restaurant,” two stars indicate “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and three stars signify “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”
Michelin-starred restaurants in Madrid
Madrid offers an array of dining options from traditional tapas bars to modern gastronomic restaurants. The city boasts 19 Michelin-starred restaurants in total, with three restaurants holding three stars, six with two stars, and ten with one star.
Three-starred restaurants
DiverXO: This avant-garde restaurant located in Madrid’s Tetuán district has held three Michelin stars since 2013. Chef David Muñoz’s inventive dishes combine Asian and Spanish flavors with playful presentations.
Santceloni: This elegant restaurant located in the Paseo de la Castellana neighborhood has held three Michelin stars since 2011. Chef Óscar Velasco’s cuisine focuses on seasonal ingredients and classic flavors presented with contemporary techniques.
Coque: This family-run restaurant located in the outskirts of Madrid has held three Michelin stars since 2018. Chefs Mario, Rafael, and Diego Sandoval’s cuisine focuses on showcasing traditional Spanish ingredients with modern techniques.
Two-starred restaurants
Ramón Freixa Madrid: This contemporary restaurant located in the Hotel Unico has held two Michelin stars since 2010. Chef Ramón Freixa’s cuisine focuses on Mediterranean flavors presented with creative flair.
Paco Roncero Restaurante: This modern restaurant located in the Casino de Madrid has held two Michelin stars since 2008. Chef Paco Roncero’s cuisine showcases molecular gastronomy techniques with classic Spanish flavors.
Cocina Hermanos Torres: This innovative restaurant located in the Chamberí district has held two Michelin stars since 2019. Chefs Sergio and Javier Torres’ cuisine focuses on local and seasonal ingredients presented with contemporary techniques.
One-starred restaurants
Madrid’s ten one-starred restaurants offer a diverse range of cuisines from traditional Spanish to international flavors. Some noteworthy mentions include:
- Clos Madrid: This intimate restaurant located in the Malasaña neighborhood offers a tasting menu that showcases classic Spanish flavors with creative twists.
- Kabuki Wellington: This Japanese-Spanish fusion restaurant located in the Salamanca district offers a variety of sushi and sashimi dishes alongside traditional Spanish dishes.
- A’Barra: This elegant restaurant located in the Salamanca district offers a tasting menu that highlights seasonal ingredients and classic Spanish dishes.
The bottom line
Madrid is home to some of Spain’s most celebrated chefs and restaurants, as evidenced by the city’s 19 Michelin-starred restaurants. From avant-garde cuisine to traditional Spanish flavors, there is something for everyone in Madrid’s culinary scene.