Spain’s gastronomic scene is a vibrant tapestry of innovation, blending modern techniques with traditional ingredients, and offering an impressive array of affordable options to explore the country’s cutting-edge cuisine. Here are seven restaurants that showcase Spain’s hottest new chefs, offering inventive dishes at prices that won’t break the bank.
Restaurante Simpar, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia
Nestled in the heart of Santiago, Restaurante Simpar, opened in 2023 by Axel Smyth and his Ecuadorian partner Claudia Merchán, has already earned acclaim. Offering two tasting menus, the 14-course Simpar (€110) and the 11-course Conocer (€85), the restaurant’s intimate setting with just seven tables highlights the region’s pristine produce. Dishes such as tripe stew with chickpeas and ham croquetas reflect Galicia’s rustic charm, while innovative flavors, like rooster with chocolate and truffle, and scallops in meunière sauce, elevate traditional fare. Their carefully curated wine list, with a focus on Galician varieties, includes Quinta da Muradella (€84), a white wine made from the Treixadura grape.
Restaurante Sisé, Lleida, Catalonia
Ángel Esteve’s Restaurante Sisé in Lleida brings together local ingredients from the Pyrenees, Aragón, and the Catalan coast. Inspired by his childhood memories and influenced by his experience at El Celler de Can Roca, the restaurant features dishes like artichoke with Comté cheese and truffle (€16), barbecued lamb with calçot onions and romesco sauce (€21), and a signature chocolate tart (€7). A blend of local and French wines (€25-€150) complement the menu, offering a deep dive into the culinary traditions of the region.
Restaurante Ausiàs, Pedreguer, Alicante
Located in the quiet town of Pedreguer, Restaurante Ausiàs delivers modern interpretations of traditional Valencian flavors. Opened by Ausiàs Signes and his wife Felicia Guerra, this small, 7-table restaurant offers a tasting menu with courses like cuttlefish with cauliflower, yeast, and bergamot (€84 for 12 courses), or roasted lamb with a twist. Desserts include a delightful citrus treat made from Valencian oranges, an emulsion of orange, olive oil, and saffron. The wine list (€29-€500) focuses on Mediterranean wines and rare champagnes, providing a unique selection to pair with each dish.
Restaurante Arsa, Logroño, La Rioja
In the heart of Logroño, Arsa offers an exciting fusion of traditional Riojan ingredients with modern techniques. Owned by Beatriz Fernández and Rodrigo, the restaurant’s menu includes wild boar stew with oloroso sherry (€16) and wood pigeon smoked with vine stalks (€26). For a more extensive experience, the 12-course tasting menu (€70) showcases the innovative use of local produce. Wines and sherries from Andalucía and La Rioja (€25-€150) pair wonderfully with the dishes, offering a truly immersive culinary journey.
Restaurante Lur, Madrid
Chef Lucia Gutiérrez, of fourth-generation hospitality fame, opened Restaurante Lur in Madrid’s Legazpi district, bringing a fresh approach to Basque cuisine. The restaurant’s 7-course tasting menu (€87) changes seasonally and features an artful balance of savory and sweet flavors. Vegetables take center stage, with ingredients sourced from small producers, many from the Basque Country where Lucia trained. The cozy, minimalist setting, complemented by natural woods and potted olive trees, enhances the meticulous approach to plating and cooking at Lur.
Restaurante Moral, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Restaurante Moral in Tenerife offers inspired dishes that reflect the island’s unique produce. Opened by Icíar and Juan Carlos Pérez-Alcalde, this six-table restaurant brings bold flavors like aubergine with eel, yoghurt, and mushrooms (€19), and skate with mussel and parsley sauce (€25). The five-course tasting menu (€50) allows diners to sample the depth of Tenerife’s culinary offerings, while a light, aromatic Tenerife wine, such as the Finca Vegas (€26), makes for the perfect accompaniment.
Restaurante Leartá, Seville
Located in a tucked-away side street in Seville, Restaurante Leartá offers a creative fusion of Andalusian traditions and modern culinary techniques. The restaurant, run by Manu Lachica and his wife Rita Llanes, serves a 10-course tasting menu (€72), featuring dishes that play with textures and temperatures. Examples include wild boar with burrata and a chilled pumpkin broth with salted kaki fruit and sea urchin cream. Pairing suggestions include locally produced kombuchas (€6) and wines (€35-€147) from Andalusian and national vintners.
These seven innovative restaurants across Spain offer a glimpse into the future of Spanish cuisine. Whether you’re in search of fresh interpretations of traditional dishes or entirely new flavors, these chefs are redefining the culinary landscape without a hefty price tag.
