Image by Coconut
08 Arzak, Spain
Probably the first thing you will notice when you step into Arzak in San Sebastián is that the atmosphere is not quite what you’d expect of a three Michelin-starred restaurant. Instead of hushed whispers and the occasional clinking of glassware and cutlery, Arzak is filled with laughter and conversation, a real joie de vivre. Arzak has held on to its Michelin stars since 1989 as it continues to transform and re-imagine Basque cuisine. In the kitchen, four generations of the Arzak family has been distilled down to a father and daughter partnership, where Juan Mari and Elena Arzak present their culinary knowledge, passion and enthusiasm to each of their guests. Although the philosophy of Arzak is rooted in the simplicity and freshness of its ingredients, the team is also committed to experimenting with flavours and textures in their own lab, where they define new, seductive concepts and integrate them into the menu. It’s no surprise that all of this has earned Elena Arzak the best female chef award from numerous organisations. arzak.es
