When it comes to finding a three-Michelin-starred dining experience in Andalusia, Aponiente is the only restaurant in the region that holds this distinction. Located in the Bahia de Cadiz Natural Park, Aponiente is led by Chef Angel Leon. What sets Aponiente apart from other Michelin-starred establishments is its focus on discarded seafood and unique ocean floor harvests, such as fish eyeballs, seagrass, and sea rice.
Despite his culinary achievements, Chef Leon rarely ventures outside of Andalusia. However, when asked for recommendations on where to eat in southern Spain, he suggests the following establishments:
1. Ronda: Bardal – Owned and operated by Benito Gomez, Bardal is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant that combines Andalusian and Catalan cuisine. Notable dishes include grilled red snapper with chamomile butter and goat cured in seaweed.
2. Jaen: Baga – This one-Michelin-starred eatery, with only 16 seats, offers minimalist ingredients combined with innovative techniques. Menu highlights include partridge escabeche, shrimp from Motril served in mushroom broth, and rusty pear with smoked eel skin.
3. Fuengirola: Los Marinos Jose – Known as a “temple of seafood,” Los Marinos Jose in Fuengirola sources fresh seafood directly from their own boat. With over 30 years of experience, Jose Sanchez and his family serve traditional seafood dishes that make guests feel at home.
4. Bolonia: Restaurante Las Rejas – Located on Bolonia beach in Cardiz, Las Rejas is a beach establishment that serves traditional fare in a unique setting. Guests can enjoy comfort food like shrimp omelet, tuna in lard with roasted peppers, and squid croquetas.
5. Arcos de la Frontera: Horno Artesa – Horno Artesa is a renowned bakery known for its toasted malt bread and specialty breads with sultanas and walnuts. Operated by Paco Ruiz Salguero, it is the only bakery in the province listed in “La Ruta del Buen Pan,” an annual selection of artisan bakeries in Spain.
6. Jerez: Bar Maty – Bar Maty is a small establishment known for its fried fish and friendly atmosphere. Antonio Gonzalez prepares a menu that includes prawn salad, fried choquitos, boqueroncitos, frigate tuna, and grilled mackerel.
7. El Puerto de Santa Maria: Churros Charo – Churros Charo, a market stall operated by 80-year-old Charo Salguero Venegas, serves traditional churros that can be enjoyed with coffee or chocolate in nearby bars.
8. El Puerto de Santa Maria: La Taberna del Chef del Mar – Founded by Chef Leon himself, La Taberna del Chef del Mar is an informal tavern that serves easy-going food with a marine soul. The menu features Aponiente signatures such as grilled sardines with eggplant, marine charcuterie, and plankton risotto.
These recommendations from Chef Angel Leon offer travelers a taste of the diverse and vibrant culinary scene in Andalusia.
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