Martín Berasategui: The King of Spanish Haute Cuisine and His 11 Michelin Stars

When it comes to culinary excellence, Martín Berasategui stands as a synonym for passion, perseverance, and gastronomic artistry. This renowned chef from San Sebastián, with 11 Michelin stars, is not only the most decorated chef in Spain but also ranks third worldwide. His journey, marked by dedication and love for cooking, is a testament to how tradition and innovation can coexist in perfect harmony, leaving a legacy that transcends generations.

Martín Berasategui Born in 1960 in San Sebastián, a city famed for its rich gastronomic heritage, Martín grew up surrounded by unique aromas and flavors at the Bodegón Alejandro, his family’s restaurant in the old town. From the age of 14, he worked alongside his mother Gabriela and aunt María, who instilled in him a deep respect for fresh ingredients and traditional techniques.

However, Berasategui always dreamed of reaching greater heights. In pursuit of perfecting his craft, he moved to France, where he trained at the prestigious École de Pâtisserie Moderne de Yssingeaux, becoming the first Spanish student to enroll. There, he had the privilege of learning from masters like André Mandion and Didier Oudill.

The Shepherd Who Changed His Destiny

At just 21, Martín took over the reins of Bodegón Alejandro. Although he had a clear vision to transform the restaurant into a reference point for haute cuisine, he lacked the financial resources to modernize it. A turning point came when a shepherd supplying the restaurant offered to guarantee a bank loan for Martín after overhearing his frustrations. This act of trust marked the beginning of a transformation that, by 1986, earned the restaurant its first Michelin star.

In 1993, Martín opened his namesake restaurant in Lasarte-Oria, with the support of his wife, Oneka Arregui. This space quickly became a gastronomic temple, earning its first Michelin star in under a year. Today, this restaurant boasts three Michelin stars and is considered a must-visit for lovers of haute cuisine.

But his ambition didn’t stop there. In 2006, he launched the Lasarte restaurant in Barcelona, which also achieved the prestigious three-star accolade. This success was followed by other decorated establishments like MB in Tenerife (two stars) and Etxeko Ibiza (one star), each a testament to Berasategui’s dedication and creativity.

Must-Visit Places to Experience Berasategui’s Magic:

1. Martín Berasategui Restaurant – Lasarte-Oria, Guipúzcoa
2. Lasarte – Barcelona
3. MB – Ritz-Carlton Abama, Tenerife
4. Etxeko Ibiza – Cala Nova, Balearic Islands
5. Ola Martín Berasategui – Bilbao

Berasategui’s career extends beyond his Michelin-starred establishments. His influence also reaches other spaces like Fonda España in Barcelona and Melvin by Martín Berasategui in Tenerife, offering more accessible yet equally refined dining experiences.

Among his numerous accolades are the Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts (2019) and the title of Doctor Honoris Causa awarded by the University of François Rabelais. Additionally, his famous catchphrase “garrote” has transcended the culinary world, being recognized by the Historical Dictionary of the RAE.

Visiting Martín Berasategui’s restaurants is more than enjoying exquisite dishes; it is an immersive sensory experience where every detail is designed to surprise and delight. If you’re planning a journey through Spain, a stop at one of his gastronomic temples is a must.

Embark on this journey and discover why Martín Berasategui is a true icon of haute cuisine. An experience you’ll never forget!}

To see more articles related to this topic, follow this link.