Cristina Oria Opens a New Restaurant in San Sebastián: “We Have Followed Our Hearts and Our Enthusiasm”

Cristina Oria, a renowned Spanish chef recognized for her successful trajectory in Madrid, has recently opened a new restaurant in San Sebastián. This new establishment not only showcases her unique culinary offerings but also includes a store featuring a variety of tableware, kitchen accessories, cookware, and carefully curated gifts.

The chef, currently suffering from hoarseness due to the frenetic pace of opening a new venue, shares that her decision to open a restaurant in San Sebastián was driven by a strong emotional connection. “We wanted to open outside Madrid, and although, from a commercial perspective, it would have been logical to choose cities like Barcelona, Málaga, or Valencia, we were very excited to open in San Sebastián, the city where my whole family comes from,” explains Oria. During a family visit, her husband Álvaro mentioned that he had been offered a location in the city. “We saw it at night, and after that visit, we had no doubts: ‘It has to be here’,” she adds, referring to the brightness of the large windows and other details of the space that convinced them.

Cristina Oria’s new restaurant is located at Askatasunaren Hiribidea, 16, covering an area of 700 square meters, making it three times larger than her establishment on Ortega y Gasset in Madrid. The chef has decided to maintain the same concept that has proven successful in her other restaurants: “The restaurant offers non-stop dining on the upper floor from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m., while the lower floor will serve dinner and drinks. The store is also larger.” Oria is adamant that all customers should receive exceptional service and enjoy the same experience in any of her spaces.

The menu at the new restaurant is identical to that of her Madrid locations. “We don’t want to compete with what already exists in the city, which is quite good. We will not delve into pintxos, chuletón, or besugo. We bring our own concept,” clarifies Cristina Oria. She also anticipates new dishes that they are currently developing, which will be introduced simultaneously across all four locations. Although catering services will not be available, takeout and delivery options will be offered.

Cristina and Álvaro make a perfect team, both personally and professionally. “I am lucky to work with Álvaro!” Oria enthusiastically states. For a month and a half leading up to the opening, the couple moved to San Sebastián to oversee the launch in person. “Every weekend, a family member brought our kids to visit,” she adds, highlighting the dedication they have poured into this project. While this new adventure has required significant effort and left the chef with a hoarse voice, she feels happy and fulfilled: “We embarked on this project without fully grasping the challenge it would entail, but we were guided by our hearts and our eagerness to succeed.”

Why You Should Keep an Eye on Cristina Oria

Cristina Oria is an emblematic figure in the Spanish gastronomic scene. Trained at the prestigious Cordon Bleu school, she is a chef worth following closely. In addition to running four restaurants and a catering service, she is a mother of three, and her Instagram account (@cristinaoriachef) serves as a source of inspiration for those who enjoy cooking with children, as well as for those seeking delicious recipes without overcomplicating the cooking process.

Throughout her career, Cristina has made a clear commitment not only to the quality of the ingredients on her plates but also to the tableware that accompanies them. Her dinnerware is not only recognizable but also highly sought after, becoming an essential complement in the kitchens, accessory spaces, and gift selections available in her restaurants. This attention to detail reflects her dedication to providing a comprehensive and thoughtful dining experience.

The opening of Cristina Oria’s new restaurant in San Sebastián marks a new chapter in her professional and personal journey, consolidating her reputation as an innovative chef passionate about the art of cooking.

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