Foodies Celebrate As Jaén Becomes New Gastronomic Capital In Spain

After the Michelin Star Awards were held on November 28, 2023, Jaén Province in southern Spain now has four Michelin-star restaurants to experience. Three are in the province’s capital, Jaén, while the fourth is in the nearby city of Baeza. While Jaén was already renowned for its olive oil production and historic buildings, the province now offers a major attraction for foodies.

Jaén, Spain now has four Michelin-star restaurants

Nestling in southern Spain, Jaén Province has Jaén city as its capital. The province is known for its olive oil production and the city for its striking fortresses and cathedral. Built in the Renaissance style, Jaén Cathedral is home to the Holy Veil, said to have been used to wash Christ’s face. Meanwhile, the Arab Baths Cultural Center in the Palacio de Villardompardo includes an 11th-century bathhouse and two museums.

Besides having so much history to explore, it seems Jaén could become the new gastronomic capital of Spain. This comes after the Michelin Star Awards, held on Tuesday, November 28, which revealed that the province now has four Michelin-starred restaurants, all within a short distance from each other.

According to 20 Minutos, the awards marked a remarkable rise in Jaén province’s gastronomic prestige. While there was previously one Michelin-starred restaurant, the event added three more restaurants, two in Jaén city and one in Baeza, that received their inaugural Michelin stars. These awards reveal the growing talent of Jaén’s chefs and places the province firmly on the culinary map.

Which restaurants bear the award?

At the event, Juan Carlos Garcia, chef at Vandelvira, made headlines at the Barcelona awards gala, saying, “They said there was nothing in Jaén.” Clearly, there is plenty in Jaén to attract foodies from around the globe.

The new additions to the Michelin Guide include Malak, by chef Javier Jurado, Radis, by Juanjo Pesa, joining the previously starred Baga and Dama Juana. Each of these restaurants offer a diverse range of dining experience.

Malak, Jaén and the surrounding landscapes

“Malak” means “Angel” in Arabic, and signifies a messenger traversing time and distance. The restaurant is situated in the heart of Jaén, and promises a culinary journey reminiscent of childhood landscapes.

Meanwhile, the restaurant offers two distinct tasting menus related to the landscapes of the area. One is the Sierra Segura Menu at €70 ($76) and the other is the Aldeas Perdidas menu at €54 ($59).

Restaurante Radis, where tradition meets innovation

As mentioned earlier, Jaén province is renowned for its olive oil, and Radis chef Juanjo Mesa is known as the “oil chef.” Mesa’s cooking truly pays homage to traditional family recipes and offers a dynamic tasting menu that revives the flavors of classic dishes.

Baga lets you ‘feel Jaén’

Baga is operated by chef Pedro Sanchez and bears the motto “feel Jaén.” This celebrated gastrobar offers local ingredients in its dishes. Meanwhile, the Michelin Guide highlighted its remarkable dishes, including Buñuelos de Carrueco and Quisquillas de Motril.

Dama Juana takes you back to the past

Operated by chef Juan Aceituno, Dama Juana brings to life the stories and memories he shared with his grandmother, Juana “La Chucha.” Michelin-starred restaurant is renowned for its traditional, honest cooking, bringing to mind the true essence of rural and farmhouse kitchens. Moreover, the restaurant isn’t just about fine dining, as it is a testament to the rich heritage of the constantly evolving Spanish gastronomy.

Make sure to visit these Michelin-starred restaurants on your next visit to southern Spain.