Dilip Kuner
THINK Michelin stars mean bankers, billionaires and blow-outs?
Think again. Spain is quietly serving up Michelin magic for less than the cost of a West End dinner date. With tasting menus starting below €50, you can eat like a king without selling a kidney.
From Galicia’s windswept coast to Madrid’s dusty outskirts, a handful of Michelin-starred chefs are proving that fine dining doesn’t have to mean fine spending. Stick to those with ‘just’ one star and you can find some bargains Here is a selection of one-star spots where you can feast without flattening your wallet…
Prodigi – Barcelona
In the heart of the Eixample, chef Jordi Tarre reimagines Catalan classics with flair. The weekday lunch deal is a steal at €38 – four courses that change with the seasons. Expect dishes like smoked sardine with roasted tomato or slow-cooked Iberian pork.
Chiron – Valdemoro (Madrid region)
Run by brothers Ivan and Raul Muñoz just 20km south of Madrid, Chirón gives Castilian-Manchegan cuisine a modern edge. The executive menu at €39 includes breads, oils, appetiser, fish, meat and dessert – all plated like art.
Silabario – Vigo (Galicia)
Perched above the Real Club Celta, Silabario has sweeping harbour views and a menu rooted in Galician produce. The cheapest menu is a relatively modest €40,and you’ll taste the region’s famed seafood, garden-fresh veg and inventive desserts, all crafted by chef Alberto Gonzalez.
Trigo – Valladolid
Wine country dining at its best. Chef Víctor Martín’s €48 tasting menu – aptly named ‘Like at Home’ – features appetisers, two starters, a main and dessert. Bread included.
En la Parra – Salamanca
In the golden-stone old town, chef Rocío Parra and sommelier Alberto Rodríguez champion Iberian pork and seasonal flavours. Their €50 Concepto Charro menu includes five courses plus dessert in an intimate, elegant setting.
Travel tips for Michelin bargain hunters
- Book early: These spots fill fast, especially for weekday lunch menus.
- Time it right: The cheapest menus are usually only available on weekdays, often at lunchtime.
- Mind the extras: Drinks, bread, and service charges can quickly add to the bill – check what’s included before you sit down.
- Call ahead: Menus change seasonally and some restaurants close for local holidays, so double-check availability.
Spain proves you don’t need deep pockets to eat like a king. From Galician harbours to Salamanca’s golden streets, these Michelin-starred meals deliver luxury for under €50–€50. All you need is a reservation… and a healthy appetite.
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