Andalusia, the prominent and emblematic region of southern Spain, has every ingredient to present itself as a globally recognised destination for the Incentive Travel Industry. You do not have to look beyond the 2022 Relaxation Index, where Marbella was ranked in the Top 5 Most Relaxing Destinations in the world.

A quick look at the official statistics from the Andalusian Tourism Board shows that it didn’t take the region too long to bounce back from the effects of the pandemic. Andalusia welcomed 20 million tourists, nearly 50% higher than what it achieved in 2020.

The food and beverage scene plays a critical role in putting Andalusia on the gastronome’s must-visit list and to prove our point, we’ve rounded up some of the finest on offer.

The region is home to a collection of extremely high-end and avant-garde experiences. There are no less than 18 Michelin Starred restaurants in the region. Restaurante Aponiente, a three Michelin Star restaurant, brings the vision of Cadiz to the table from chef Ángel León. The restaurant has an ambience to match its class, located in El Puerto de Santa María and occupying a finely refurbished 17th century tide mill.

The fine offerings continue, as Andalusia is home to not just one or two, but three restaurants that boast two Michelin Stars. Meanwhile, Abantal, Choco, and Messina all have one Michelin Star each, that is no mean feat.

Bardal (Malaga) - Located on José Aparicio Street in Ronda, at Bardal be prepared to be surprised by the restaurant’s manager and one Michelin Star chef Benito Gómez. Fine dining is at its remarkable best as Chef Gomez designs dishes which are not what they seem, and whose real meaning is discovered when tasting them. Diners are presented with the menu at the very moment which the meal is served. This is because the day’s creations will depend on local produce available on the market and the season.

Noor (Cordoba) - Noor, by chef Paco Morales, is a spot where Arab influences serve as the catalyst in Andalusian culinary cultures. Noor is a dialogue between cultures, focussing on the Arab way of understanding cooking. Noor serves as a reminder of the Andalusian region’s roots to its Arabic past. The restaurant serves up haute cuisine in contemporary settings.

Skina (Marbella) – Skina’s growing popularity is a testament to staying true to its promise of serving up only the freshest seafood produce. Only the best from Marbella’s markets is offered on the menu. The resulting menu serves up innovative creations based on traditional dishes.

Head to Abantal when in Sevilla to try out some of the most avant-garde chefs’ local creations. Or how about widening your Mediterranean pursuit of nouvelle cuisine when in Cordoba at Choco. This quaint restaurant serves up a plethora of offerings courtesy of Kisko García, considered by critics as a young chef to keep an eye out for on the Andalusian cuisine scene. Finally, head back to Marbella and enjoy a relaxing dinner at Messina where you will be served creative cuisine from local produce such as Málaga kid goat and the freshest fish and seafood from the Marbella coast.

For more information please visit: https://www.andalucia.org/en/eno-gastronomy/michelin-star