Madrid is sometimes called the gastronomic capital of the world — a culinary gem that combines variety and quality of local produce and ingredients with a long history of culinary talent and innovation.

Home to the recently completed Gastrofestival, the Spanish city offers a variety of experiences and gastronomic routes guaranteed to appeal to any visitor – from gourmet buffs in search of new tastes and techniques, to cultural foodies anxious to learn the traditions of Spain’s renowned culinary tradition.

Here are the Madrid restaurants that have been awarded Michelin stars:

DiverXo
David Muñoz, a former professional football player, can be found in the kitchen of his one-Michelin starred DiverXo almost every night. His restaurant’s name reflects his approach to cuisine, as Muñoz reinterprets culinary techniques and flavors from around the world from a Madrid point of view, which has given rise to the term fusión cañí (gypsy fusion).

La Terraza del Casino
Paco Roncero’s innovative techniques have earned his restaurant, La Terraza del Casino, two Michelin stars since its opening. Roncero offers a number of finger foods in the form of appetizers and snacks, and showcases futuristic cooking techniques with liquid nitrogen cocktails, freeze-dried entrées, and spherifications (a molecular gastronomic technique that transforms liquids into raviolis and caviar).

El Club Allard
Awarded his first Michelin star in 2007, Chef Diego Guerrero is famous for combining flavors and textures to perfection in simple, yet original recipes. His signature cod and pil-pil sauce with garlic bread churros earned him the First Prize for the best cod dish in the Community of Madrid in 2004.

Ramon Freixa
At his namesake restaurant, Freixa’s unique style is defined as avant-garde with traditional favors. His cooking is very personal, demonstrating his innovative character and mastery of technique, as well as his passion for Mediterranean products, flavors and aromas.

Santceloni
Earning its first Michelin star just 9 months after opening in 2001, Santceloni and its chef, Óscar Velasco, are devotees of the seasonal market culinary megatrend. Utilizing the finest ingredients, the restaurant offers the very best Spain’s signature dishes from every region.

Sergi Arola Gastro
Sergi Arola, a rockstar-turned-chef, and his new addition to Madrid’s culinary scene, will amaze with diverse degustation courses. Known for frequent menu changes a superb wine selection, the restaurant boasts two Michelin stars.

Rodrigo de la Calle (Aranjuez, 30 miles south of Madrid)
Chef de la Calle is known for his artful blends of the Castilian culinary classics with exotic fruits and vegetables. The restaurant uses the highest quality local ingredients as well as relies on own historic garden on the eastern coast of Spain for the exotic produce.

Coque (Humanes de Madrid, 40 minutes from Madrid)
Mario Sandoval, the youngest chef to ever receive a Michelin Star, will amaze you with his personal and creative touch to every dish, combining traditional with modern textures and tastes. Coque’s dedication to the use of seasonal products is led by the Chef Mario’s respect for the balance between taste, appearance and the ingredients that make up a dish.

Casa José (Aranjuez, 30 miles south of Madrid)
Chef Fernando del Cerro has been running this family-owned restaurant since 1991, earning a Michelin Star the very same year. The menu offers tow options – traditional and innovative – but always centers on the importance of local produce, adjusting its menu seasonally.

A tip of the Road Trips Foodie’s toque to the Tourist Office of Spain in New York for this listing. For further information on Madrid’s restaurant offerings, go online.

For more information and help with planning a trip to Spain, check with the Tourist Office of Spain.

(Photo courtesy of La Terraza del Casino)