The 2023 Michelin Guide Spain & Portugal Gala, one of the most awaited events by professionals and lovers of fine dining, was recently held at the Palacio de Congresos El Greco, in which Etxeko Ibiza by Martín Berasategui, the restaurant of BLESS Hotel Ibiza led by Paco Budía, was awarded its first Michelin Star.

At the gala, which was broadcasted live on the digital channels of the Michelin Guide, a total of 23 Spanish restaurants were awarded their first Star. The Balearic Islands region brought together a total of 12, while the island of Ibiza welcomed three restaurants with a Michelin Star, following the recognition achieved by Etxeko Ibiza by Martín Berasategui.

Etxeko Ibiza by Martín Berasategui, which was featured in the Michelin Guide last year in 2022, is in Ibiza, the most awarded project of the Spanish chef’s label, Martín Berasategui, ranking third in the world with 12 Michelin Stars.

Martin Berasategui and Paco Budia 

Berasategui manages the team led by his right-hand man on the island, the talented Cordovan Chef Paco Budía, who started as stager in Lasarte at the age of 19 after deciding to leave a business career to pursue his dream of becoming a chef. Budía established such a good relationship with Berasategui that, when the Basque chef began talks for a project in Ibiza, he chose Budía to take the reins of the kitchen at Etxeko Ibiza by Martín Berasategui.

 New technologies allow Martín Berasategui’s Etxeko Ibiza team to maintain constant contact with the Lasarte team and its four chefs. During the restaurant’s closure in the Winter, Budía spends his time there designing a new menu and curating new tasting experiences, working hand in hand with the rest of the Berasategui team.

The restaurant started the 2022 season strong by obtaining its first Sol Repsol award. It offers culinary creations that merge the most sublime products of the Cantabrian and the Mediterranean so that diners can experience the flavors of the island, without losing the essence of Martín Berasategui’s cuisine.

The tasting menu is divided into 11 courses and consists of some of Berasategui’s classics that have brought him worldwide fame, such as the “Liquid ham omelet,” “the countryside and the sea in harmony,” or “Lasarte salad“; combined with new and original offerings such as “crunchy carob toast with smoked sardines, roasted piquillo peppers, and avocado mousse“; or “La Dehesa“, a slice of smoked Iberian pork, light touches of oyster tarama and green shiso ice cream.

The menu also incorporates a variety of visual dishes, many of which are finished at the table in front of the diner to make them part of the gastronomic experience and make them feel at home, an ode to Berasategui’s name, which in Basque means “from home.” In addition, the meal features elements made with care by the kitchen team of BLESS Hotel Ibiza, such as the delicious selection of butters, with a preparation that takes more than a week of work and that combines perfectly with a variety of homemade breads.

This season, the restaurant has also incorporated new products to the menu such as Ibizan pig trotters or the island’s squid, which incorporates all of its parts used in the kitchen, both in the tartar and in the broth, in line with the cooking method and the use of local km0 products.

“These recognitions are the result of leaving my skin in this beautiful profession, together with my teams, which make me great. The entire Etxeko Ibiza team is happy and highly motivated to continue working day by day in the search for excellence and providing  happiness to our diners.” said Berasategui.

Paco Budia

“The recognition of this Star, besides being an immense joy for me and the whole team of Etxeko Ibiza and BLESS Hotel Ibiza, is a recognition of work, perseverance, discipline, and effort. We are fortunate to dedicate ourselves to what makes us the happiest – gastronomy, and we work with the goal that every customer who enters the door of Etxeko Ibiza lives a unique experience,” explains the executive chef of Etxeko Ibiza by Martín Berasategui, Paco Budía. “I started working for Martín when I was very young and every day that passes I continue to experience his genius in the kitchen, but also his humility and human quality. Following his example, I realize there is an enormous amount of work and dedication from the dining room and kitchen team who put their hearts into these three seasons to achieve a Michelin Star. I thank each and every one of them for their passion, but especially Héctor Suárez, Maitre d’ at Etxeko Ibiza, and my right-hand man in this project. We will continue working with the same effort and drive, now with our sights set on the 2023 season.” Budía adds.

José Manuel Molina, General Manager of BLESS Hotel Ibiza explains”this award means the recognition of three years of work, passion and technique. Since BLESS Hotel Ibiza decided to go side by side with Martin Berasategui, through Paco Budia, we started a project in which the people involved have forged our formula for success. We have based it on trust, passion for gastronomy and our guests. It has not been an easy process; we have faced a pandemic, and this slowed down the achievement of goals, which we aspired to achieve faster. However, we have continued working to demonstrate today that trust and patience are the basic ingredients of this recipe. Palladium Hotel Group and BLESS Hotel Ibiza are proud to be able to add one more star to the gastronomic realm on the island of Ibiza. My gratitude to the entire team of Etxeko Ibiza by Martín Berasategui and BLESS Hotel Ibiza, who are part of this journey, which has only just begun.”

BLESS Hotel Ibiza is located in Es Canar, one of the most authentic and charismatic areas of the island. The hotel allows guests to enjoy a concept of hedonistic luxury, through personalized experiences designed entirely to make each stay memorable. With its impressive views over the Mediterranean, travelers are invited to let themselves be carried away by the Ibizan mood and enjoy a swim in its infinity pool, or share one of its exclusive cocktails. BLESS Hotel Ibiza is part of BLESS Collection Hotels, the youngest brand of Palladium Hotel Group and is also part of The Leading Hotels of the World.