Arzak
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | 1897 (building), restaurant conversion date not specified |
| Founder | José Maria Arzak Etxabe and Escolastica Lete (building) |
| Headquarters | San Sebastián , Spain |
Key people | Juan Mari Arzak (owner and head chef), Elena Arzak (co-manager), Igor Zalacain (chef), Xabi Gutiérrez (chef) |
| Products | New Basque cuisine |
Number of employees | Not specified (team includes chefs and kitchen staff) |
Arzak is a restaurant located in San Sebastián, Spain, that specializes in New Basque cuisine. In 2008, the establishment's owner and head chef, Juan Mari Arzak, was honored with the Universal Basque award for his groundbreaking contributions to Basque culinary arts and for modernizing its traditions.
Description
The cuisine at Arzak represents a contemporary interpretation of traditional Basque cuisine, heavily influenced by the principles and aesthetics of nouvelle cuisine. The restaurant is situated on the ground floor of a historic brick edifice, featuring an extensive wine cellar above that holds more than 100,000 bottles, alongside a dedicated test kitchen. Founded in 2000, this test kitchen serves as the creative hub where the Arzak team experiments with over 1,500 ingredients to craft new dishes and culinary techniques. Under the guidance of Juan Mari Arzak and supported by chefs Igor Zalacain and Xabi Gutiérrez, approximately 40 innovative recipes are developed annually, each undergoing a refinement process lasting between three to six months.
History
The building originally functioned as a residence constructed in 1897 by José Maria Arzak Etxabe and Escolastica Lete before being converted into a wine inn and tavern. Later, when Juan Ramon Arzak and Francisca Arratibel assumed control, they transitioned the space into a formal restaurant. Presently, the kitchen is co-managed by distinguished chefs Juan Mari Arzak and his daughter Elena Arzak.
Awards and honors
- Since 1989: Awarded Three Michelin Stars
- From 2003 onward: Included in Restaurant (magazine)’s S.Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants list
- In 2013: Positioned as the 8th best restaurant worldwide by S. Pellegrino
See also
References