Murcia, Spain
From Michelin Guide
A restaurant (which until recently was called AlmaMater) with plenty of character which extols the virtue of Mediterranean cuisine without closing its eyes to influences from elsewhere and which pulls out all the stops to ensure an authentic gourmet experience. Behind its floor-to-ceiling windows, the impression is of a young and contemporary eatery on two floors with a focus on market-inspired cuisine, featuring classic food pairings with an unfettered global approach. Chef Juan Guillamón allows himself full licence to introduce flavours acquired on his travels: for six seasons he worked as a chef for the Ferrari motor racing team, and was the personal chef for the British ambassador in Spain. The well-balanced à la carte, offering dishes such as the carpaccio of aged beef with black aioli, cured egg yolk and tartare sauce, and “parpatana” of red tuna with a fennel purée and caponata, is complemented by a tasting menu that is only available if served to the whole table.
From Visitor Experiences
Chef Juan Guillamón’s Unique Background and Culinary Influence
Guillamón’s experience includes working six seasons as a chef for the Ferrari F1 racing team and serving as the personal chef for the British ambassador in Spain. This unusual background allows him to incorporate global flavors and a high level of technical precision into his Mediterranean cuisine, making the restaurant’s offerings distinctive and innovative.
Tasting Menu Exclusivity
The tasting menu at Almo de Juan Guillamón is unique in that it is only available if served to the entire table, creating a communal and exclusive dining experience that emphasizes shared enjoyment and consistency across guests.
Personalized Private Dining and Catering with Michelin Standards
Beyond the restaurant itself, Almo offers tailor-made private dining and catering events that maintain the same creative energy, seasonal focus, and exacting standards as the main dining room. This extension of the restaurant’s culinary identity into bespoke events is a distinctive feature that highlights its versatility and commitment to quality.
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Almo de Juan Guillamón in Murcia are:
Scallops: Perfectly seared and served with a delicate curry velouté, highlighting the chef's skill in balancing fresh seafood with subtle spices in a refined starter.
Iberico pork cheeks: Tender and rich, paired with sweet potato purée, showcasing the use of premium local pork and a harmony of textures and flavors in a main dish.
Tomato, onion, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, tuna, and boiled egg: Key components of the traditional Ensalada murciana, a colorful salad that reflects the regional culinary heritage and freshness of Murcia's produce.
Calasparra rice: Used in a creamy rice dish with ribs and vegetables, this prized local rice variety is essential for delivering authentic textures and flavors rooted in Murcia's gastronomy.
Fish of the day with coconut and lemon leaf infusion: Demonstrates the restaurant’s creative approach to fresh, local seafood by infusing it with exotic and aromatic ingredients for a unique taste experience.
These ingredients are significant because they emphasize Almo’s commitment to local sourcing, blending traditional Murcian flavors with modern techniques to create dishes that are both authentic and innovative.
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