XĂ bia, Spain
From Michelin Guide
A unique restaurant, where each season finds inspiration in a different theme. Occupying a restored country house in beautifully landscaped surroundings, the setting is as appealing as the menu. The latter comes courtesy of Alberto Ferruz, who also runs the Michelin-starred Casa Pepa in Ondara. This is a chef who always turns to the Mediterranean and Alicante's Marina Alta for his magnificent fish and seafood, which take centre stage alongside produce from his bountiful vegetable gardens, and herbs from the MontgĂł mountains. On the new Memorabilia dining experience here, the chef tells us: âwe want people to come here, sit back and join us on this journey back to the culinary memories of our childhoodâ. This magical mystery tour is full of emotional memories created by dishes on the Ă la carte or tasting menus (one, a 9-course option entitled Recuerdos (Memories); the other, the 12-course El Viaje (The Journey)). Both menus include appetisers, dessert, plus a wine-pairing option.
From Visitor Experiences
Here are three unique and unconventional aspects of the Michelin-starred restaurant BonAmb in XĂ bia:
1. Creative Mediterranean Cuisine Under Chef Alberto Ferruz
BonAmb is renowned for its innovative and creative approach to Mediterranean cuisine, led by chef Alberto Ferruz. This creative culinary style distinguishes it from traditional Mediterranean restaurants in the region.
2. Multiple Tasting Menus with Elaborate Yet Unpretentious Dishes
The restaurant offers several tasting menus (7, 9, or 11 courses) featuring small, carefully elaborated dishes. Unlike many Michelin-starred places, BonAmb avoids showy techniques like foams or nitro, focusing instead on refined flavors and presentation without theatrical gimmicks.
3. Signature Dishes with Long Preparation Times and Unique Ingredients
One highlight mentioned by diners is a tomato dish accompanied by a consommĂ© that took six months to prepare, showcasing the restaurantâs dedication to depth of flavor and patience in culinary craft. Other notable dishes include sweet potato dessert and exquisite raw fish appetizers, reflecting a sophisticated yet grounded menu.
These points illustrate BonAmbâs blend of creativity, culinary patience, and a refined yet approachable dining experience that sets it apart in the Michelin-starred scene of XĂ bia.
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant BonAmb in XĂ bia are:
Seafood and fish: Seafood takes center stage in BonAmb's tasting menus, reflecting the Mediterranean coastal location and the chef's focus on fresh, local marine produce. Examples include grilled filtered shrimp and salt-steamed mackerel.
Duck foie: Used notably in the signature duck flan, a simple yet refined dish combining duck foie with egg yolk, cream, and subtle seasoning. This ingredient highlights the restaurant's skill in elevating rich, luxurious flavors.
Local vegetables and herbs: Produce from the Marina Alta vegetable gardens and herbs from the MontgĂł mountains are key to the dishes, emphasizing the restaurant's commitment to local, seasonal ingredients and Mediterranean flavors.
Pumpkin pickle: A creative ingredient introduced during the kitchen renovation in 2016, showcasing the restaurant's innovative approach to traditional ingredients.
Fermented elements (garum and koji): BonAmb experiments with fermentation, such as making garum from fish cuttings and using koji, to add depth and complexity to dishes like hare.
These ingredients are significant as they reflect BonAmb's philosophy of combining local Mediterranean produce with innovative techniques to create refined, seasonal dishes that celebrate the region's culinary heritage.