Casa Nova
Sant Martí Sarroca, Spain
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
More than just a restaurant, Casa Nova is a mini-paradise on Earth! This charming old country property that was once a poultry farm is run by a couple with a total commitment to sustainability and no half measures. Upon arrival in the car park, guests are given a close-up tour with explanations that highlight their environmental concerns. Following this, in a delightful atmosphere combining the past and present, chef Andrés Torres offers two contemporary-style menus (Viña and Gran Vendimia) that are based around time-honoured dishes made by his mother as well as local ingredients (the restaurant has a large kitchen garden with chickens, bees, tuna drying sheds and coffee roasters, grows its own shitake mushrooms, and produces its own vinegars, wines etc). There’s also the occasional international influence resulting from the chef’s humanitarian trips abroad (as an example, Casa Nova also bakes bread in a wood-fired oven in the same way as the indigenous communities on the Peruvian altiplano). The wine cellar features an impressive selection of vintage labels that come as a pleasant surprise.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Sustainable Gastronomy Focus: Casa Nova is recognized not only for its high-level cuisine but also for its commitment to sustainability, having received the Green Michelin Star in addition to its Michelin Star. The restaurant emphasizes a sustainable gastronomic scene, which is a distinctive aspect of its culinary identity.
Complete Experience with Rural Accommodation: Casa Nova offers more than just dining; it provides a full rural experience including accommodation with three suites featuring private indoor jacuzzis, breakfast, and free bicycle access. This combination of luxury lodging and gourmet dining in a rural setting is unconventional for Michelin-starred restaurants.
Unique Family-Friendly Ambiance with Farm Animals: The restaurant features a comfortable and unique ambiance where families can enjoy the outdoor courtyard and interact with chickens, horses, and dogs in the adjacent stables. This farm-like environment combined with Michelin-starred cuisine is an unusual and charming characteristic.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
- Local Vegetables: Sourced from their own kitchen garden, these vegetables are central to Casa Nova's commitment to sustainability and local ingredients, often featured in contemporary dishes that highlight the freshness of the produce.
- Eggs from Their Own Hens: Used in various dishes, these eggs add a personal touch and emphasize the restaurant's focus on zero-mile ingredients.
- Locally Sourced Produce: Casa Nova emphasizes the use of local and organic ingredients, which are integral to their culinary philosophy and sustainability efforts.