Esperit Roca
Sant Julià de Ramis, Spain
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
An old military fortress provides the backdrop for this Roca brothers venture, occupying the imposing Castillo de Sant Julià de Ramis, barely 10km from Girona, which they have transformed into a leading food and cultural centre. In this setting, which also features a superb hotel, everything makes an impression, from the access through the CCR exhibition explaining the creative processes of El Celler de Can Roca (CCR), to the impressive dome in the wine cellar (housing over 80 000 bottles), academy-library and the distillery that now acts as the restaurant’s R&D space. In the dining room, where the predominant materials are cement and concrete, the aim is to bring the surrounding natural landscapes into the heart of the room via the large picture windows. In terms of cuisine, the à la carte favours classic El Celler recipes, albeit with a twist that adds the eatery’s own personality. This is complemented by two highly original menus: Espíritu Salado (6 dishes and 2 desserts) and Espíritu Dulce (2 dishes and 6 desserts).
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
- Wine as a Culinary Foundation: The restaurant emphasizes wine as a central element in its culinary approach, often creating dishes inspired by wine and its aromas.
- Futuristic Dessert Preparation: The dessert "Bosque lluvioso" (Rainforest) is prepared using a unique device that releases aromatic mushroom distillate, creating a sensory experience.
- Historic and Immersive Setting: Located in a 19th-century fortress, the restaurant offers a unique blend of history and gastronomy, with an impressive wine cellar and exhibition spaces dedicated to the Roca brothers' culinary journey.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Esperit Roca in Sant Julià de Ramis include:
Marine plankton mousse: Used in the "Sea and vegetal mountain" dish, this mousse is blended with sea fennel, Salicornia, and seasonal flowers to capture the essence of the Mediterranean coast, showcasing the restaurant's focus on marine and vegetal elements.
Sea fennel and Salicornia: These coastal plants are key in the marine plankton mousse dish, adding distinctive sea flavors and textures that highlight the Mediterranean influence.
Palamós red prawn: Featured with seaweed vinegar, prawn velouté, and coral distillate, this ingredient emphasizes local seafood and is treated with refined sauces to enhance its natural sweetness and umami.
St George mushrooms: Incorporated in a steamed brioche starter, these mushrooms bring an earthy, forest flavor that contrasts with the marine elements, reflecting the restaurant's "sea and mountain" theme.
Turbot: Presented in a trilogy of preparations seasoned with Kalamata oil and oxalis pil pil, turbot exemplifies the restaurant's skill in elevating classic fish dishes with nuanced seasoning and textures.
These ingredients are significant as they represent a balance between the Mediterranean sea and mountain landscapes, a hallmark of the Roca brothers' culinary philosophy, blending local terroir with innovative techniques to create signature dishes that are both playful and deeply rooted in place.
Menu & Pricing
Current Offerings & Prices
Tasting Menus
- Menú Largo: 6 platos + 2 postres, €170
- Menú Corto: 2 platos principales + 6 postres, €139