La Finca
Loja, Spain
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
One of those culinary jewels that could easily be overlooked, given that is just one of the gourmet options on offer at the luxury Finca La Bobadilla hotel, a delightful property styled on a typical Andalucian-style farm estate, in the heart of the countryside in the province of Granada. The experience here (based around two highly creative surprise tasting menus entitled Cercanía and Lindes), starts in the spectacular old chapel (note the surprising sight of one of the world’s largest organs with over 1 600 pipes) where you’ll enjoy mini-stew starters teeming with flavour. It then moves on to the restaurant’s rustic-elegant dining room to savour dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of Granada and Málaga. These have been brought right up to date through the technical mastery of young chef Fernando Arjona. One dish that we particularly enjoyed and left its mark was the grouper with a “Rondeña” jus and fennel soup.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Here are three unique and unconventional aspects of the Michelin-starred restaurant La Finca in Loja:
1. Hidden Gem in the Sierra de Loja Surrounded by Andalusian Countryside
La Finca is uniquely situated within the vast 350-hectare Andalusian countryside at Finca La Bobadilla, a luxury boutique hotel between Málaga and Granada. This location offers a tranquil and authentic natural setting, making it a rare oasis of peace and beauty away from typical urban dining scenes.
2. Culinary Tribute to Andalusian Heritage with a Contemporary Twist
The restaurant’s cuisine is a heartfelt homage to Andalusia’s rich culinary traditions, especially recipes from Málaga and Granada. Chef Fernando Arjona revisits local flavors with modern touches, blending traditional Andalusian dishes like salmorejo cordobés and slow-roasted suckling goat with contemporary fine dining techniques.
3. Innovative Global Dessert Experience
While the main menu focuses on local Andalusian cuisine, the dessert course offers a unique and unconventional journey through global flavors. Chef Pablo Gonzales combines tastes from five continents on a single plate, creating a dessert that transcends regional cuisine and showcases international creativity.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant La Finca in Loja are:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A fundamental Andalusian ingredient used to enhance flavors, often served with bread or incorporated into dishes to highlight local authenticity.
Riofrío Essence Naccarii Caviar: A luxurious local delicacy featured in starters and tasting menus, showcasing refined Andalusian flavors.
Iberian Pork: Celebrated for its quality and flavor, it appears in dishes such as creamy croquettes with Iberian ham and wood-fired Iberian secreto, reflecting regional culinary heritage.
Adora Tomato: Used in signature starters like Adora tomato with pistachio pesto, emphasizing fresh, local produce.
Marcona Almonds: Incorporated into main courses such as double-cooked red snapper with spring mushrooms and Marcona almonds, adding texture and a distinctive nutty flavor.
These ingredients are significant as they represent the rich Andalusian terroir and culinary tradition, elevated by Chef Fernando Arjona's technical mastery and creativity in dishes that blend local heritage with modern gastronomy.