Mu•na

Occupying the Casa de Las Bombas, opposite the Castillo de los Templarios, Mu•na’s Arabic name (meaning “desire”) alludes to its desire to satisfy our appetite and our tastebuds. Here, owner-chef Samuel Naveira works with both passion and enthusiasm in this contemporary setting where the decorative ants embellishing the walls are somewhat unusual but are a metaphor for the hard work and effort of the entire team. His cuisine, which he showcases on a single, highly original tasting menu (A Journey to Japan) introduces us to cuisine that plays with a fusion from around the globe while extolling the virtues of the Bierzo region’s seasonal ingredients. The latter have always been the cornerstone of his culinary message, albeit from the perspective of Japanese techniques and recipes (wild boar and apple yakitori, “Berciano” ramen, “botillo” ningo-yaki, “Aquanaria sea bass on the island of Shikoku” etc). The chef is so proud of his Michelin star that he has had it tattooed on his wrist!

• Set in Casa de Las Bombas, directly opposite the Templar castle, with decorative ants on the walls as a house motif.
• A single, highly themed tasting menu that filters Bierzo ingredients through Japanese techniques and dish references.
• An owner-chef operation with a very personal, all-in narrative and a menu built to feel like travel rather than a local greatest-hits list.

Ingredient stars

• Bierzo seasonal produce
• Wild boar
• Apple
• Botillo
• Aquanaria sea bass

Overview

A one-menu, Japanese-leaning fusion restaurant opposite Ponferrada’s Castillo de los Templarios, using Bierzo seasonal ingredients as the anchor.

Menu format

• Single tasting menu, billed as A Journey to Japan.

Notable dishes

• Wild boar and apple yakitori.
• "Berciano" ramen.
• Botillo ningo-yaki.
• Aquanaria sea bass "on the island of Shikoku" (dish title).