Mugaritz

It is not surprising that Mugaritz splits opinion. Before arriving, my wife and I had read the reviews on both sides of the spectrum. Unlike a “traditional” Michelin experience where your experience is already boosted by your very high expectations, we were in a genuinely open mindset and ready to be wowed or indeed deeply disappointed. We were wowed. The movement through the restaurant’s outside space into the beautiful dining room and the visit to the kitchen only added to the theatre. The brief hiatus to play a card game with fellow diners was also a brilliant way to keep energy high in the 4.5 hour experience. The food - the star of the show - was almost universally delicious, with most dishes being an absolute knockout, and those that weren’t on the taste buds were on the brain. This is the opposite of a hearty stew. The menu challenges you to think, savour, and experiment - including with how you eat, the majority of which is done with your hands. The wine (/cider/mead/sake/sherry) pairings were exceptional. A superb evening we will remember forever, and right up there with the Fat Duck in experiential dining.

Some restaurants are destinations in themselves. For me, Mugaritz was one of them. Located near San Sebastián (Donostia), the heart of Basque gastronomy, Mugaritz holds two Michelin stars and has long been regarded as one of the world's most innovative restaurants. When I first visited this region years ago, I made a promise to myself: one day, I would dine at Mugaritz. The restaurant closes for several months every year to reinvent its menu and create an entirely new culinary experience. As soon as reservations opened, I joined the queue and managed to secure a table on the very first day of the new season. Their 21-course tasting menu is created individually for every table. When I mentioned that I follow a vegan diet, there was no hesitation - only enthusiasm. The team embraced the challenge and crafted a vegan version of the entire experience. More than four hours later, I understood why Mugaritz is so special. The journey began outdoors before moving into their culinary laboratory. We were invited into the kitchen to watch the chefs at work, took part in a card game designed as part of the experience, and discovered that every detail had been carefully considered. This isn't just dinner - it's storytelling, creativity, and theatre brought together through food. Most of all, I enjoyed every single bite. Every course had a purpose, a story, and a reason for being there. It also became completely clear why the team spends months developing each new menu. This level of creativity simply cannot be rushed. The 21-course tasting menu costs €319 per person, excluding drinks. Without question, it's an experience worth every single euro.

This is an interactive culinary show more than a culinary excellence experience . The food is innovative but not at the level of a 2-star Michelin. Most dishes are based on fermentation; thus, not everyone will appreciate the strong and sometimes overwhelming flavors. No bread nor knife/forks .. just a spoon for a soup; so, those of use raised with “manners matter” table etiquette might feel rather uncomfortable eating with hands. There was a ceramic forearm presented at the beginning as some sort of “ice breaker” because it was covered in butter that we were told to eat however we wanted (but no silverware, bread or anything else on the table) so, our hands and tongues were our only tools … so..first time i used my pinky finger at a formal dinner … simply didn’t feel right… wine pairing was excellent as well as service. in summary, it was a night full of first times except for our visit, which shall be the last one! Almost forgot … more than $1,000 euros for 2 people and we left still feeling hungry.

It was an experience but! The food was not great at all, at the end you are looking for a place with great food and creativity, the service was amazing but it felt like the place and the service is trying to make up for not great food.. unfortunately won’t recommend the place..

If you are up for something different. Both our friends and ourselves have to numerous fine dining restaurants; this is an experience and if you are in the right mindset you will love it. It is an understated experience, no Wizard of Oz and ruby slippers, at least not on face level. We started off with a relaxed mountain lounge vibe for an aperitif and amuse bouche. Then made a quick sortie to Hansel and Gretel mode for a surprise soup and from there to a mixture of Alice in Wonderland, Willy Wonka and fine dining (more like what the food reminded me of since the restaurant is quiet, comfortable and refined). The service and attention to detail, including restrictions was friendly and impeccable. Their curated wine list has some serious gems. We had a blast! Muchas Gracias!