At the Michelin Gala held on November 26, 2023, at the Víctor Villegas Congress Auditorium in Murcia, Spain, the prestigious culinary guide announced its new distinctions for 2025. Among the night’s highlights, Casa Marcial, owned by chef Nacho Manzano, achieved its third Michelin star, becoming the first restaurant in Asturias to receive this honor.
“We didn’t expect it; we are extremely happy,” Manzano confessed, adding that he carries in his heart the ovation from his professional colleagues at the gala, Qué Pasa reported. The chef took the stage to collect his new three-star white jacket, accompanied by his sister Esther and nephew Jesús, dedicating the award to his daughter Julia and his father Marcial in an emotional acceptance speech.
Casa Marcial, located in the village of La Salgar in Asturias, offers a gastronomic experience focused on Asturian flavors and creativity. The restaurant has been recognized for transforming traditional Asturian recipes into authentic works of art worthy of its stature. It offers three tasting menus: El Cachucho for 220 euros, El Fitu for 165 euros, and La Salgar for 130 euros, each linked to key points in the surrounding environment.
The Manzano family plays a fundamental role in the success of Casa Marcial. Nacho’s sister, Esther, has been working alongside him since 1993. His nephew Jesús has also joined the family business, contributing to the kitchen. In his acceptance speech, Nacho expressed affection for his sister Sandra, calling her “the best dining room manager we could dream of,” highlighting her fundamental role in the restaurant, Las Provincias reported.
The gala also saw the awarding of two Michelin stars to Alevante in Chiclana de la Frontera, Cádiz, led by head chefs Cristian Rodríguez and Alan Iglesias, who expressed gratitude to chef Ángel León “for the trust” placed in them. Similarly, LÚ Cocina y Alma in Jerez de la Frontera, owned by chef Juanlu Fernández, received its second star. Retiro da Costiña in Santa Comba, Galicia, under chef Manuel García, was another recipient of a second star.
“Spain has one of the best gastronomies in the world, with its products, chefs, and restaurants contributing a culinary richness that is hard to find in other parts of the world,” noted 20 Minutos. The Michelin Guide 2025 reflects this richness by awarding 32 new restaurants their first Michelin star, recognizing establishments that provide an authentic sensory experience.
Among the new one-star restaurants are Barcelona’s Fishology, MAE, Prodigi, and Teatro Kitchen & Bar, with Fishology being a very original project focused on fish. Madrid also welcomed new one-star restaurants, including Chispa Bistró and Gofio, led by Canarian chef Safe Cruz, who regained his star in the new city center location.
In addition to the stars, the Michelin Guide awarded Green Stars to establishments demonstrating a special ecological commitment and respect for the environment. Casa Marcial was among those recognized, awarded a Green Star for its sustainable management and deep respect for local products and producers, valuing their work in each dish.
The gala recognized various professionals beyond the kitchen who contributed to enhancing the restaurant experience. The Special Award for Best Sommelier 2025 was awarded to José Luis Paniagua from Atrio in Cáceres, led by Toño Pérez and José Polo. The Special Award for the Dining Room 2025 went to Cristina Díaz, head of the dining room at the bi-starred restaurant Maralba in Almansa, who received an ovation from the audience and cried with emotion.
During the event, there was also a heartfelt tribute to the victims of the DANA storm in Valencia, with words of remembrance for those affected and expressions of solidarity from Spanish chefs, including Ricard Camarena, Begoña Rodrigo, and Quique Dacosta.
The night was marked by excitement and anticipation. “After a night of nerves, the names were revealed little by little, and after 9:15 PM, the restaurants joining the gastronomic elite this year were announced,” reported El Mundo. Chefs present at the gala were excited to learn about the winners, although some experienced more nerves than expected due to the possibility of losing their star. Fortunately, none of the restaurants that had three stars in 2024 lost them in this edition, keeping the total number of three-star restaurants in Spain at 16.
The Michelin Guide now collects more than 17,000 restaurants in over 50 countries worldwide, with 752 recommended restaurants in Spain, including 86 new additions this year. The guide also includes 213 Bib Gourmand establishments, characterized by a good quality-price ratio.
Casa Marcial’s achievement places the Manzano family at the level of other great families of Spanish gastronomy, such as the Arzak family or the Roca brothers. “Our cuisine is an extension of our way of understanding life, squeezing locality and tradition as a starting point to create our own culinary language,” Nacho Manzano reflected.
The Michelin Gala 2025 showcased the excellence and diversity of Spanish gastronomy, highlighting the dedication and passion of its chefs and the rich culinary heritage they represent.
