Catalonia, a region known for its rich history and bold flavors, is home to a culinary destination unlike any other. "Esperit Roca", founded by the renowned Roca brothers, seamlessly blends a Michelin-starred restaurant, a luxury hotel, and an innovative distillery. As a result, guests can experience a unique combination of gastronomy, culture, and artistry.

Located in a 19th-century military fortress, this exclusive retreat sits between the Pyrenees mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, its commitment to locally sourced ingredients ensures that every dish reflects the region’s authentic flavors. Fresh Palamós prawns, Ripollès lamb, and wild herbs from the on-site garden all contribute to its world-class dining experience.

The Culinary Masterminds Behind "Esperit Roca"

The Roca name has long been associated with culinary excellence. It all began in 1967 when Josep Roca and Montserrat Fontané opened "Can Roca" in Girona, serving traditional Catalan dishes such as arròs a la cassola—a rich rice casserole with rabbit, prawns, and seasonal vegetables.

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Later, in 1986, their three sons elevated this legacy by opening "El Celler de Can Roca", a Michelin three-starred restaurant. Since then, it has become one of the world’s most sought-after dining destinations. Each brother brings a unique specialty to the table:

1. Josep, a master sommelier, curates exceptional wine pairings.

2. Joan, the head chef, reinvents Catalan cuisine with extraordinary precision.

3. Jordi, an innovative pastry chef, crafts desserts that challenge expectations.

Because of their combined expertise, the Roca brothers launched "Esperit Roca," a luxury retreat offering a complete sensory experience. It houses a 16-room boutique hotel and a culinary research academy set to open soon.

A Breathtaking Location With a Deep Connection to Nature

Situated near the French border, "Esperit Roca" benefits from a landscape that blends coastal beauty and mountain serenity. Thanks to its unique location, guests can enjoy hiking trails, historic sites like the Sant Julià church, and the ancient ruins of Kerunta.

However, the restaurant remains the highlight of the experience. Every ingredient is carefully sourced, allowing chefs to craft dishes that honor Catalan traditions. For example, fresh seafood from Costa Brava, lamb from Ripollès farms, and herbs like mugwort, gentian, and pine grown on-site all contribute to the restaurant’s signature flavors.

An Eight-Course Tasting Menu Like No Other

Dining at "Esperit Roca" is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary journey. The experience begins inside a striking glass dome, which also houses an 80,000-bottle wine cellar. From start to finish, each dish is a masterpiece of technique, storytelling, and flavor.

A Menu Rooted in Catalan Tradition

The first course sets the tone with a mussel-and-sea-urchin salad dressed in a vibrant orange vinaigrette. Accompanied by carrots, sweet potatoes, and yellow beets, this dish highlights the freshness of Mediterranean seafood.

Next, guests are treated to Mediterranean turbot, presented in three distinct ways—loin, fin, and carpaccio. Additionally, the dish is enhanced with kalamata olives, semi-dried tomatoes, and an oxalis-flower-infused pil-pil sauce, creating an unforgettable depth of flavor.

The menu also includes an inventive take on "mar y montaña". Typically featuring meat and seafood, this version replaces those elements with plankton, seaweed, asparagus, and basil, offering a refreshing and modern twist.

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Culinary Innovation at Its Finest

Many dishes go beyond traditional flavors by incorporating groundbreaking techniques. For instance, red prawns are infused with prawn-coral distillate, intensifying their natural essence and creating a truly unique experience.

Additionally, desserts take creativity to another level. One standout dish, "Bosque Lluvioso" (Rainy Woodland), features black chanterelles, powdered pine needles, and a distillate of soil. As a result, it captures the earthy aroma of a forest after rainfall, making it a feast for both the palate and the senses.

The final course blends literature with gastronomy. Guests receive a plate of madeleines paired with a lemon, cinnamon, and Earl Grey custard. At the same time, a copy of "Blood Wedding" by Federico García Lorca accompanies the dish.

By merging storytelling with fine dining, this experience leaves a lasting impression, ensuring that guests walk away with a newfound appreciation for food, art, and culture.

A Destination That Redefines Culinary Excellence

More than just a hotel or a restaurant, "Esperit Roca" represents a celebration of Catalan heritage, creativity, and innovation. Since every dish reflects the region’s rich culinary traditions, each visit feels like an immersive experience rather than just a meal.

For those looking to explore one of the world’s most unique dining destinations, this Michelin-starred retreat offers the perfect blend of history, nature, and cutting-edge cuisine. Thanks to its thoughtfully curated menu and breathtaking surroundings, it remains an unparalleled gastronomic experience.