Juan Carlos Ferrando

The story

Juan Carlos Ferrando: Contemporary Cuisine in Logroño, Spain | Michelin Recommended

A Personal Style in Logroño

On a pedestrian street in central Logroño, a discreet doorway opens into the world of chef Juan Carlos Ferrando. The restaurant, which he opened with his wife Zuriñe Ortiz in December 2018, is a space of calm and surprise. The modern, handcrafted décor—with its attention to detail and personality—is a direct preview of the cooking to come.

Born in Buenos Aires and trained in French technique, Ferrando has spent more than two decades in La Rioja and the Basque Country. That sense of place is central to his work. He describes his cooking as “fine, elegant and delicate,” shaped by time: the time needed to respect ingredients, and the time required for each flavour to find its harmony.

The Menus: Product and Memory

The ingredient is the starting point. Ferrando’s contemporary cuisine draws on what is local, traditional, and seasonal—from the land, the river, and the sea. His conviction is that technique matters less than memory and respect for those who came before.

The “Crossroads” tasting menu (€86) reflects the chef’s personality and the region’s position as a crossroads of valleys and mountains. It includes dishes such as bluefin tuna belly with roasted aubergine, sautéed La Rioja chard with seared foie gras, and dry-aged Vendée pigeon cooked in three stages. The “Market” set menu (€48, available for lunch) changes weekly based on availability, offering a varied and honest proposition built on market produce. An à la carte menu rotates quarterly with the seasons.

The wine list is equally considered, featuring around 270 labels with a strong focus on Rioja, alongside selections from across Spain and the world. The on-site wine cellar, recognised with The Best of Wine Tourism 2024 award, is designed as a space for gathering and conversation, where guests can enjoy a glass before the meal.

A Recognised Address

Ferrando’s steady, personal approach has earned the restaurant a Michelin Recommended award, marking it as a destination for those seeking the present of Riojan gastronomy. The restaurant also hosts private events and offers a catering service, “In your home,” bringing the kitchen’s sensibility to outside tables.