Casona del Judío

The story

Casona del Judío Santander: Michelin-Starred Modern Cuisine in a 19th-Century Mansion

Housed in a restored 19th-century Indiano mansion in Santander’s Barrio de Monte, Casona del Judío has become a landmark of Cantabrian gastronomy. The restaurant is a short walk from both the city centre and the region’s famous beaches, creating a setting that feels both tranquil and connected to the landscape.

At the helm is chef Sergio Bastard, a young talent recognised as Mejor Chef de Cantabria and Mejor Cocinero del Arco Atlántico. His approach – described by the restaurant as “un nuevo concepto de la cocina de siempre” – draws deeply from the Cantabrian coast and its high-quality produce. The kitchen is especially known for its mastery of seafood, which features prominently across the menus.

The dining experience revolves around two tasting menus. The Festival menu (€120 per person) is a twelve-course journey that moves from the shore to the mountains. It opens with “Caminando por la Costa Quebrada”, a series of bites that highlight local seaweed, clams, goose barnacles, and the prized Cantabrian anchovy. Later courses celebrate the bond between Andalusia and Cantabria – a quisquilla prawn from Motril, an ethereal pasta with shrimp, or the hearty berza pasiega stew made with Tudanca beef and black truffle. The meal closes with sweets inspired by the region: a sea-themed dessert, a sharp lemon from Novales, and the classic toasted Potes cake.

For a more intimate experience, the chef himself cooks from start to finish at the Mesa del Chef (€150 per person, with optional wine pairing at €57). The structure mirrors the Festival menu, but the service is private and timed at 15:00 or 22:00.

Sergio Bastard’s cooking earned Casona del Judío a Michelin Star, along with a Michelin Green Star for sustainability – a recognition the team takes seriously through their commitment to local sourcing and waste reduction. The restaurant also holds Two Repsol Suns and was voted Spain’s favourite restaurant in 2020 by El Tenedor.

The dining room, recently renovated with EU support, now features a refreshed main hall and a covered terrace that works for both daytime and evening meals. Whether for a special occasion or a quiet lunch, the atmosphere is one of warm professionalism – where regulars return as often as first-time visitors.