Maralba

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Maralba: Michelin 2-Star Castilian Cuisine in Almansa, Spain

Maralba: A Taste of Castile in Almansa

In the heart of Almansa, Chef Fran Martínez runs Maralba, a restaurant that has earned two Michelin stars for its refined interpretation of Castilian cuisine. The kitchen looks out onto the Mediterranean – a metaphor for a style that roots itself in the Manchego landscape while allowing coastal breezes to shape the plate.

Martínez offers three tasting menus, each named to reflect a different depth of his cooking. The “Esencia” menu is described as "the calmest journey through the stoves of Fran Martínez", featuring welcome bites, two starters, fish, meat, a cheese course, and two desserts. The “Alma” menu pauses time to explore the soul of Maralba, with six savory courses plus an artisanal cocktail. The “Gran Menú de Fran Martínez” is the longest arc, an expression of both essence and soul, tracing the territories between La Mancha and the Levante.

All menus include house-made sourdough bread. To accompany, sommelier Cristina Díaz curates wine pairings that complement the progression of flavors. The restaurant’s commitment to the region’s ingredients and precise technique justifies the recognition it has received from Michelin.

Diners can expect a meal that moves from land to sea, with dishes shaped by what the market offers. The atmosphere is refined yet accessible, a setting that lets the cooking speak for itself. Maralba is open for lunch Wednesday through Sunday and for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays.