The story
La Costa is a family business that chef José Álvarez has steadily evolved, always aiming to connect with his guests while keeping pace with gastronomic trends. His work has earned the restaurant a Michelin star and two Soles Repsol. Álvarez describes himself as a chef by tradition and by vocation — a sentiment rooted in his upbringing in El Ejido.
Fish and shellfish from the Alborán Sea share the spotlight with the fruits and vegetables grown under the vast plastic greenhouses that define the local landscape. Álvarez has long championed these ingredients, cultivated with care by nearby farmers. His challenge — and his motivation — has been to make vegetable-focused cooking appealing in a place where a box of fresh produce is an everyday sight. He collaborates with the R&D departments of leading agricultural companies in the region, translating field innovation onto the plate.
The chef’s guiding concept is “verde mar” — a phrase that evokes both the green sea of greenhouse polytunnels and the deep blue of the Mediterranean that borders his hometown. This thread runs through his contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, which balances the briny depth of local seafood with the vibrant, precise flavours of greenhouse-grown produce. Dishes are built around what the land and sea offer in each season, presented with clarity and restraint.
At La Costa, the dining experience reflects the same attention to detail: tasting menus, table service, and a setting that suits both lunch and dinner, with air conditioning and outdoor seating for warmer months. The restaurant also caters to private events and offers a gift option for its tasting menu.
Recognition
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