El Motel

The story

El Motel, Figueres: Michelin-Recommended Seasonal Dining in the Empordà

Welcome to El Motel

On Avenida Salvador Dalí in Figueres, El Motel has long been a fixture for those who appreciate straightforward excellence. The restaurant’s own motto — L’excel·lència del clàssic i senzill (the excellence of the classic and simple) — captures its approach: refined yet unpretentious, rooted in tradition but open to evolution. Open from sunrise to sunset, it offers four distinct experiences under one roof: a coffee shop for morning vigour, a vermuteria for relaxed aperitifs, a classic restaurant for lunch and dinner, and a wine bar for evening pairings.

Seasonal Cuisine, Local Roots

The kitchen works with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the landscape of the Empordà — where the Mediterranean meets the Pyrenees. The menu balances classic preparations with contemporary touches, and the Menú Empordà is designed as a complete gastronomic journey: sea and mountain, tradition and evolution, all paired with a carefully selected wine list. This commitment to seasonal cooking is the heart of El Motel’s identity, earning it a Michelin Recommended distinction for 2026.

A Setting for All Hours

Whether you stop in for a midday vermut on the terrace or settle in for a long dinner in the dining room, the atmosphere remains consistently warm and professional. The restaurant also accommodates private parties and takeaway, and its outdoor seating is a favourite when the weather cooperates. With a dedicated wine bar for evening cocktails and small plates, El Motel proves that quality need not be confined to a single meal — it can unfold across an entire day.