Abarike

The story

Abarike Gijón: Michelin-Recommended Seafood Omakase by Chef Lara Roguez

Chef Lara Roguez and the Cantabrian Sea

In the centre of Gijón, chef Lara Roguez runs Abarike, a restaurant built around the seafood of the Cantabrian Sea. Her approach is direct: every dish starts with the catch, and every plate tells the story of its origin. She calls herself "la chef del Cantábrico" – the chef of the Cantabrian – and her work has earned her a Michelin recommendation just months after opening, along with the title of Best Restaurant in Spain 2022 from Gourmets magazine.

The Tasting Menus

Abarike works on an omakase-style tasting menu system. There are two daily options: Marea Baja (low tide) at €50, a five-course meal with bread and butter service, filtered water, and a sweet course. Marea Alta (high tide) at €110 expands to eight to ten savoury dishes and two sweets. Both are built exclusively from fish and seafood from the FAO Atlantic Cantabrian zone (area 27.8). A wine pairing is available for an additional €25 or €55 respectively.

The menus change with the market and the catch. The sequence of courses balances intensity, texture, and rhythm – a technical structure that lets the product speak. Sitting at the counter, diners watch the cooking and learn about each ingredient's provenance. The experience is meant to be educational as well as delicious.

A Commitment to Traceability

Traceability is not a buzzword here – it is the backbone of the kitchen. Chef Roguez has developed a system that gives diners clear information: the FAO zone, the fishing method, the weight, and the name of the fisher. This practice, she explains, builds trust, educates on responsible consumption, and connects the guest to the small-scale fishermen whose work is honoured in the dining room. Sustainability, ethical fishing, and local product are woven into every plate.

Abarike's style is contemporary, but the soul is pure Cantabrian. The restaurant also offers private chef services, catering, and events, and its gift cards make a thoughtful present for seafood lovers. Whether you choose the compact Marea Baja or the full Marea Alta, you are eating with intention – and tasting the sea.