L'Ó

The story

L'Ó – Manresa – Michelin-Starred Modern Cuisine at Món Sant Benet

Setting the scene

Perched within the sprawling Món Sant Benet estate, L'Ó occupies a space that feels both ancient and contemporary. The monastery of Sant Benet de Bages provides the backdrop, while the dining room is minimalist and comfortable – a place where the focus falls squarely on the plate. Since 2013, this restaurant has held a Michelin star, making it the only starred address in the Bages region.

The kitchen and its philosophy

The team is led by chef Ivan Margalef, whose career spans notable restaurants both in Spain and abroad. At L'Ó, he practices a form of modern cuisine that is at once creative and grounded. The menu draws inspiration from the immediate surroundings: the monastery, the vegetable gardens, and the landscape of Bages. Ingredients are seasonal, locally sourced, and treated with respect. The cooking is described as a fusion of modernity and tradition – suggestive, daring recipes built on the flavours of Catalan home cooking.

What to expect on the plate

L'Ó offers a tasting menu that changes with the season. Each dish is a balance of technique and clarity, letting the product speak. On Fridays, a special chef's menu is available at both lunch and dinner – a three-course proposition (plus dessert, bread, and water) for 60 euros per person, designed to make the Michelin-starred experience more accessible to the local community. The menu is different every week, reflecting the market and the chef's inspiration.

A restaurant with purpose

Beyond the plate, L'Ó operates with a strong sense of social and environmental responsibility. The team prioritises traceability, waste reduction, and the positive impact of their sourcing. It is a kitchen that looks outward – to the territory, the people, and the future – while staying rooted in the craft of exceptional modern cuisine.