The story
In the coastal town of Calahonda, just south of Motril, El Conjuro began life in 1989 as a traditional mesón run by the Lorenzo family. Brothers Antonio and his sibling inherited the business, but it was Antonio – the chef – who felt the pull toward something more creative. In March 2017, after a thorough renovation of both kitchen and dining room, they reopened with a new vision: a place where the warmth of a family tavern meets a distinctly contemporary sensibility.
El Conjuro now offers two distinct atmospheres. The main dining room is minimalist and serene, designed for the full tasting menu, seasonal suggestions, and à la carte dishes. Alongside it, a contemporary tavern serves a more informal menu of raciones and medias raciones – a format that lets guests sample widely. The wine list, curated by the glass or bottle, complements both experiences.
Antonio Lorenzo’s cooking is rooted in Andalusian tradition but reaches outward, particularly toward Asia. Signature dishes on the tavern menu include beef tartare with bottarga, foie gras cooked in beetroot with spiced quince, butterfish with ponzu, and fried eggs with caviar. Regulars also return for the tuna kimuchi and the rotating selection of rice dishes. The kitchen balances precision with a sense of play – nothing feels forced.
This contemporary approach earned El Conjuro a Michelin Recommended distinction for 2026, a nod to the consistency and ambition of the Lorenzo brothers’ project. The restaurant has also expanded its footprint: Le Bistró by El Conjuro in Granada and Sangacho, a seasonal pizzeria in Calahonda, offer lighter interpretations of the same culinary spirit.
Whether you settle into the quiet dining room or pull up a stool in the tavern, El Conjuro delivers a confident, unfussy take on contemporary cuisine – one that honors its past while looking forward.
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