Álvaro Garrido

Mina began in the Mercado de la Ribera — the largest covered market in Europe, an Art Deco building on the banks of the Nervión where Bilbao's fish, vegetables and meats have been sold since 1929. Starting a tasting-menu restaurant inside a functioning food market was a statement: the best ingredient comes from the market, not from distant suppliers.

Álvaro Garrido is the chef and owner of Restaurante Mina in Bilbao, which has held its Michelin star since 2013. Supported in the dining room by Lara Martín, Garrido creates avant-garde tasting menus rooted in Basque tradition, originally in the historic Mercado de la Ribera before relocating to the city center.

Basque Country, Spain — trained in Basque and Spanish contemporary fine dining; avant-garde Basque tasting-menu approach

Career

• Chef at Basque and Spanish contemporary restaurants, Basque Country and Spain (2000s–2010)
• Chef-Owner at Restaurante Mina, Bilbao (2010–present)

Mentored by Basque culinary tradition and Spanish avant-garde cuisine.