Begoña Rodrigo

La Salita ('the little living room') opened in Valencia's Ruzafa neighborhood — a multicultural quarter that became Valencia's gastronomic heartland. Rodrigo's TV success on Top Chef Spain brought national attention to a restaurant that had quietly been developing one of Valencia's most personal cuisines for a decade before the star arrived.

Begoña Rodrigo, born August 15, 1975 in Valencia, opened La Salita in 2003 and earned her Michelin star in 2019. Known for meticulous produce sourcing and a highly personal creative voice, she was the first Spanish chef to win Top Chef Spain (Season 1, 2013), introducing her to a broader audience. Her cooking is rooted in the garden, with a signature touch of Asian influence.

Valencia, Spain — trained in Valencia and internationally; developed a personal, produce-driven Valencian style

Career

• Chef at Various Valencia and international restaurants, Valencia and Asia (1997–2003)
• Owner-Chef at La Salita, Valencia, Spain (2003–present)

Mentored by Valencian culinary tradition with Asian influences.