Fernando Canales

Atelier Etxanobe ('Etxanobe' is a traditional Basque house name, meaning 'old new house') occupies a beautifully restored 19th-century glass factory in Bilbao's cultural quarter. The industrial setting frames a cuisine that is equally rooted in Basque tradition and open to contemporary reinvention.

Fernando Canales, born in Bilbao, leads Atelier Etxanobe, a Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant he founded in a converted 19th-century glass factory. He co-directs the kitchen with his longtime head chef Mikel Población. His contemporary Basque cuisine respects classical Basque technique while embracing creative evolution.

Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain — trained in classical Basque cuisine; developed contemporary Basque fine dining

Career

• Chef at Basque and Spanish restaurants, Basque Country, Spain (1990s)
• Chef-Owner at Atelier Etxanobe, Bilbao (2000–present)

Mentored by Classical Basque culinary tradition.