Spain's tally of 3 Star Michelin restaurants reaches 7

 

Gourmet good food guide, Michelin, have named 2 new 3-star restaurants in Spain, taking the country's total to 7 seven and extending the country's lead over the U.K., which has 4.

The newly elevated restaurants are Azurmendi, in Larrabetzu in the Basque Country and Quique Dacosta, in Denia on the Costa Blanca.

Akelare and Arzak (San Sebastian), Martin Berasategui, (Gipuzkoa); Sant Pau (Barcelona); and El Celler de Can Roca (Girona), all retain their top rankings.

A further 2 restaurants gained a second star - both of them in Barcelona - to bring the Country's tally of Michelin 2-star establishments t 19.

Michelin announced the results ahead of the launch of their 2013 Iberian Gourmet Guide Book, stating : "In terms of gourmet dining, 2013 was an outstanding year in Spain, with high marks for the quality and diversity of the culinary offerings."

Three stars mean exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey; two are for excellent cooking, worth a detour; one denotes a very good restaurant in its category.