Michelin Starred Restaurants in Girona Town

When it comes to eating out we are fairly spoiled for choice here in Girona. From the Michelin starred to the humble "plats a emportar" (take away) there is plenty of choice for all standards and pockets. Starting at the top for those that want to try the "best" the choices are between the 2 star Celler de Can Roca run by the three Roca brothers and Massana a 1 star more traditional option. While not going quite as far as El Bulli an hours drive up the road in Roses the Rocas are definately into trying to fool your senses of sight and taste with traditional recipes transformed by modern kitchen wizardry into unrecognisable dishes with fancy names and tastes and textures that either amaze or disgust you. As with all these high end establishments you normally feel the portions are pretty skimpy and the barrage of tiny offerings that make up the gastronomic menu somehow lacks the satisfaction of a basic 3 course meal well done. The wine list is impressive but most let Josep the Maitre choose for them and his prediliction for German whites and French reds comes to the fore. At Massana you will at least recognise what you are being served and the ample choice of Spanish wines to accompany the exciting cuisine is as it should be. This restaurant is a favorite with local Girona businessmen and children are barely tolerated, unlike most Spanish restaurants where they are positively encouraged. They have a wide selection of local Catalan and Spanish olive oils and just dipping bread in 2 or 3 different ones makes for a fine appetizer along with a chilled glass of Cava sparkling wine and some whole olives and maybe some wonderfully marbled Pata Negra (Iberic ham). Local specialities include lamb, pork and fresh seafood combined with vegetables bought from the market daily that vary depending on season. For Can Roca a taxi is the best way to get there as it is a few kilometres out of town and Massana is a 5 minute walk from the train station but parking is always an issue.