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Yecla restaurant wins the 6th Michelin star in the Region of Murcia
Restaurante Barahonda sits among vineyards at the Yecla winery of the same name
Restaurante Barahonda in Yecla has been awarded the coveted Michelin star in recognition of the excellence of its menus, service, atmosphere and presentation, becoming the recipient of only the 6th such award in the Region of Murcia.
The others have been awarded to La Cabaña Buenavista in El Palmar (in 2009 and 2017), Magoga in Cartagena (2019), Almo in Murcia (2021) and Frases, also in Murcia, last year.
Restaurante Barahonda is located in the vineyards of the wine-producing area of Yecla in the north of the Region of Murcia, alongside the winery of the same name, and receives its distinction after years of creativity and hard work on the part of Alejandro Ibáñez. He stresses the importance of products from the Region and the restaurant’s rise to prominence owes much to his professionalism. The establishment has been recognized with Repsol guide stars since 2016 and has been recommended by the Michelin guide without winning a star, while other prestigious moments have been the winning of the Mursiya Mezze prize in 2017 and being named “Traveller Choice” by Tripadvisor in 2020 and 2021.
The star ingredients on the menu at Restaurante Barahonda include Lamb of the “segureño” breed, seasonal and locally sourced vegetables, fish from the Mediterranean and of course the wine of Yecla, and the presentation is always immaculately elegant. These are best tasted in the set menus and tasting menus, which are priced from 45 euros per head, and a children’s menu is also available (although this is not your standard nuggets and chips children’s menu, as it features Angus steak and hake!).
Opening hours are 13.30 to 15.30 every day of the week except Mondays.
This represents another important addition to the tourism attractions of Yecla, rounding off a year in which the annual Fiestas de la Virgen (which begin next Friday 5th December) have been awarded International Tourist Interest status!
Images: Barahonda.com, turismo.yecla.es
More visiting information is available from the tourist office of Yecla (turismo@yecla.es) or, for more local events, news and visiting information in English, go to the home page of Yecla Today.
staff.inc.and
Address
Plaza Mayor, Casa de los Arcos, s/n 30510 YECLATel: 968 754 104
Oficina de Turismo de Yecla
In early 2025, due to renovation work at the usual office, the service is located on the other side of the Plaza Mayor at Calle Epifanio Ibáñez nº 2 (click for map).
Yecla is a large municipality in the north of the Region of Murcia, home to just under 35,000 people, and these days is best known for its wines, which enjoy Denomination of Origin status, and its furniture production, which has its origins in the abundance of pine trees on the mountainsides and the high plateaux.
While visitors in the 21st century may be attracted primarily by wine tourism, the town (or city, as it was proclaimed in 1878) also has a wide historical, cultural and natural heritage, and an identity quite different from the coastal areas of the Region of Murcia. For this reason it is often grouped together with its neighbour and fellow wine-producing area Jumilla as part of the Altiplano area.
Yecla borders with Castilla-La Mancha and the Region of Valencia and is closer to Alicante coastal areas than much of Murcia. These visitors come to see the historic old town itself - an atmospheric and interesting place, crammed full of history - the natural beauty of Monte Arabí, with stunning views for those who enjoy the outdoors, the gastonomy and of course the wine route.
Yecla boasts cave paintings from 10,000 years ago in Monte Arabí, a Bronze Age settlement at El Arabilejo, Iberian remains in El Pulpillo and a Roman administrative centre at Los Torrejones as well as the remnants of the 11th century Moorish castle on the hill behind the town. More modern (and complete) testimony to the past are the buildings in the town centre, which include the grandiose Basílica de la Purísima, with its striking blue dome, the archaeological museum and the attractive Plaza Mayor, where the 16th century Town Hall stands alongside the Renaissance Casa de los Alarcos, the clock tower and the old grain store.
The tourist office holds a full selection of leaflets, maps, pre-planned routes, accommodation and restaurant options and information about visiting Yecla for both individuals and groups.
There is parking close to the tourist office, although those driving to Yecla for the first time are advised to park in Calle Perales.
For further information go to the home page of Yecla Today.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday 8.00 to 15.00
Saturdays 10.30 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.30.
Public holidays 10.30 to 14.00
Click for map, Yecla tourist office
