#Deessa, the gastronomic restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, has received its first Michelin star eight months after opening, awarded in December at the Michelin 2022 gala, which took place at the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía in Valencia. This gastronomic space, created and directed by the three Michelin star chef Quique Dacosta, is part of the proposal developed by the chef for Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid. Created by three-star chef Quique Dacosta, the chef’s most avant-garde space in Madrid is now part of the prestigious gastronomic guide.

The Deessa team, led by its head chef Ricard Tobella, proposes a discourse with a Mediterranean soul, with a clear focus on the Madrid larder and local produce and from a totally avant-garde perspective. With a different approach to the chef’s already well-known universe, covering all facets of the gastronomic experience, from haute cuisine to the dining room. The restaurant offers two tasting menus: the Quique Dacosta Historical Menu, a display of the renowned chef’s most emblematic dishes that make up his culinary biography; and the QDRitz Contemporary Menu, a proposal with dishes exclusively designed for the setting of the refurbished Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid and overlooking the dazzling Ritz Garden.

“This Michelin star is special. Deessa has only been open for eight months and the team has already positioned it as one of the top restaurants in Madrid. It is a recognition of the talent and good work of a team that I am really proud of. We are excited and motivated to continue on a path that has only just begun”, said Quique Dacosta at the end of the gala.

Greg Liddell, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, is very enthusiastic about this recognition: “From the moment we began to conceive the reopening of the hotel, one of our goals and priorities was to provide a dining experience that would make it a destination in itself, and we couldn’t have chosen a better partner to achieve this. We are truly proud to have Quique Dacosta leading this important wing of the hotel, not only for Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, but also for a city that has stood out for years as a gastronomic mecca.”

For Ricard Tobella, “Capo”, Head Chef of Deessa: “This recognition is the fruit of hard work, of an exceptional team of more than X people, led by great professionals from various fields such as María Torrecilla – director of Deessa; and Silvia García Guijarro – Head Sommelier of the Hotel. For me, working hand in hand with such a team is already a prize. It is an incredible feeling that pushes us to dream even higher”.

María Torrecilla, director of Deessa, stresses the efforts of professionals who work every day to achieve exceptional results: “To consolidate this project, which was born out of affection and respect for an emblem of Madrid, it was necessary to form a team based on honesty, know-how and care for their work to provide an experience in which customers come, enjoy themselves and feel at home. Now, the commitment of all the great workers who make up the team has been rewarded with the most prestigious recognition in the gastronomic field”.

The delight of excellence in the kitchen also goes hand in hand with the pairing of wines that accentuate and nuance flavours and textures. For this, Silvia García, Head Sommelier of the Hotel, has been in charge of designing this touch capable of making a difference. “The sommelier’s service is just another part of this gastronomic experience, and without it, the table would be lame. Collaborating with Quique Dacosta in choosing the best possible pairing for these high-level menus has been an opportunity and a real honour”.

Quique Dacosta, together with the whole team, stages the excellence that characterises him in five first-class culinary universes within the hotel itself: the restaurants Deessa, Palm Court, Champagne Bar and El Jardín del Ritz, as well as the Pictura cocktail bar.

Report by 24/7 Valencia team

More info: https://www.quiquedacosta.es/