Aponiente is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in El Puerto de Santa Maria, Spain that is renowned for its innovative and sustainable seafood cuisine. The restaurant is headed by chef Angel Leon, who is often referred to as “the chef of the sea” due to his focus on using lesser-known and underutilized ingredients from the sea.
Chef Leon has spent years researching and experimenting with the potential of the ocean’s bounty, leading him to develop his signature cuisine that has earned him international acclaim. He has become known for his commitment to sustainability, using ingredients that are typically discarded or overlooked in traditional seafood cuisine, such as fish heads, seaweed, and plankton.
At Aponiente, diners are taken on a culinary journey that showcases the best of the sea. The restaurant’s menu is divided into different “marine ecosystems,” each one featuring a selection of dishes that highlight the diversity and potential of different ingredients found in the ocean. The menu changes frequently to reflect the seasons and the availability of ingredients, and the dishes are designed to be visually stunning and creative, as well as delicious.
One of the standout dishes at Aponiente is the “sea air” dish, which is a light and airy foam made from seawater that is served with a variety of seafood and sea plants. This dish perfectly encapsulates Chef Leon’s philosophy of using the entire marine ecosystem in his cuisine, and it is a great example of the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability.
Another must-try dish at Aponiente is the “red tuna oxtail,” which is a tender piece of oxtail that has been infused with the flavor of red tuna. The dish is served with a delicate seaweed broth that complements the flavors of the tuna and the oxtail, creating a unique and unforgettable taste experience.
In addition to its creative and sustainable cuisine, Aponiente is also known for its stunning location. The restaurant is situated in an old tide mill on the banks of the Guadalete River, and the interior has been designed to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that complements the restaurant’s focus on sustainability and the natural world.
Aponiente is a true culinary gem that offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience. Chef Angel Leon’s commitment to sustainable and innovative cuisine has earned him a well-deserved place among the world’s top chefs, and his restaurant is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves seafood and wants to experience the potential of the ocean’s bounty. If you have the opportunity to visit Aponiente, be sure to come hungry and ready to be wowed by the creative and delicious cuisine that awaits you.
Images courtesy of Aponiente
