El Xato i Cristina Figueira

Fine dining restaurant · La Nucia

El Xato i Cristina Figueira

Fine dining restaurant · La Nucia

1

Av. l'Església, 3, 03530 La Nucia, Alicante, Spain

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El Xato i Cristina Figueira by null
El Xato i Cristina Figueira by null
El Xato i Cristina Figueira by null
El Xato i Cristina Figueira by null
El Xato i Cristina Figueira by null
El Xato i Cristina Figueira by null
El Xato i Cristina Figueira by null
El Xato i Cristina Figueira by null
El Xato i Cristina Figueira by null
El Xato i Cristina Figueira by null
El Xato i Cristina Figueira by null
El Xato i Cristina Figueira by null
El Xato i Cristina Figueira by null
El Xato i Cristina Figueira by null
El Xato i Cristina Figueira by null
El Xato i Cristina Figueira by null
El Xato i Cristina Figueira by null
El Xato i Cristina Figueira by null
El Xato i Cristina Figueira by null
El Xato i Cristina Figueira by null

Highlights

Nestled in the heart of the old town, this family-run gem blends over a century of Alicante culinary heritage with creative flair, ensuring diners leave as friends.  

Featured on Michelin
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Av. l'Església, 3, 03530 La Nucia, Alicante, Spain Get directions

elxato.com
@elxatoicristinafigueira

€100+ · Menu

Reserve

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Av. l'Església, 3, 03530 La Nucia, Alicante, Spain Get directions

+34 965 87 09 31
elxato.com
@elxatoicristinafigueira

€100+ · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

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El Xato

"A family-run restaurant with over 100 years of history, dating back to the simple wine cellar that first opened in 1915. Over time it became a tapas bar and now, run by the fourth generation, it is the most prestigious restaurant in the Marina Baixa area, where the staff do everything possible to ensure that diners “arrive as guests but leave as friends”. Chef Cristina Figueira, who is ably supported by her husband Francisco Cano (in charge of the dining room and wine cellar), began her training in the kitchens of El Xato under the watchful eye of her mother-in-law, Esperanza Fuster. Here, she demonstrates an inexhaustible spirit which has resulted in her becoming one of the most outstanding cooks in the region thanks to her mastery of Alicante cuisine and her creative vision closely linked to the true essence of this area. This is demonstrated by dishes such as her superb grilled langoustine tartare. Choose between two gastronomic menus (Tentaciones and Centenario), both of which feature a wine pairing option that showcases Valencian wines." - Michelin Inspector

https://guide.michelin.com/en/comunidad-valenciana/la-nucia/restaurant/el-xato
View Postcard for El Xato i Cristina Figueira

Stanislav Sidorenko

Google
A great restaurant in a great location. Excellent cuisine and chic service will not leave you indifferent. The menu is updated on average once every 3-4 months. If you do not book in advance, you can find a free table on the street.

Erick

Google
I can summarize the whole experience with one word “Joy”. - …from the impeccable presentation to the thoughtful technique and creativity of each dish, to the well mannered and welcoming staff. You will not be disappointed. Esperança Cano Figueira approached the table and I asked her “why not another Michelin star that in my opinion is well deserved to which she had the most amazing answer. “We are a family owned restaurant run by three generations of passionate food artisans… we want to serve food that is fair to our town and fair to everyone who wants to visit us” .This level of honesty is rare in a world where the ego of the Michelin star chef is ahead of pleasing the guests. If you are near Alicante or Valencia make the detour to this picturesque town and visit El Xato and this amazing family. You will not be disappointed.

Mirador De Polop

Google
Such an amazing evening we have had at restaurant this Saturday! Beautiful atmosphere, excellent staff, exceptional food! We highly recommend this place and would return again!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Antonio Sanchez

Google
Overall good dining experience albeit below expectations. The original chef, who won their Michelin star, regrettably has now taken the back seat. Unfortunately the new chef lacks kitchen experience and seems to be trying too hard and too soon to make her mark. This is taking a toll on the dishes, some of which plainly don’t work. Elaborate dishes with very good presentation. Portions are on the small side. The service is overall correct, with some hiccups along the way. Excessive focus on the stories that link to their long and venerable past, especially when dish execution is so far removed from those narratives.

P. Flyinghigh

Google
Extraordinary experience at El Xato for our 21st anniversary dinner! 💞 It isn’t just the quality of the food, but also the attention to details, friendly service, fine dining but with casual atmosphere. A well deserved Michelin ⭐️! What a gem! 💎

Kim LaFever

Google
The 4 of us had a super fun and fabulous meal at El Xato recently. We enjoyed the food, the hospitality and the setting overlooking the lovely old church in La Nucia. From start to finish the meal was is amazing. We had forgotten to tell them when we booked that one of us needed gluten free choices and the kitchen did not miss a beat. They told us from the start they could accommodate this request which was much appreciated. This is a family run business that has been in the family for many years. When you eat here you feel the family pride and history and also how they have a very updated approach to the food while honoring a lot of local products and cuisine. As you dine there, you get to know all the family over the course of a meal. We loved that Mom (the chef), Dad (the wine expert), and their daughter (who was our food ambassador and server) and work together with their other staff to bring together an experience you will not forget.

Tracey Ford

Google
Excellent menu, a combination of the past 25 years, providing a truly fulfilling gastronomic experience. The combination of flavors and pairings with each individual dish is superb, and the selection of wines perfectly complements the culinary journey. The setting in the heart of the old town adds to the overall charm and ambiance. This establishment is truly deserving of its prestigious 1-star Michelin rating. I highly recommend making early reservations to fully enjoy the delightful experience.

Corey McGregor

Google
If you can, definitely make time for this place. It'll knock your socks off. We had dinner for 4 and chose the larger set menu; 2 with the smaller matching wine set, and 2 with the full set. The following 4 hour evening was unforgettable. Staff are extremely welcoming and friendly at this family owned & operated restaurant. We were seated outside for a marvellous atmosphere and were lucky enough to experience a cool, comfortable evening climate. Ingredients, wines and recipes are all locally sourced and inspired. English explanations of everything were astounding. I've deliberately not shared photos of all the dishes and wines - no spoilers! - but enough to give you an idea. I believe the menu rotates seasonally anyway. The real charm of this place (IMO) is created by the 4 generations of the same family living above and running the restaurant for 100+ years. That's not something you find often, and it really shines through in the quality of the whole experience.