HOLIDAYS MIRANA

A family business that sums up what it has set out to do here in one punchy phrase: 'Manchego cuisine with glimpses of the Mediterranean'. In the elegant dining area with a glass-walled wine cellar, Albacete-born chef Fran Martínez, with a healthy dose of support from his wife Cristina Díaz, really knows how to showcase the region's cuisine and its produce; he gives his creations modern touches that make them stand out without disguising the peculiar names they bear, such as gachamiga, ajopringue, and mojete. The inclusion in the set menus (Tempo, Alma and Fran Martínez's Gran Menú) of all kin

The López sisters, with Irene in the kitchen and Eva in charge of front of house and wine, surprised us in this centrally located aristocratic property, the former family rooms of which been transformed into comfortable, classic-style dining rooms. The chef, who previously studied chemical engineering, has taken advantage of her knowledge in this field by applying the principles of molecular reactions to her recipes, which are unsurprisingly based around local ingredients. On the à la carte, which is complemented by two tasting menus (Origen and Inspiración), you’ll find unmissable dishes such

A restaurant run by married couple Pere and Pepa, with the former in the kitchen and the latter in charge of the dining room. Located along the avenue leading into town from Jumilla, it boasts a terrace at the entrance and an interior with two floors decorated in a rustic, contemporary style. Here, through the à la carte service and their popular Nuestros Arreglitos set menus (only served to a full table), they cook updated and regional Mediterranean cuisine that, in their own words, aims to rediscover the flavours of inland Alicante province via an impressive selection of rice dishes for two

A restaurant with a long family history that has manged to change with the times without losing touch with its roots. Located in the centre of the village, its discreet façade conceals a pleasantly renovated interior with a contemporary feel, including a glass-fronted wine cellar and an open-view grill. The most admirable features here are the respect shown for traditional regional recipes and its cooking methods, with many dishes grilled over the embers in time-honoured fashion. Rice dishes are its speciality (the rice with rabbit and snails is particularly impressive), although it also offer

This cosy restaurant with a Nordic feel is run by two chefs (Kiko in the kitchen and Elisabet in charge of front of house) who also happen to be a couple. Their fresh, regional cuisine features interesting contemporary and international touches and a close bond with the ingredients of each season – they like nothing better than heading out into the countryside to forage for herbs and mushrooms! The à la carte, which always includes a selection of rice dishes, including the traditional Catalan “rossejat”, and “gazpacho” (a La Mancha option in which the gazpacho is prepared as a rice dish), is c

In the hands of the same family since 1952, this classic and traditional restaurant boasts an impressive, regionally inspired ambience and decor that have contributed to its reputation over the decades. Choose between the bar section, with its tall tables for informal dining, and a variety of dining room and private spaces. The extensive regionally focused à la carte is complemented by several set menus.

Located next to the bus station, La Sirena’s highlights include an impressive bar-cum-display counter (featuring fish and seafood sourced from nearby fish auctions as well as from Galicia) and its reputation across the region for the quality of its aioli sauces. Its extensive à la carte is based around top-quality products, and is complemented by appetising daily specials, an array of seafood priced by weight, superb rice dishes (for a minimum of two people) and two menu options (Mediterráneo and Degustación). Before you start your meal, make sure you ask for a tasting of aiolis accompanied by