Marques de Riscal Restaurant
Marques de Riscal Restaurant is a place in which to make gastronomic discoveries accompanied by some of the estate’s finest vintages.
Its culinary excellence and superb levels of service have earned the restaurant a prestigious Michelin star and helped make it one of the hottest destinations in the region for gourmands. Located on the second floor of the hotel, the dining room is a masterful exercise in design. Guests entering the airy space are greeted by the soothing juxtaposition of wood, gold-hued stone and vibrant ox blood walls hung with contemporary works of art. Large, well-spaced tables are set with fine linens, designer porcelain and elegant stemware.
Wine aficionados will be drawn to the bespoke Frank Gehry-designed display wall containing a large selection of fine vintages from the Marqués de Riscal cellars as well as more than 200 international labels. Perfect for those who wish to compare bouquet notes, many of these are available by the glass. Beyond, towering windows frame a delightful view of the town of Elciego.
Under the inspirational guidance of famed chef Francis Paniego the restaurant is experiencing an ongoing culinary evolution based on culinary excellence and innovation. The knowledgeable sommelier can assist diners in choosing a wine from the Marqués de Riscal range or from further afield to complete this ultimate epicurean experience.
Tradición 1860
The hotel's casually chic Bistro 1860 offers the opportunity to experience traditional Spanish cuisine with an exciting modern twist. Chef Francis Paniego's creative breakfast, lunch and dinner menus are based on fine local produce and the region's unique cooking styles. Naturally guests are encouraged to explore new vintages to accompany their meals, something the knowledgeable sommelier is happy to help with.
With its towering ceilings, dramatically angled walls, seductive curves and tilted windows the dining room exemplifies Gehry's unconventional approach to space. Walls adorned with large scale reproductions of his original sketches for the hotel encircle tables flanked with scarlet chairs and set with fine linens. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels frame the pretty village of Elciego along with the historic church of San Andres.
In the warmer months guests have the option of dining on the large open terrace which leads off the main dining area. Shielded from the sun by vast waves of pink, silver and gold titanium, and offering unparalleled panoramic views of the Cantabrian Mountains in the distance, the terrace is the perfect place to experience local cuisine.
Those keen to see some culinary action close up will revel in the opportunity to dine in small groups at a unique Chef's Table. In a quiet corner of the terrace, surrounded by aromatic kitchen herbs planted in weathered wine barrels, private table-side cooking adds an unforgettable element to any meal. Available for lunch and dinner, Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Guests visiting the hotel in the warmer months can dine on the terrace which boasts idyllic vistas over the vineyard to the mountains.
Vinoteca & Bistro
Located just off the main lobby the hotel bar is a great place to relax with friends while sampling some of the fine vintages from the Marques de Riscal wine estate. Its bright, spacious interior bears the unmistakable stamp of designer Frank Gehry. Golden-hued timbers line the walls and floors while seating comprises scarlet Pop Art-style contemporary chairs and a series of the architect’s iconic Cloud lamps. Two walls are devoted to eye-catching wine displays. Beyond the glass doors is a large terrace where guests can enjoy their tipple surrounded by views of the rolling, grapevine-covered hills.
Those who prefer to remain close to the action can perch on a leather bar stool where they’ll have a clear view of the mixologists working their magic. One unique creation from their extensive repertoire is the Marques de Riscal cocktail, a heady combination of red wine, brandy and blackcurrant cream. Wine lovers will appreciate the extensive selection of top Marques de Riscal and international vintages available, either by the glass or bottle. The bar also offers a wide range of cocktails, beers and mixed drinks guaranteed to have night owls lingering on.
Open throughout the day the bar is the perfect place to wind down after a full day of activities or rev up for an evening of fun. An appetizing selection of light bites, including Iberian ham, chorizo, croquettes and pasta, keeps hunger at bay while thrilling the palate.
Lounge Library Roof Top
Perched on the top floor of Frank Gehry’s architectural masterpiece, The Library with its distinctive asymmetrical walls, slanting glass, double height ceilings and undulating curves is a contemporary space perfect for chilling-out with a coffee, cocktail or glass of wine at any time of day. Outside, beyond the large expanses of glass, the eye is instinctively drawn to the rows of grapevines curving endlessly away into the distance.
Those interested in learning more about the region, its wine production and history, or who just want to relax with a good read, will love the floor to ceiling bookcase filled with beautiful and informative literary works. If you want to catch up on emails, check in with the office or research the region’s attractions there’s high-speed WiFi throughout the area.
During the cooler months the caramel leather sofas and armchairs in front of the fireplace are the perfect spot to retire to with a hot chocolate or a cocktail. When the suns shines, however, there’s no better place to admire the natural beauty of the Marques de Riscal estate than from the large outdoor terrace suspended among the titanium waves swirling over the building’s exterior.
