The new Michelin-starred restaurants in Málaga: Base9 in the capital and El Chiringuito in Sedella

Málaga now boasts two new restaurants categorized as 'selected' by the prestigious Michelin Guide. The restaurant of Cristian Fernández and Pablo Zamudio in Málaga city with Base9 and that of Víctor Hierrezuelo in Sedella with El Chiringuito, are celebrating their inclusion in this exclusive club which now totals 24 restaurants across the province, a recognition that speaks of the prestige, skill, and character of each of their kitchens, for one reason or another. Although many are clear contenders for the Michelin Star, inclusion is not a guarantee of this, but a reward for consistency and good product handling.

Base9

• Address: Salitre 9, Málaga, 29002, Spain

At La Farola, we have already discussed Base9 and the duo formed by Cristian Fernández and Pablo Zamudio, two talented chefs united by their love for cooking. They are the ones who feature what is considered the best croquette in all of Málaga, winner of the First Málaga Croquette Championship last October. They have been attracting attention for some time, also the other gastronomic guide of reference, the Repsol Guide, included them in its list of 'Recommended' restaurants and praised their cuisine and youth.

About Base9, the Michelin Guide recognizes its "limited menu with tapas and dishes thoughtfully designed for sharing, featuring a modern style with a strong traditional base", from which they leave some recommendations, such as their "Old hen cannelloni" or their "curious Spanish omelette, made in the style of Japanese omurice and served with wasabi mayonnaise". However, they overlook their croquettes, and we cannot forgive that, do try them.

El Chiringuito

• Address: Villa del Castillo, 24, Sedella, 29715, Spain

On the other hand, and quite literally, we travel about 60 kilometers away from the capital, Málaga, to make a stop in Sedella, a small and charming village in Axarquía, where the other restaurant blessed with this recognition is located: El Chiringuito. Far from being a simple snack bar or picnic area, El Chiringuito has more of a tavern and fine dining restaurant vibe. Víctor Hierrezuelo, its chef, decided to return home after training in some of the best Michelin-starred restaurants, such as Arzak (San Sebastián), Bardal (Ronda), and Damajuana (Jaén), with three, two, and one Michelin Stars respectively. The chef, a native of Sedella, decided to take over the restaurant founded by his grandfather, Antonio Merejildo, back in 1986.

"This restaurant is one of those that keeps gaining followers," praises the Michelin Guide about El Chiringuito, describing it as a "modest place with a rustic and family-friendly atmosphere, which for many years was run by his grandparents, today it defends a menu based on regional and local foundation that has been updated very successfully". Hierrezuelo offers, in addition to an exceptional menu based on Malaga, Andalusian, and Spanish recipes, a fine tasting menu that is only available by prior reservation and of which the Michelin Guide says "everything is good" but highlights its dessert: "As Antonio used to say, the mission of the poor... burst before it's left over!".

"Behind this mention, there is much more than cooking: there are memories and roots. Therefore, we want to remember those who made all this possible: Rosita, who turned every meal into an act of affection; Antonio, who showed the value of honest work with his weathered hands; and Rafa, whose absence is felt every day, but whose presence continues to live in every corner of this house," they thank from El Chiringuito after this new recognition: "Thanks to the entire team who put their heart into every service, to those who visit us eager to taste the authentic, and, of course, to the Michelin Guide, for noticing this little corner of the world called Sedella".