Cristina Cánovas and Diego Aguilar's Palodú Restaurant Earns Its First Michelin Star with Its 'Dual Cuisine'

Málaga was filled with stars on a magical night in Sohrlin Andalucía, the location chosen by the Michelin Guide to celebrate its prestigious gala in the city. Málaga was the host city, and the province did not lack for news. Palodú, led by chefs Cristina Cánovas and Diego Aguilar, was one of the big winners of the night, achieving what many already considered a well-deserved first Michelin Star. Thus, Málaga increases from nine to ten starred restaurants, adding this duo while maintaining those previously achieved, thereby expanding the 'starred' gastronomic map of Málaga.

The dual cuisine practiced at Palodú features no hierarchies, where both chefs lead equally, side by side, without differences, two minds and one path. The restaurant has been around for over ten years, two since they moved to the center of Málaga to firmly pursue the goal of the Michelin Star, relying on Málaga's recipe book to create, always with local products.

"Just a few meters from the Central Market of Atarazanas, it presents the philosophy of Cristina Cánovas and Diego Aguilar. A pair of chefs who live gastronomy with a constant desire to excel. Their menus, which always exalt seasonal products, defend what is called dual cuisine," announced the Michelin Guide when awarding the star to the chef couple of Palodú, a restaurant located at Sebastián Souvirón Street, 7-9; which offers two tasting menus: Palodú Menu, priced at 130 euros per person and pairing for 75, with 15 courses; and their shorter Alcazul Menu, priced at 110 euros per diner and 65 for pairing.

"Grateful to the Michelin Guide. Thanks to all the colleagues," said a very nervous Cristina Cánovas after receiving her first star, as excited as she was surprised by the deserved recognition: "Right now, I don't know what to say." They write more composedly on their social networks about the recognition this Michelin star represents, which "is much more than a symbol; it is the confirmation of a dream built with patience, passion, and a lot of respect."

"Every dish that comes out of our kitchen carries the essence of the local market, the technique we learned, and, above all, a lot from Cristina and Diego or Diego and Cristina," they affirm, and conclude: "Thanks to our team, who supports this project with dedication, creativity, and passion for what we do. Every service, every gesture, and every detail are part of this star. Thank you to you, who sit at our table and share our cuisine, our stories, and our emotion. Without you, none of this would be possible."

With the addition of Palodú, the province of Málaga reaches ten restaurants with a Michelin Star, eight with one and two with two (plus a Green Star). With one, in addition to Palodú, are Sollo (Fuengirola), Messina (Marbella), Back (Marbella), Nintai (Marbella), José Carlos García (Málaga), Blossom (Málaga), and Kaleja (Málaga). With two Michelin Stars, at the pinnacle of Málaga, are Skina (Marbella) and Bardal (Ronda).