José, known locally as “El Xato”, embodied the warmth and friendliness that made the bar so beloved. Credit: El Xato Facebook
Hidden in the heart of La Nucia, El Xato is far more than a restaurant – it is a living chronicle of a family’s passion, hard work and love for Mediterranean cuisine. With more than 100 years of history, this remarkable establishment has transformed from a humble village wine cellar into a Michelin-starred dining destination, where tradition and innovation blend seamlessly.
The modern chapter of El Xato owes its heart and soul to Chef Cristina Figueira
A century of stories and flavours
The tale of El Xato begins in 1915, when Pedro Balaguer Orts and Jerónima Cano Pérez opened a small bodega called Ti Pere el Tardá. Back then, locals would stop by with their porrones to fill them with bulk wine – a slice of simple village life that shaped the early identity of this family business.
As Spain changed through the decades, so did the bodega. It became known as Bar Internacional, then Bar Nacional during the Franco years, adapting to the times while keeping its convivial village spirit. When Pedro and Jerónima retired in 1948, they passed the bar on to their in-laws, Francisco Cano Ivorra and Vicenta Cano Pérez. It was Vicenta who affectionately renamed it El Xato, after her son José Cano Cano – a nickname that would go on to define an institution.
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José, known locally as “El Xato”, embodied the warmth and friendliness that made the bar so beloved. His legacy continues to live on in every plate served today.
From tapas bar to fine dining
The modern chapter of El Xato owes its heart and soul to Chef Cristina Figueira, who, alongside her husband Francisco, has elevated the family business to international acclaim. Cristina began her culinary journey over three decades ago, learning from her mother-in-law when El Xato was still a casual tapas bar. Her natural curiosity and determination to learn drove her to train in some of Spain’s most prestigious kitchens – including Martín Berasategui, Can Fabes and El Celler de Can Roca.
Her philosophy is as heartfelt as it is refined: “I like to welcome guests as friends and see them leave as family”, said Cristina to Euro Weekly News. Her cuisine reflects her deep connection with her surroundings and her roots, offering dishes that evoke memory and emotion while embracing contemporary Mediterranean creativity.
A chef with a Michelin star and a humble heart
Cristina’s path to the Michelin Guide was not one of ambition, but of dedication. “I almost stumbled into the kitchen by chance,” she recalls. “When I met Francisco, my husband, I never imagined I’d end up behind the stove. But it was a family business, and everyone had to help. I started with a few simple tapas alongside my mother-in-law – and soon discovered how love transforms food.”
Determined to master her craft, she studied at the CDT in Benidorm, specialising in professional culinary arts, and never stopped learning. Her stage at El Celler de Can Roca became a turning point – witnessing the intensity and artistry of a three-star Michelin kitchen inspired her to push her own boundaries.
When El Xato underwent its transformation from a bar to a refined restaurant, Cristina introduced new techniques, creative tasting menus and a renewed sense of identity. Francisco refined the service in the dining room, ensuring that despite the restaurant’s growing prestige, the warmth and closeness that had defined El Xato for generations remained untouched.
In 2018, Cristina’s dedication was rewarded when El Xato earned its first Michelin star – a proud moment for La Nucia and a testament to her lifelong commitment to excellence. “It was a dream come true,” she says. “But for me, the most important recognition will always be the smile of a satisfied guest.”
The experience
Dining at El Xato is both a culinary and emotional journey. Each dish tells a story of land and memory: local produce, reimagined with elegance and precision. The flavours of the Mediterranean coastline meet the rich traditions of Alicante’s inland kitchens, resulting in plates that are as comforting as they are inventive.
The ambience is intimate yet sophisticated, with the kind of service that makes you feel as if you’ve been invited into a friend’s home – albeit one where every detail, from the wine pairing to the final petit four, has been meticulously considered.
Where to find El Xato
El Xato stands proudly on Avda. Iglesia 3, La Nucia (Alicante) – a timeless culinary landmark where the past and present meet at the table.
Bookings and enquiries:
+34 96 587 09 31
Dining and Cooking