Chef Ángel León, a native of Jerez de la Frontera, has earned international acclaim for his pioneering approach to seafood cuisine at Aponiente. After training in esteemed establishments in Spain and France, León opened Aponiente in 2007, initially in a modest location. In 2015, the restaurant relocated to a meticulously restored 19th-century tidal mill, enhancing its connection to the maritime environment. Aponiente received its first Michelin star in 2010, a second in 2014, and achieved the coveted third star in 2017, making it the first restaurant in Andalusia to attain this distinction.
Aponiente’s menu is a testament to León’s dedication to exploring the ocean’s potential, featuring lesser-known marine species and innovative uses of seafood products. The restaurant also holds a Michelin Green Star, recognizing its commitment to sustainability. Located in El Puerto de Santa María, Aponiente offers a dining experience that is both avant-garde and deeply rooted in the maritime heritage of the region.
Set in the coastal town of El Puerto de Santa María—just 20 minutes from Jerez and 25 minutes from Cádiz—Aponiente draws its magic from the sea that surrounds it. With golden beaches, centuries-old sherry bodegas, and a rich maritime past, this port town is the perfect setting for Ángel León’s boundary-pushing cuisine.