Hotel María Cristina to open Amelia by Paulo Airaudo, a two-Michelin-star restaurant in San Sebastian, in 2026

Hotel María Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel, will open Amelia by Paulo Airaudo in 2026, adding the celebrated two-Michelin-star restaurant to its culinary offering in the heart of San Sebastián, one of the world’s leading gastronomic cities.

Photo credits: Hotel María Cristina

Founded in 1912, Hotel María Cristina is an iconic riverside property, named in honour of Queen María Cristina of Habsburg-Lorraine and designed by Charles Mewès of Ritz Paris fame. Since opening, this Belle Époque icon has welcomed travellers from around the world, attracted by its connection to the history and social life of San Sebastián.

Led by Argentine-Italian chef Paulo Airaudo, one of today’s most influential chefs, with seven Michelin stars and restaurants in Barcelona, Hong Kong, Florence, and Bangkok, the new restaurant will blend the hotel’s Belle Époque heritage with Airaudo’s avant-garde vision. Designed by Javier Orduña (Biarkio Arquitectura), Amelia will feature an intimate open kitchen with counter seating for twelve and two additional tables.

The concept is rooted in Airaudo’s interpretation of Italian omakase: a menu where guests entrust the chef with a gastronomic journey shaped by seafood, global influences, technical precision, and ever-evolving creativity.

Hotel Maria Cristina currently offers The Gallery, a restaurant that combines Basque cuisine with international influences and seasonal ingredients; Dry Martini San Sebastián, an iconic high-end cocktail bar serving classic and signature cocktails in a cinema-inspired setting; and MIMO Bite the Experience, a culinary school and gastronomic centre offering classes, tours, and private experiences with leading chefs.