María José San Román:
A Culinary Visionary
A Journey Rooted in Family and Passion
Inspired by the rich flavors of the Mediterranean and bolstered by the unwavering support of her family, Chef María José San Román embarked on her culinary journey in 1975. Together with her husband, Pitu Perramón, she opened the doors of her first restaurant, Frankfurt. Little did they know that this humble sausage shop would evolve into Tribeca, Alicante’s premier destination for healthy burgers, laying the foundation for what would become the María José San Román Group.
The launch of La Taberna del Gourmet in 1979, now under the leadership of her daughter Geni, marked another significant milestone in this remarkable journey.
However, it was the inauguration of Monastrell in 1996 on the Alicante coast—introducing the city to its first fine dining experience—that truly established María José as a pioneer in the gastronomic world.
With a Michelin star, 2 Repsol Suns, and a Sustainable Sun to its name, Monastrell has become a benchmark for fine dining on both the national and international stages. Each of its dishes is an ode to the authentic flavors of the Spanish Mediterranean, a celebration of the very essence of our land and sea.
Guided by the flavors of the Mediterranean and driven by innovation, María José San Román continuously redefines the boundaries of sustainable and healthy fine dining.
From the Kitchen to Global Recognition
María José’s culinary expertise and unwavering commitment to the Mediterranean diet have earned her global acclaim.
Her relentless efforts in developing, researching, and promoting the benefits of the Mediterranean diet led to her recognition as a Spainish ambassador of this rich gastronomic tradition by Casa Mediterráneo in 2019. Her contributions to the culinary world were further honored with the Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts in 2024, underscoring her dedication and influence in the field.
"Gastronomy is like an ancient tree
firmly rooted, yet in need of careful nurturing to flourish."
A Remarkable Journey of Achievement
- 2024: Selected by the Royal Household as the chef for the 10th anniversary celebration of Felipe VI as Head of State.
- 2024: Awarded the Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts.
- 2023: National Hospitality Awards: Recognized for her outstanding contribution to the sector.
- 2023: WITH Awards Gala: Honored with the Leadership and Inspiration Role Model Award.
- 2021: Repsol Sustainable Sun.
- 2021: Aenor Certification for Efficient and Sustainable Cooking.
- 2019: Appointed special ambassador for the Mediterranean diet by Casa Mediterráneo.
- 2019: Earned her second Repsol Sun.
- 2018: Co-founder and President of Women in Gastronomy.
- 2013: Awarded her first Michelin Star.
- 2000: Earned her first Repsol Sun.
- 1996: Opened Monastrell.
As the Culinary Director of Monastrell Restaurant and CEO of the María José San Román Group, María José leads one of the most prominent restaurant groups in the Valencian region.
She is a leading voice in the world’s foremost gastronomic forums, where she passionately shares her knowledge, innovations, and experiences in the pursuit of more conscious and sustainable eating.
As president of the Women in Gastronomy Association, she champions the visibility of female talent in the industry, driven by the belief that “Talent has no gender.”
