Vicky Sevilla

Vicky Sevilla (Quart de Les Valls, Valencia 1992) is a culinary prodigy who turned a spontaneous decision into a Michelin-starred career. At just 29, she became Spain’s youngest female chef to earn a Michelin star, all while running her own restaurant, Arrels, in Sagunto. Her approach? A blend of Mediterranean tradition, seasonal produce, and a deep sense of place.

Vicky’s journey into the culinary world was anything but conventional. At 17, she didn’t know how to fry an egg. A stint working in a beachside restaurant in Formentera sparked her passion for cooking. She then trained at the Costa Azahar Hospitality School in Castellón and honed her skills under the mentorship of renowned chefs like Susi Díaz, Begoña Rodrigo, and Vicente Patiño .

At 25, Vicky opened Arrels in Sagunto, a town rich in history and culinary heritage. Housed in a 16th-century palace stable, Arrels quickly became a gastronomic destination, earning a Michelin star in 2022 and a Repsol Sol in 2020 .

Innovative Versions of Traditional Dishes

Vicky’s cuisine is a love letter to the Mediterranean. She emphasizes seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her own garden. Her dishes are deeply personal, inviting diners to “eat her memories,” with flavors that evoke nostalgia and connection to the land .

Her menu features innovative takes on traditional dishes, such as a 150-day dry-aged picanha steak paired with mussel escabeche and seaweed, showcasing her ability to blend bold flavors with local ingredients .

Vicky’s talent has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, she was named Chef of the Year by the Academia de Gastronomía de la Comunitat Valenciana . She also received the “New Talent of the Year” award at La Liste Mediterranean 2023 in Monaco, recognizing her as a rising star in Mediterranean cuisine.

Her achievements highlight not only her culinary prowess but also her commitment to sustainability and innovation in the kitchen.

As she continues to lead Arrels, Vicky remains focused on her roots—both culinary and personal. Her journey from a novice cook to a Michelin-starred chef is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and staying true to one’s origins. With a growing list of accolades and a steadfast commitment to her craft, Vicky Sevilla is a name to watch in the international world of gastronomy.