La Fonda Xesc

Located in a small village in the Gerona municipality of Ripollés, this restaurant boasts a surprising setting in Gombrèn’s most historic inn, a large house dating back to 1730 that now features two distinct parts: the old section, beneath robust stone arches, and the new – a much brighter space that looks out onto the surrounding mountain landscapes through its panoramic windows. Here, chef Francesc Rovira, a disciple of the late great Santi Santamaria, oversees creative-cum-contemporary cuisine that clearly identifies with the region and which is tremendously tasty, aromatic and enticing despite the use of modest culinary techniques. It also features an array of delicate details and a philosophy that involves working with the best locally sourced seasonal ingredients (meat, potatoes, wild mushrooms, sausages etc). His cuisine is based around three menus, the highlight of which is the one dedicated to his sister Dolors Rovira.