Step off the sunlit streets of La Vila Joiosa and into Criollo Restaurant, where the aroma of citrus, spice, and sizzling seafood greets you like an old friend. Here, dining isn’t just eating — it’s an invitation to travel without leaving your seat, guided by the culinary artistry of chef Lucio Saldías.
Your Host: Chef Lucio Saldías
With over 25 years in the kitchen, Lucio brings stories from Buenos Aires, San Sebastián, and Alicante straight to your table. Trained at the Argentinian School of Culinary Arts, his path has taken him through Michelin-starred kitchens, collaborations with celebrated chefs like María José San Román, and innovative projects for Gastro Grupo and Origen Coffee in Barcelona.
But Criollo is his heart’s work — a place where his Lebanese and Italian roots blend seamlessly with Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei traditions and Mediterranean charm.
The Experience – More Than a Meal
Opened 2.5 years ago, Criollo reflects Lucio’s Lebanese and Italian heritage and his belief that “the world is too big for just one cuisine.” The restaurant celebrates fusion cuisine as a way to connect cultures through food, offering plates that balance creativity, flavour, and storytelling.
Each dish is part of what Lucio calls “author cuisine” – personal, distinctive, and impossible to replicate elsewhere. So, dining at Criollo is like stepping into a passport of flavours.
Imagine starting with a signature ceviche — fresh fish kissed with lime, sweet potato, and a hint of chilli heat — so good it earned Guía Repsol recognition. Pair it with beef tartare or delicate empanadas, then drift into vegetarian surprises like quinoa salad with vibrant herbs or the unexpected watermelon tataki.
The sides are as tempting as the mains — crisp fried yuca, silky sweet potato, or zucchini spaghetti tossed with fresh Mediterranean notes. Each dish arrives as a story, plated with elegance and a chef’s touch that whispers of faraway markets and coastal kitchens.
Recognition and Reputation
In just a short time, Criollo has earned the attention of food critics and discerning diners alike, including a feature in Guía Repsol. The restaurant’s reputation thrives in a diverse, open-minded community of locals and international residents – from Scandinavian and Dutch expats to Mediterranean neighbours – all eager to explore unique flavour combinations.
Why Visit Criollo Restaurant in La Vila Joiosa
- Authentic Fusion Cuisine blending Nikkei, Arabic, and Italian influences.
- Chef with Michelin-Starred Background and global experience.
- Signature Ceviche and creative vegetarian dishes.
- Warm, welcoming atmosphere in a vibrant coastal town.
- Recognised by Guía Repsol for quality and innovation.
