Adelf Morales
Catalan chef of Topik in l'Antiga Esquerra de l'Eixample — Mediterranean-Japanese cooking trained through Berasategui, Arzak, and a stint in Japan.
- Repsol Soles
1- Restaurants
- 1
Adelf Morales is the Catalan chef-owner of Topik in l'Antiga Esquerra de l'Eixample, a Repsol Recomendado restaurant that fuses Mediterranean and Japanese cuisines — 'Levantine-Japanese gastronomy.' His training runs through Martín Berasategui, Arzak, Ca l'Isidre, and the San Remo Casino, with a formative period in Japan that shapes the oriental thread of his cooking.
Biography
Early years
Morales studied at ESHOB (Escola Superior d'Hostaleria de Barcelona) and built his early career through a rotation of Spain's most-decorated kitchens, including Martín Berasategui (Lasarte), Bodegón Alejandro (San Sebastián), Ca'Sento (Valencia), Ca l'Isidre (Barcelona), and Arzak (San Sebastián).
Career
Morales subsequently worked in Italy at Antica Osteria del Ponte (Milan) and Pierino Penati (Lecco), and later as head chef at the San Remo Casino. He spent time in Japan, which became a defining influence on his cooking. Topik on Carrer de València in l'Antiga Esquerra de l'Eixample is his own project, opened with his wife and interior designer Eva Melé. The restaurant carries a Repsol Recomendado and is built around what Topik describes as 'Levantine-Japanese gastronomy.'
Philosophy
Morales's cooking layers oriental technique and product — sake, soy, dashi — over Mediterranean foundations. The Topik menu specialises in tuna, oysters, sea urchins, game, rice, and sake, and the restaurant maintains an extensive sake selection alongside its short, daily-changing tasting parallels.
Restaurants
On Guidavera
1Accolades
- ·Repsol Recomendado at Topik
- ·Trained at Martín Berasategui, Arzak, Ca l'Isidre, and Bodegón Alejandro
- ·Head chef at the San Remo Casino
Frequently asked
Does Adelf Morales have a Michelin star?
No — Topik carries a Repsol Recomendado distinction. He previously cooked in some of Spain's most-decorated kitchens including Martín Berasategui and Arzak.
Where can I eat Adelf Morales's cuisine in Barcelona?
Topik on Carrer de València in l'Antiga Esquerra de l'Eixample, the restaurant he runs with his wife and interior designer Eva Melé. The cuisine is Mediterranean-Japanese, with tuna, oysters, sea urchins, rice, and a deep sake list.