Chef Roberto Ruiz makes his debut in Barcelona with the opening of the restaurant Jaiba MX

The Catalan city welcomes Jaiba MX, the new gastronomic project of chef Roberto Ruiz, the first Mexican to be awarded a Michelin Star in Europe.

Roberto Ruiz arrived in Spain two decades ago and quickly made a name for himself in the culinary scene. His career has been marked by success and his ability to create and innovate from an entirely hedonistic perspective, thanks to such renowned projects as Punto MX, Salón Cascabel, Barracuda MX, and Can Chan Chán.

Jaiba MX arrives in Barcelona as a new challenge. An opportunity to present its original culinary offering to locals and visitors alike. “I’m very excited to arrive in such a beautiful and cosmopolitan city. I love the importance of gastronomy here, and I believe Jaiba MX will offer a very different way of experiencing Mexico, one that we’ve made our own over the years,” says the chef.

Their culinary offerings combine the most authentic cuisine of the Mexican Pacific with touches of local, handcrafted ingredients. Among the chef's suggestions are appetizers to share, such as the special Guacamole Jaiba MX, prepared with soft-shell crab and a citrusy jalapeño sauce, accompanied by freshly made crispy tortillas.

Another option is Vuelve a la Vida, a dish that combines scallops, octopus, and prawns marinated in piquín chili, cilantro, and lime. Among the main courses, the appetizers stand out, such as the panucho filled with cochinita pibil and topped with red onion and habanero chili, and the tacos, especially the Girona-style pork chop with a citrusy serrano chili sauce and the grilled sweet potato tacos, served with jalapeño kefir, crispy kale, and Mexican seeds.

Finally, there are ideal options for sharing, such as sea bass a la talla with red guajillo chile marinade and green poblano chile marinade, or grilled bone marrow, accompanied by molcajete-style red salsa, fresh herb relish, and corn tortillas. On the drinks front, the menu, inspired by the paradisiacal beaches of the Pacific, features signature cocktails designed to complement the ambiance, made with Mexican spirits and their own chipotle chile liqueur, HUMO—created by Roberto Ruiz and master distiller Javier Pulido.

For the more hedonistic, a cart roams the tables offering the finest tequilas and mezcals, with select labels from Mexican producers. Jaiba MX also emphasizes local and Mexican products with a selection of wines from the Maresme, Tarragona, and Lleida appellations of origin, as well as Catalan cavas.

All of this takes place in the relaxed and festive atmosphere that characterizes each of the chef's projects. “For us, Jaiba MX is our way of showcasing the Mexico we love. A Mexico that is enjoyable, fun, contemporary, focused on quality ingredients, technique, and above all, a way of transmitting an ancient tradition that isn't easy to carry forward, but when you manage it and have a firm grasp of the foundations, you have a magical project,” says Roberto Ruiz.

To cater to a wide range of diners, the menu includes vegan options and dishes designed for people with food intolerances. It also adapts to the city's constant activity with a kitchen that operates continuously throughout the day. The new restaurant has a capacity of 80 people, distributed between the main dining room for 40, a foyer for 20, and an outdoor terrace for another 20.

“We are delighted to launch Jaiba MX, the new restaurant at the NH Collection Barcelona Constanza hotel, for which we have the collaboration and guidance of one of the most internationally renowned chefs. This innovative concept by Roberto Ruiz, which fuses Pacific cuisine with Catalan produce, reinforces our commitment to gastronomy, while maintaining the high standards of quality and service that our guests expect from us,” explains Hugo Rovira, Managing Director of Minor Hotels Europe and Americas in Southern Europe.

“Offering a unique gastronomic experience is undoubtedly one of our main objectives to guarantee the best possible experience, committed to the highest quality, constant culinary innovation, and recognition of talent. Jaiba MX now joins our portfolio of outstanding restaurants, thanks to renowned chefs at our NH Collection hotels in Spain, such as Dabiz Muñoz with Diverxo at NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding, Paco Roncero at Paco Roncero Restaurante at NH Collection Real Casino de Madrid, and recently Rafa Zafra as consultant at Casa de Comidas and Bikini Bar at NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding,” says Hugo Rovira.

In terms of interior design, this project draws inspiration from the combination of natural and handcrafted elements, rooted in Mexico's rich traditions. The diverse materials, such as wood, clay, and brick, along with the use of ceramics and textiles like linen and jute, lend the space a unique authenticity, highlighting textures and colors that bring warmth and comfort. The color palette, dominated by aquamarine and terracotta tones, evokes the fusion of the sea and the land, with references to crab and terracotta.

The interior design, led by architect Rocío Pérez and advised by María Fernández from chef Roberto Ruiz's team, reflects the warmth and artisanal tradition of Mexico, characteristics present in the chef's restaurants. The sustainable approach is evident in the use of recycled materials, such as fishing nets recovered from the Mediterranean Sea by Gravity Wave, used in some of the furniture.

Craftsmanship plays a prominent role in this project, reflected in the handmade furniture by Crearte Collections and the decorative lamps designed by Ceci Ferrero, Crea-re Studio, Detana, Peralta Vidavi, and Tao Iluminación. In addition, handcrafted earthenware vessels by master artisan Juan Miguel Alía and antique storage jars from Marsol e Hijos have been incorporated.

This opening marks a new milestone in the career of this Mexican chef, as well as in the culinary scene of the city that hosts it. In collaboration with NH Collection Hotels, this project reflects his commitment to gastronomic excellence, particularly at the NH Collection Barcelona Constanza. Hotel guests will enjoy easy access to Jaiba MX and the exceptional amenities offered by NH Collection.

Furthermore, Jaiba MX is part of the ambitious renovation project at L'Illa Diagonal, contributing to enriching its culinary offerings and revitalizing the area as a leading leisure and cultural destination. This project aims to consolidate L'Illa as a dynamic space that blends innovation and tradition, attracting both locals and international tourists.