The rich soils and hot sun of the Mediterranean have for centuries produced some of the most flavoursome foods on the planet. Strong olive oils, bright red tomatoes, organically-grown lamb and pork, and seafood plucked straight from the ocean are the cornerstones of the diet.

Across the Mediterranean, from Spain to Turkey, the variety of cuisines is staggering. Even from one village to another local specialties have been preserved as national treasures for hundreds of years.

The Mediterranean is home to some of the best restaurants in the world. From tiny, rustic eateries which produce traditional dishes with passion and age-old recipes, to creative chefs breathing new life into the succulent produce, the variety is mouth-watering. Here we take a tour of the Mediterranean in search of the best restaurants to visit by superyacht.

El Celler de Can Roca, Girona, Spain

Tucked away in the medieval city of Girona, a short distance from the Mediterranean coast of Catalunya, this restaurant has brought the concept of family-run to the world stage. Run by three brothers – Joan the chef, Josep the sommelier and Jordi the pâtissier – it has been voted the best restaurant in the world twice. The food is avant garde, bringing modern techniques to the complex ingredients and served within a contemporary minimalist space.

The dishes are based on the region, but bring in flavours from across the globe. For an experimental, cutting edge food experience, El Celler de Can Roca is a must-do for any Spain superyacht charter.

Mirazur, Menton, France

Mirazur has not one, not two, but three Michelin stars, a true testament to the flair and exceptional standard of Chef Mauro Colagreco’s food. He combines his Argentine-Italian heritage with the cuisine of the French Riviera, bringing together superb ingredients from his own garden farm, the local markets and the freshest seafood.

The views from the restaurant span sea and mountains, adding to the overall experience, where dishes such as quinoa risotto, woodland mushrooms and parmesan cream, and catch of the day with celeriac and a smoked sauce, are certain to impress.

Tickets, Barcelona, Spain

The talented chefs at Tickets have taken the classic Spanish tapas and created a fun, informal and haute cuisine style of dining. The décor is reminiscent of a circus, and the playful dishes are cooked and served in small-plates bars and open kitchens all around the restaurant. It is a truly unique dining experience, where the joy of food is celebrated in a laid-back, friendly atmosphere. The restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Albert Adrià, with the tapas showing his characteristic imagination.

From lobster head with beef ragú sauce, fried eggs and souffléd potatoes, to avocado pizza with king crab and chipotle mayonnaise, or squid with horseradish and six puffed cereals, you won’t know which tickets to buy next.

Giagoni in Piazza, San Pantaleo, Sardinia

Located in the heart of San Pantaleo, Giagoni in Piazza has been built on the principles of simplicity, elegance and tradition. The restaurant is beautiful and sophisticated, with a gentle atmosphere which focuses on the heritage of the island of Sardinia. Authentic flavours, and the very highest quality ingredients, are crafted into dishes bursting with taste and sensation. From local cheeses to high quality meats and fish, to hand-made pasta, the restaurant honours ancient recipes.

This is the place to bring a group of friends or the whole family, to savour the food, the wine and the company, and indulge in the simple pleasure of dining together.

Disfrutar, Barcelona, Spain

The name means ‘enjoy’ of ‘have fun’ and that is precisely what Disfrutar delivers. The three chefs at the helm – Oriol Castro, Mateu Casañas and Eduard Xatruch – were all instrumental in the success of legendary El Bulli, and have now come together to create an exciting and unexpected dishes.

Four tasting menus, each as innovative as the next, offer delights created from seasonal produce. Each course is presented resembling a work of modern art, the flavours just as mind-blowing. For those in search of a truly memorable meal, go and Disfrutar in Barcelona!

Mikla, Istanbul, Turkey

Mikla restaurant consistently ranks in the official Top 50 Best Restaurants in the World. In fact, Chef Mehmet Gürs is accredited with being a major influencer is revitalizing Istanbul’s culinary scene. So what can diners expect in Mikla?

The New Anatolian Kitchen style takes traditional flavours and, using both old and new techniques, gives them a total makeover. We’re talking Anatolian raw milk cheeses, camel sucuk and İskenderun Prawn with hummus and samphire.

Zaranda, Es Capdella, Mallorca

This two-star Michelin restaurant, owned by Chef Fernando Pérez Arellano, is housed within the elegant five-star country house hotel Castell Son Claret in the foothills of the Tramuntana Mountains. Amidst the sophisticated surroundings and large al fresco terrace, taster meals are served with panache.

The chef honours the flavours of Mallorca – fresh fish, seafood and lamb – imaginatively combining them with freshly grown produce from the hotel’s garden. Diners can enjoy a creative menu of surprises and story-telling, paired with an impressive selection of wines.