Born in Getaria, Gipuzkoa, Aitor Arregi grew up in the kitchen of his family’s restaurant, Elkano, a landmark of Basque grilling cuisine. Although he spent ten years as a professional footballer, he returned to Elkano to continue his father’s legacy, especially after his passing in 2014, the year the restaurant earned its first MICHELIN Star. As Front of House Manager, Aitor was recognized as Best Restaurant Manager in the Basque Country in 2007. Under his guidance, Elkano entered The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, reaching #16, and received multiple honors including the Repsol Sun awards, the Origen Award (2022), and the Sartun Award (2025) for his defense of marine ecosystems.

Beyond Elkano, Aitor has expanded his vision with new ventures such as Cataria in Cádiz and Guethary in Mallorca, along with reopening Elkano Txiki. These projects reflect his commitment to regional culinary traditions while exploring new flavors, emphasizing seasonality, simplicity, and respect for the product. Through his work, Aitor preserves his family’s philosophy and the essence of Basque cuisine, offering diners an authentic experience shaped by the Cantabrian Sea, the grill, and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship.