There is something quietly captivating about Strat. Located just above the beach in Cala de Finestrat, this intimate restaurant reflects the soul and journey of Claire Hutchings. It is a place where Mediterranean elegance meets personal storytelling, where each plate carries a piece of the chef’s life and travels. “At its heart, Strat is about sharing that journey with others, through food that tells a story, in an atmosphere that’s both refined and relaxed,” she explains.
Claire’s culinary style is deeply rooted in the Mediterranean, but her years spent cooking aboard yachts around the world have given her food a subtle global accent. “The flavours, the techniques, the combinations, they come from my life, from my travels, from moments that mean something to me,” she says. Strat is not a concept designed to be reproduced in different cities. It is a deeply personal expression of a chef at her most authentic.
A Setting That Frames the Experience
The setting of Strat elevates the experience before the first dish even arrives. A few steps lead up from the promenade to a space that feels both elevated and inviting. Inside, soft natural light filters through the windows, while the terrace opens up to views of the Mediterranean Sea and the sandy curve of Finestrat’s beach below. It is a place where time seems to slow down.
Dining here on a sunlit afternoon in September, the warm breeze carried the scent of the sea through the terrace. Every table, no matter where it is placed, looks out over the water, creating a feeling of serenity that lingers throughout the meal. “My vision for Strat is to keep it small and personal. I have no desire to go global. I want to stay at the heart of the restaurant, because cooking is what I truly love,” Claire shares.
A Tasting Menu That Shines
Claire personally invited us to try the tasting menu, and what followed was a showcase of precision, artistry and flavour. The dishes are beautifully presented, each one carefully composed with vibrant colours that draw you in before the first bite.
The meal opened with a four-level stand of starters that was a statement in itself. Prawns in mango sauce delivered bright, layered flavours, while another dish of ginger with strawberry was delicate and refreshing in its own way. Each bite was balanced and thoughtful, offering a glimpse into the chef’s creative mind. A bottle of Albariño Alvinte white wine paired effortlessly with the courses, smooth and crisp with a touch of minerality.
Then came one of Claire’s signatures, the suckling lamb. Served with rich curry jus, coconut basmati rice, mango & mint sauces, the dish was rich yet refined, the lamb melting softly on the tongue. Another highlight was the Galician beef with marrow, peas and spring onion, aged for 90 days before being cooked over the barbecue. It was served with a silky purée and asparagus, each element perfectly judged.
A Standard Worthy of Michelin
Claire’s recent appearance at the Alicante Food Festival confirmed what is already evident at Strat. She is a chef whose work is driven by passion, precision and vision. “I just genuinely love good food, so being surrounded by so much passion and creativity was inspiring,” she says. She also hopes to help shape the region’s gastronomic landscape. “Benidorm isn’t traditionally known for its fine dining scene, and I’d love to help change that.”
Strat delivers a level of cuisine that feels truly exceptional, and it is easy to imagine its name appearing on the pages of Michelin Guide very soon. The finesse of the dishes, the originality of the flavours and the calm confidence of the service make this restaurant stand apart.
We dub it BEST RESTAURANT OF 2025 FOR RHE EXCLUSIVE. This is a dining experience that deserves to be spoken about, a restaurant that sets the bar high for Mediterranean fine dining. You have to go… it is that good!
Contact Details:
Av. Marina Baixa, 10, Cala de Finestrat
+34 865 668 291