René, the Malaga restaurant that enters the Star Wine List for its exceptional wine cellar

The news comes as no surprise to those who have already sat at its bar or lost track of time among its shelves. René arrived on the Málaga scene as one of the year's most anticipated openings, with class, ambition, and a very clear vision: to make wine the star of the show, not just a supporting act.

The recognition comes after chef Diego René and sommelier Jesús Rioboo represented Spain with a victory in the International Final of the Jerez Cup. This achievement opens the door for them to compete in the Jerez Forum & Competition Cup against seven other countries.

This endorsement confirms what many in Málaga already suspected: René is not just a venture into haute cuisine, it's a project where wine truly reigns supreme. And I'm not the only one who says so.

A wine cellar with almost 700 references as a calling card

The first thing visitors to René encounter is not the dining room, but the cellar. The guide describes it as a hidden space that also serves as an entrance, a deliberate touch: here, priorities are clear before you even sit down.

Inside, Jesús Rioboo, the head sommelier, a native of Málaga with a palate honed over years in France, awaits. His wine list boasts nearly 700 selections, mostly Spanish and French, but also includes those rare bottles that make a dinner truly unforgettable. Wines from France, from Spain, and from hidden gems not found on every wine list.

Star Wine List sums it up with its own formula: 'High stakes, a vibrant atmosphere, and an exceptional winery.' Wine, the guide says, is the true driving force behind René's passion.

The wine cellar is not just an addition to René's: it is the prelude to a night where wine sets the rhythm.

The team that put René on the wine map

Behind the project are two key figures: Diego René, who designs the kitchen, and Jesús Rioboo, who oversees the wine cellar and the overall beverage experience. The restaurant was born with a clear ambition: to strive for the coveted Michelin star without losing its authentic and genuine energy.

The guide describes the atmosphere as sophisticated, yet with a lingering spark that leaves a lasting impression. At the bar, you can watch the kitchen preparing a monkfish Wellington, one of the dishes already being discussed in the dining room.

The wine cellar, in fact, doesn't wait until the end of the menu or hide in an endless list. It's at the beginning, like an appetizer in itself, and that changes the rhythm of the evening. The guide highlights this with a phrase that already defines the project: 'Hidden in the cellar is Jesús Rioboo'.

I'm not exaggerating. The proposal is more about thirst than ceremony.

What does it mean to be included in the Star Wine List and why does it matter?

The Star Wine List doesn't just focus on the food: it rewards a winery's consistency, the sommelier's expertise, and the ability to evoke emotion with a glass of wine. For a young restaurant in Málaga, appearing on this international list is a major boost that puts it on the radar of travelers and wine enthusiasts.

The guide recommends René 'if you're looking for a night with a taste of passion and a touch of risk,' and warns: make sure you're thirsty. Because Jesús, they say, has many stories waiting to be told on the other side of the bar. The hidden wine cellar thus becomes the perfect prelude to an ambitious menu.

On a practical level, there's a nuance worth noting: René isn't a place to be rushed. The experience is designed to be savored, with a sommelier crafting a narrative based on your orders, your cravings, or what's in season. That's why it's advisable to make a reservation and, if possible, sit near the bar: the live cooking demonstration is part of the show.

Málaga's inclusion in this guide further solidifies its position as a gastronomic destination that extends beyond sun and sand. With projects like this, the city demonstrates that wine and haute cuisine can go hand in hand without any pretension. Keep an eye on this place if you're looking for a dinner that begins with a glass of wine and ends with the feeling of having traveled.

If you're into wine, remember this name. If you're into watching a young team fight for a gastronomic dream with a winery as their driving force, even more reason to follow them. René is already on the map, and it doesn't look like he'll be leaving anytime soon.

🍽️ The foodie card

• 🏠 Location / Establishment: René Restaurant
• 📍 Location: Malaga
• 🍴 Type of food / Specialty: Signature cuisine and wine cellar
• 💰 Average price: Check in store