El Molí de l’Escala

El Molí de l’Escala is a charming gastronomic boutique hotel, set in a privileged location where guests can enjoy a peaceful retreat or celebrate life’s most memorable events.

The property occupies a beautifully restored 17th-century flour mill and farmhouse, with architectural elements dating back to the 12th, 17th, and 19th centuries. Its stone walls hold traces of the Via Heraclea, the ancient Greco-Roman road that once connected Empúries with the broader Mediterranean world. Every corner of the building breathes authenticity, surrounded by the natural beauty of l’Empordà.

The restaurant

Now a gastronomic landmark in the Alt Empordà region, the restaurant is led by chef Jordi Jacas, whose cuisine pays homage to the flavors of the region while embracing a contemporary and creative approach.

At the heart of this philosophy is the on-site kitchen garden, located at the front of the mill. This vegetable and herb garden supplies many of the fresh ingredients that make their way directly onto the plate—an honest expression of the restaurant’s values: from garden to table.

Gastronomy

El Molí de l’Escala focuses on seasonal, locally sourced products of the highest quality, always treated with respect, creativity, and care. The menu evolves with the seasons, but here are a few standout dishes that define the house style:

• Gillardeau oyster no. 2 from their own seawater tanks, topped with Beluga 000 caviar.
• Creamy roast meat croquette with smoked eel and Périgourdine sauce.
• Empordà-style foie gras with Girona apple and Pedro Ximénez reduction.
• Seasonal tomato salad with tuna belly and fresh onions from the garden.
• Sea cucumbers (espardenyes) from El Port de la Selva – grilled, fried, or served in dry rice.
• Red prawns from Palamós, sautéed with garlic, served with parmentier, pesto and prawn essence.
• Catch of the day from the best local fish markets – served Donostia-style, grilled, or in suquet.
• For meat lovers: slow-roasted lamb shoulder with oven potatoes and pine nuts, Iberian pork presa with garlic, and the much sought-after Txogitxu old cow rib steak, served by weight and to order.
• Traditional Catalan rice dishes, seafood stews and claypot cooking.

Why visit?

El Molí de l’Escala masterfully blends past and present: a heritage-rich setting, a culinary proposal rooted in tradition but open to innovation, and a boutique hotel that invites guests to stay longer and savour more.

It is, without doubt, one of the most seductive destinations in l’Empordà—perfect for those seeking authentic gastronomy, memorable getaways, and experiences that go beyond the ordinary.