David López is much more than a cook. He is passionate about nature, a tireless researcher, and a lover of his roots. Born in Hellín and adopted by Murcia, he has spent over twenty years forging a culinary path marked by curiosity and respect for authenticity. From his restaurant, Local de Ensayo, David shares a part of his story and his understanding of cooking with each diner.
David didn’t come to the kitchen following a conventional route. Before dedicating himself to gastronomy, he explored other paths, until cooking awakened in him a passion that changed everything. He trained in Alicante, worked in restaurants in Castilla-La Mancha, Almería, and Murcia, and had teachers who shaped his understanding of the craft. But it was in 2016, with the opening of Local de Ensayo, that David found his true voice.
That voice has a very clear accent: that of mycology applied to cooking. David is one of the few chefs who specializes in the harvesting and culinary use of mushrooms and truffles. This specialization has shaped his culinary philosophy: #revisitedtradition, a concept that defines his way of reinterpreting classic dishes through technique, creativity, and absolute respect for local and seasonal produce.
This philosophy is translated into dishes such as salt-roasted beets with sour cream, cucumber, cumin, fennel, and herring caviar, where he combines humble ingredients with sophisticated touches. In his cuisine, mushrooms and truffles coexist with vegetables from his own urban garden, seasonal game, wild fish from Murcia fish markets, and native meats such as the Murcian chato.
His commitment to the plant world has led Local de Ensayo to be awarded three radishes in the prestigious international guide We’re Smart Green, which recognizes restaurants that best utilize plants in their culinary offerings.
Recognized by guides such as Michelin and Repsol, a multi-award-winning chef, and a regular speaker at conferences such as Madrid Fusión, San Sebastián Gastronómica, Alicante Gastronómica, Gastrónoma, GastroTEA, and international gatherings in Mexico, Portugal, Turkey, and France, David remains true to his essence.
In every dish, every menu, and every conversation, David López demonstrates that true haute cuisine is born from respect for the land and the endless curiosity of someone who never stops learning.
Personal Details
– Born: Hellín (Albacete)
– Lived in: Murcia since 2005
Education
– 2000-2001: Culinary studies at the CDT (Cultural and Technical University of Alicante)
Professional Experience
First Steps
– 2001: Worked with Ricardo Moltó in Ibi
– 2002: Head Chef at La Solana Restaurant (Almería)
– 2003-2005: Opened his first restaurant in Hellín
Gran Taberna (Murcia)
– 2005-2010: Head Chef with Antonio Rodríguez Campuzano
– 2007-2010: Wins 4 awards in Creajoven and Jecomur
Trainer and Advisor
– 2010: Stays at La Cabaña, Calima (Dani García), and with Vicente Patiño
– 2011-2015: Trainer in CCT and associate professor at UCAM
– 2011-2015: Gastronomic consultant (Grupo Las Flores, La Tropical)
Rehearsal Space
– 2016: Opening of Local de ensayo in Puente Tocinos (Murcia)
– 2017: Best New Project Award – Region of Murcia
– 2019: Best Chef Award – Region of Murcia
– 2024: Best Creative Restaurant Award – Region of Murcia
Specialties and Philosophy: Gastronomy
– Signature cuisine with a focus on local produce and mycology
– “Revised Tradition” philosophy: reinterpretation of traditional recipes
– Commitment to seasonal produce, sustainable cooking, and foraging
Specialization in Mycology
– National benchmark in the use of mushrooms and truffles in haute cuisine
– Expert in advanced techniques to enhance the flavor and texture of mushrooms
– Researcher and promoter of mycology applied to gastronomy
– Teaching courses and training on mycology at conferences and events
– Creation of seasonal menus focused on mushrooms and truffles
– Collaboration with the Spanish Turmiculture Association to promote the turma or desert truffle
– Author of the book “Turmas del Mundo,” the first specialized work on this mushroom
Participations and Publications: Books
– “Turmas del Mundo” (co-authored with Asunción Morte and Paco de Lara)
– “Simplicity” (collaboration with Marta Garaulet)
– “Murcia Slow Life” (collaboration with Murcia Tourism)
Gastronomic Conferences and Events
– Madrid Fusion, San Sebastián Gastronomica, Alicante Gastronomica, Gastrónoma, Gastrotea
– Speaker at national and international events (Mexico, Portugal, Turkey, France)
– 2023: Tour with 1001 Flavors of the Region of Murcia in Michelin-starred restaurants
Distinctions and Recognitions
– 2025: 2 Repsol Suns
– Recommended in the Michelin Guide since 2018
– 1 Repsol Sun (2021-2024) → 2 Repsol Suns (2025)
– 3 radishes in the We’re Smart Green Guide
– 2021 Raíz Culinaria Award: Best restaurant serving Castilian-Manchegan cuisine outside the region
– Participation in the documentary “The Countdown: Heading to the Stars,” which highlights his work with local products such as the Chato Murciano