a bold bet
Imagine a restaurant where the finest cuts of mature meats, the freshest tuna—raw and lightly cured—seafaring treasures like shellfish, and a wide spectrum of rice dishes including fideuás and spoon meals live side by side with a refined, exclusive dining experience. It’s a concept that could be tucked beside a busy workplace, offering a daily gastronomic journey without the need for extra journeys or detours. The idea is to bring a premium dining atmosphere right into the heart of a modern business environment, turning a routine workday into a memorable culinary occasion.
Launched in 2020 under the banner Choose a Restaurant, this concept targets professionals who treasure time but refuse to compromise on quality. Its strategic location in Elche Business Park makes it a natural meeting point for the region’s workers, while also appealing to anyone who seeks exceptional gourmet offerings without the hassle of hunting for a parking space. The venue proudly claims ample parking to accommodate a steady flow of diners who want to linger over superb food rather than waste time circling for a spot.
Within this framework, the restaurant’s team emphasizes a blend of convenience and sophistication. The aim has always been clear: to make gourmet cooking accessible in a workspace setting, delivering an experience that feels intimate yet exclusive. Its proximity to the main entrances of the province serves as a practical advantage, placing the venue just minutes from the airport, a short hop from the neighboring city of Alicante, and very close to Elche itself.
Realizing this vision required the right people. The kitchen and service teams needed seasoned professionals who could operate at restaurant-standard levels, ensuring consistent excellence across every service. The project found its core leadership when Rafael García and Gaspar Orts joined the gastronomy venture, bringing decades of expertise and a deep understanding of hospitality. Their presence anchors a culture of professionalism that aligns with the restaurant’s distinct character and ambitions.
Rafael García Escolano – President of the Chamber of Selecte
Rafael García Escolano, renowned for his work since 1971 coordinating the best tables in the province, has led collaborations with celebrated establishments such as Hostal Restaurante Picola, Batiste, El Faro, Casa Joaquín, and Mar de Cristal. His role goes beyond hosting; he listens to diners’ needs while supervising the team to ensure smooth service in harmony with the kitchen. Decades of dedication have transformed guests into friends who return time and again.
Gaspar Orts – Chef at Selecte
Gaspar Orts carries food in his blood as a third-generation chef. He began studying at the Hotel Management School at fourteen and has since immersed himself in kitchens across Santa Pola, Elche, and Castalla. His training spans renowned establishments on the peninsula, including El Campero in Barbate, Sula in Madrid, and La Viña del Ensanche in Bilbao. Orts blends tradition with modern technique, highlighting items such as bluefin tuna and black truffle to elevate flavors while celebrating the region’s seafood heritage. His cuisine nods to his fishing-family roots, with rice dishes and caldos that honor place of origin and technique alike.
Yesterday’s taste with new techniques
The team explains that the menu respects the flavors of yesterday while embracing today’s culinary innovations. The kitchen sources top-tier ingredients from trusted suppliers to create an experience unique in its field. Fresh seafood arrives daily from regional markets, complemented by premium meats, Iberian ham, and specialty items that showcase the region’s seasonal bounty. Each dish is paired with carefully chosen wines to enhance the dining journey and highlight the restaurant’s philosophy of simplicity, quality, and reverence for authentic flavors.
The Selecte team, comprising five kitchen professionals and six dining room staff, stands ready to assist guests. The modern facilities offer flexible spaces for events and special menus, with daily noon hours extending through the afternoon to accommodate varied schedules. The team emphasizes service that aims to satisfy every palate and ensure guests leave with a sense that they have experienced something memorable.
“The best of the best”
Selecte carries a recent honor from a global travel platform. Recognized for exemplary service and memorable experiences, the restaurant was placed among the top tier in a 2022 global ranking, signaling its status within a select circle of establishments known for consistency, hospitality, and culinary excellence.
A curated collection accompanies the menu, designed to complement the tasting notes of each course and elevate the overall experience with a thoughtful beverage program that respects regional traditions and contemporary preferences.
More information
Select a Restaurant
Address and contact details are intentionally omitted in this summary to focus on the culinary journey and the restaurant’s ethos as a workplace dining destination.
The concept emphasizes accessibility, quality, and a seamless bridge between work and leisure through exceptional food experiences, thoughtful service, and a setting designed for professionals seeking convenience without compromise. For readers seeking additional context about Selecte, citations note the restaurant’s public statements and industry recognition attributed to its leadership and culinary team.
[Source: Selecte Restaurante, with acknowledgement of leadership and culinary team from public statements and industry recognitions.]