Chef Rafa Zafra is a renowned Spanish chef known for his expertise in seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. Born in Alcalá de Guadaíra, Seville, his passion for cooking developed early, leading him to enroll in the Hotel and Catering School of Seville at the age of 16. He trained in some of the world’s most prestigious restaurants, including Arzak, La Terraza del Casino, and Calima, refining his skills in both traditional and avant-garde techniques. 

In 2005, he joined Hacienda Benazuza elBulli Hotel, where he became head chef and solidified his reputation in fine dining. After the Hacienda’s closure, he took on various culinary projects, including consulting for OASIS Hotels & Resorts and collaborating on Heart Ibiza with the Adrià brothers. In 2016, he launched his first independent venture, ESTIMAR, in Barcelona, followed by a Madrid location in 2019. 

His expansion continued with Jondal in Ibiza (2020), Amar in Barcelona (2022), Per Feina in Poblenou (2022), and Rural in Madrid (2023). In 2024, he opened Bikini Bar & Cocktail and Casa de Comidas in Madrid, further cementing his influence on the Spanish culinary scene.