Opening Restaurant
Andres and Maria Teresa take over Las Mañas. Mum stirs the pots, Dad renovates and expands the premises, and Miguel – just 14 years old – is fully involved in the dining room and kitchen.
Las Mañas has been a household name in Antwerp since 1972. What started as a small Spanish family restaurant grew into an icon where generations of Espantosos have put their soul and passion. Discover the story behind our family here, and taste the history in every dish and every smile.
👉 Curious about the full story? Read our book “Las Mañas – 50 Años de Pasión”.
Every letter of Las Mañas tells a story of love, mastery and authenticity.
Tradition and refinement come together in our kitchen, while the lively atmosphere and warm closeness of our family embrace you.
From the first tapa to the last smile, every moment at Las Mañas is a flavourful journey through Spain, driven by passion, care, and pure hospitality.
Miguel Espantoso, the youngest son, literally grew up in the kitchen and dining room of Las Mañas. From clearing tables and doing odd jobs to taking over the reins in the 1980s, Miguel made Las Mañas the place to be and became the face of the restaurant for many years. With his language skills, entrepreneurial spirit and endless passion, he continued his parents’ tradition.
In 2013, Rayco Espantoso, Miguel's son, took over the reins. He brought a breath of fresh air to the restaurant: a more modern look, social media, events and rejuvenated energy. Rayco remains faithful to the recipes and spirit of his grandmother and father, but translates them into a contemporary experience for a new generation of guests.
Yapsi brought light and life to Las Mañas. With his infectious smile, endless humour and boundless energy, he made every day brighter and every evening more enjoyable. His unexpected passing in 2019 left a void that will never be filled.
Yet he is still here: in the stories we tell, the photographs that surround us, and in the warmth that our family and our restaurant continue to radiate.
Las Mañas carries his smile with him forever. A source of joy, love and memory.
Yaiza, the youngest member of the family, blossomed into a strong and confident woman. With her presence, warmth and new ideas, she symbolises the future of Las Mañas: young, innovative and yet deeply rooted in tradition.
Today, Las Mañas is more than a restaurant. It is a place of family, meeting, music and gastronomy. Where you enjoy authentic Spanish dishes, live music and a unique warm atmosphere that has been passed down for generations.
Andres and Maria Teresa take over Las Mañas. Mum stirs the pots, Dad renovates and expands the premises, and Miguel – just 14 years old – is fully involved in the dining room and kitchen.
After years of working there, Miguel leaves his mark on Las Mañas. He modernises the menu, selects the wines and gives the business character and flair. The restaurant becomes the meeting place for sailors, drivers and Antwerp residents.
The family buys the buildings and adjacent plots of land - together 2,300 m². Las Mañas becomes bigger and more versatile, with party rooms, a guest house and a kitchen that attracts more and more people.
When Antwerp becomes European Capital of Culture, Las Mañas becomes a fixture for politicians, journalists and lovers of Spanish gastronomy.
Miguel passes the torch to his son Rayco. He brings innovation in look and feel, deploys social media and strengthens branding. The restaurant combines tradition with a fresh, modern look.
The ever-cheerful Yapsi, brother of Rayco and Choim and dad's party animal, passes away unexpectedly. His smile and zest for life will remain forever in the hearts of Las Mañas.
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