About Las Mañas

Cincuenta Años de Pasión

Las Mañas has a rich history dating back to 1967 when Maurice, a Belgian man married to Natividad, a woman from Zaragoza, took charge of the restaurant. During this time, Mother Espantoso developed a close friendship with Natividad and began assisting her on a regular basis. In 1972, father Andres seized the opportunity to take over Las Mañas. Miguel, who was 14 years old at the time, fondly recalls this period as an exhilarating and eventful time. Now, 50 years later, the business remains under the ownership of the Espantoso family, showcasing their commitment and dedication to Las Mañas.

Discover the captivating story of Las Mañas in our authentic book. Order and collect it from our shop.

THANK YOU to my father

June 2010

I will strive to honor the legacy of my grandparents, Andres Olegario Espantoso Sallosa and Maria Theresa Mendez Aneiras, and follow in their footsteps with utmost dedication.

They were the founders of our business and devoted many years of hard work to its success. My father, Miguel, continued their legacy, transforming Las Mañas into a renowned Spanish-Antarctic Monument that has gained recognition beyond national borders.

I am deeply grateful to my family for meticulously preparing our future and creating a solid foundation for me. They have paved the way for me to continue their life's work, maintaining the same ambiance, atmosphere, conviviality, and, above all, the same commitment to quality.

With the support of my father, I promise to carry forward their legacy, preserving the essence of Las Mañas and ensuring that it remains a beacon of excellence.

Rayco Espantoso

Owner Las Mañas ~ generación 3

an ode to YAPSI ESPANTOSO

From an early age, Yapsi, Miguel's son, felt a strong calling to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather and father. After completing primary school, he made the decision to pursue training at the Stella Maris hotel school in Merksem. This renowned institution provides aspiring chefs with valuable practical experience in restaurants and hotels. It was only natural for Yapsi to choose the family business's kitchen, where he could learn under the guidance of his grandmother. After three years of internships and dedicated study, Yapsi successfully graduated as a skilled cook. He joined the new Mañas establishment, initially working full-time in the kitchen and later transitioning to a role as a bartender. Yapsi possessed valuable insights and experience in all three fundamental pillars of hospitality: the kitchen, dining room, and bar. He was always cheerful and had an inherent appreciation for the finer things in life.

Tragically, on the evening of March 23, 2019, Yapsi left for home around 4 am and was later discovered lifeless in Deurne. The entire family, along with countless friends, continues to mourn his loss. It is an emotional blow that defies comprehension, an indescribable loss from which one never fully recovers.

MIGUEL ESPANTOSO ~ generación 2

Without ever thinking that it would become Rayco's life's work, he nevertheless became more and more involved. At one point, after a year and a half of globetrotting, Miguel asked 'What do you really want to do with your life? Are you going to keep travelling forever, are you going to study again or do you want to get into the business?' Rayco was 19 and realised he had a tough decision to make. Yet he did not have to think about it for too long. Above all, he wanted to see his father more and give him something in return for all his sacrifices. Until then, he had only given and worked in his life. And dad was his idol, the man he looked up to, his teacher.

Yaiza espantoso - barmaster

As the youngest and the only girl, Yaiza is naturally Miguel's favourite. When she was 12, she started preparing desserts and cleaning glasses little by little. She was soon tired of school, but she didn't know what to do.

After Yapsi's death, everything gained momentum. Then she decided that she would go 100 % for Las Mañas where she took over from Yapsi.

Meanwhile, she beams behind the bar, has a beautiful smile and she can stand her ground against zageventen at the bar. She also does stand her ground seriously.

What STANDS LAS MAÑAS

What does Las Mañas actually want to say? Something so many customers wonder ...

Well... It is the demonstrative feminine plural form of maño. A maño is a nickname for women from the region of Aragon.

Indeed, it so happens that the very first owner of Las Mañas (Maurice) was married to Natividad, a woman from Zaragoza (the inhabitants of Zaragoza and its surroundings are called los Maños in Spain, the women las Mañas, Queen Fabiola was una Maña) This is how the name "Las Mañas" came about.

WHAT IS BEING SAID ABOUT US IN THE MEDIA

Gazet Van Antwerpen; Bart De Wever pulls off festivities for 50 years of Las Mañas: 'This is an institution' Read the article here.

The Latest News; City's most iconic restaurant celebrates 50th anniversary with own book: "Las Mañas, that's just a household name for every Antwerper" Read the article here

Nice Antwerp called us the most famous Spanish restaurant in Antwerp for good reason. Read the article here.

Editor Caroline Van de Pol gave a review in The Latest News. Takeaway at Las Mañas: bring the sunshine into your home with generous portions of Spanish paella. Read the article here.

Just before the very first lockdown came ATV visit our restaurant. Check it out here.

Restaurant playfully picks up on thefts, Written by Johan Van Baelen for The Gazet Van Antwerp. Click here To read the article.