María José Martínez

Owner and head chef

Born on 17 October 1984 in Alhama de Murcia.

He began studying a degree in chemistry, then went on to study a degree in pastry and bakery, and then a higher degree in catering at the IES La Flota (Murcia). He complemented his gastronomy studies with a course in avant-garde techniques at the Basque Culinary Center (San Sebastian).

She worked in various restaurants in the province of Murcia, Barcelona and Valencia. It was in Valencia, together with her husband Juan José Soria (sommelier and head waiter), when they decided to take the leap to become entrepreneurs and open their first restaurant in 2014.

In 2016, at the international congress Madrid Fusión, she was a finalist as Revelation Chef, being the candidate with the most votes in the popular vote.

Lienzo was awarded its first Sol Repsol, was recognised as Bib Gourmand by the MICHELIN Guide, along with other professional awards, including Businesswoman of the Year by the Federation of Hotel and Catering Businesses of Valencia.

The publication Tapas Magazine considered Mª José one of the most influential people in gastronomy, sharing the list with chefs and professionals in the sector such as Dabiz Muñoz***, Ferran Adriá, Jesús Sánchez***, Joan Roca*** and José Carlos Capel…

Lienzo obtained its first MICHELIN Star in the 2021 edition, a star it still holds today. The Repsol Guide also awarded Lienzo its first Sun in 2020, which it also retains today.

In 2023 it was awarded by the Amics de la Gastronomía Mediterrànea 2023 Awards, ‘for its tireless work in the promotion of the countryside and beekeeping’.

The Sustainable Guide defines Lienzo as one of the most outstanding sustainable restaurants in the Valencian Community.

Her restaurant Lienzo has received the highest Molt de Gust certification for its work in promoting quality and organic agri-food products from the Valencian Community.

The chef received the prestigious Aquanaria Madrid Fusión 2024 Sustainability Award for her contribution to the dissemination, study and protection of bee pollination and organic products from her territory in the Valencian Community, and has been recognised for her work in the prestigious international We’re Smart Green Guide.

María José is recognised around the world for her unwavering support for sustainability, working actively on bee conservation projects, highlighting the importance of bee pollination for human health and survival at conferences, congresses, cookery schools and all kinds of events.

Juanjo Soria

Owner and room manager

Born on 15 January 1985 in Murcia.

He studied Dietetics and Nutrition at IES Miguel de Cervantes 2004-2006, Catering at IES La Flota Murcia 2006-2008 and graduated in Gastronomic Sciences at IES La Flota Murcia 2013-2017.
UCAM 2013-2017.

His training in the world of wine is completed with the course Vinos de Portugal
(ViniPortugal 2020), with the WSET level 2 title (More than wines 2022), and the Wines of France Course (Grand Cru Academy 2023).

In 2014, together with his wife, chef María José Martínez, he opened his first restaurant, where he will soon be awarded his first Sol Repsol. Together, they will obtain the first MICHELIN Star for the restaurant Lienzo in 2021.

He is Brand Ambassador for the city of Valencia for Moët Chandon.
He has given various private tastings, training talks in schools and training centres on room service and wine and has been a speaker and member of the jury at various congresses and events on the world of wine and gastronomy.

In 2024, the Valencia Hotel and Catering Business Federation (Hostelería Valencia) awarded him the Room Service Award at the Valencia Hotel and Catering Awards 2024.

In 2024, TOP 100 SOMMELIERS 2024, recognizes him as the first sommelier of the city of Valencia and number 24 of the best 100 sommeliers in Spain.