Mikel Iturriaga is one of Spain’s most loved voices in food journalism. Known for his sharp humour, approachable style, and deep knowledge of gastronomy, he has built a career that blends journalism with culinary passion. As the founder of El Comidista, a popular food and lifestyle section under El País, Mikel has become a household name for readers who enjoy recipes, cultural commentary, and witty takes on everyday cooking.
Born in Bilbao in 1967, Mikel’s journey from studying Spanish philology to becoming a respected journalist and food critic shows his versatility. He has worked across newspapers, magazines, blogs, and television, always bringing a fresh and relatable voice. His openness about his identity and his ability to connect food with culture have made him not just a journalist, but also a cultural figure in Spain.
Mikel Iturriaga Career, Age, Wife, Parents, BIO
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mikel López Iturriaga |
| Date of Birth | 12 December 1967 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 58 years |
| Birthplace | Bilbao, Spain |
| Height | Approx. 5’10” |
| Profession | Journalist, Food Critic, Author |
| Famous For | Founder of El Comidista |
| Net Worth | $1 Million USD (Approx) |
| Family | Brother – Juanma López Iturriaga |
| Marital Status | Openly Gay, No Wife |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| @mikeliturriaga/ | |
| Wikipedia | @Mikel López Iturriaga |
Early Life and Background
Mikel Iturriaga was to his parents born on 12 December 1967 in Bilbao, a city in Spain’s Basque Country. Growing up in Bilbao meant being surrounded by a rich cultural mix of traditions, food, and language. The Basque region is known for its strong identity, and this environment shaped Mikel’s early years.
Mikel’s brother, Juanma López Iturriaga, became a well-known basketball player and television presenter in Spain. This connection to media and sports gave Mikel a sense of how public life works. While Juanma chose sports and television, Mikel leaned toward writing, culture, and food. Together, they represent a family deeply connected to Spanish culture and public life.
Education and Academic Journey
Mikel’s academic path began with a strong interest in language and literature. He studied Spanish Philology at the University of Deusto, a respected institution in Bilbao. This gave him a deep understanding of language, literature, and cultural analysis. His love for words and storytelling started here, and it became the foundation for his later career in journalism.
After completing his degree, Mikel moved to Madrid to pursue a Master’s in Journalism. This step was crucial because it allowed him to combine his love for writing with professional training in reporting and media. He learned how to craft stories, edit content, and work in fast-paced newsrooms. Later, in 2004, he added another layer to his education by studying gastronomy at the Hofmann School in Barcelona.
Career Beginnings in Journalism
After finishing his studies, Mikel López Iturriaga stepped into the world of journalism with energy and curiosity. His first big role was at El País de las Tentaciones, a cultural supplement of El País that focused on music and entertainment. Here, he sharpened his skills as a writer and editor, learning how to connect with readers through stories that mixed information with personality.
He later worked with digital platforms like Loquesea.com and Ya.com, which gave him experience in online journalism during the early days of the internet in Spain. Mikel also contributed to well-known magazines such as La Vanguardia, Rolling Stone, and Marie Claire. His career took another step forward when he became Chief Editor at ADN, a free newspaper that was widely distributed in Spain.
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Rise of the Culinary Voice – Ondakín Blog
While journalism gave him a strong base, Mikel’s true passion was food. In 2007, he started his first food blog called Ondakín. This was a personal project where he shared recipes, food reviews, and humorous takes on cooking. The blog quickly gained attention because of his unique style.
His efforts were recognised in 2009 when Ondakín won the Best Cooking Blogger Award from Canal Cocina, a Spanish food television channel. This award gave him credibility and opened doors for bigger projects. Mikel showed that food writing could be entertaining, inclusive, and modern. This success laid the foundation for his next big project, El Comidista, which would make him a household name.
Television and Media Presence
Mikel’s success with El Comidista opened doors to television. He worked with Canal+ and Telemadrid, gaining experience in front of the camera. In 2017, he hosted El Comidista TV on La Sexta, where he brought his blog’s style to television. The show featured recipes, interviews, and cultural discussions, all presented with his trademark humour.
In 2018, he collaborated with Cristina Pardo on the program Liarla Pardo, adding his food expertise to a broader cultural show. That same year, he launched the El Comidista YouTube channel, reaching younger audiences who preferred digital platforms. In 2020, he hosted Banana Split on La 2, further proving his versatility as a media personality.
Books and Publications
Mikel López Iturriaga has not limited himself to journalism and television. He has also written several books that reflect his unique style of mixing food with humour and culture. His first book, Las recetas de El Comidista (2011), was a collection of recipes that readers loved for their simplicity and fun presentation. It was not just about cooking; it was about enjoying the process and laughing along the way.
In 2012, he published La cocina pop de El Comidista, which showed how food connects with popular culture. This book was different because it linked recipes with music, movies, and everyday life. Later, in 2014, he released Las 202 mejores recetas de El Comidista, a larger collection that gave readers practical cooking ideas. Most recently, in 2024, he published Cocina de aquí para gente de hoy, which focused on modern Spanish cooking for today’s lifestyle.
Personal Life and Identity
Mikel has always been open about his personal life. In 1992, he publicly declared that he is gay. At that time, it was not common for public figures in Spain to speak openly about their sexuality. His honesty made him a role model for many people in the LGBTQ+ community. By sharing his truth, he helped break barriers and showed that being authentic is important in both personal and professional life.
Unlike many celebrity profiles, Mikel does not have a wife. He has always been clear about his identity and has spoken about relationships in a way that reflects his openness. His family also plays an important role in his life. His brother, Juanma López Iturriaga, is a well-known sports figure in Spain, and together they represent a family that has contributed to Spanish culture in different ways.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
Mikel’s career has not only brought him fame but also financial success. Mikel’s estimated net worth is around $1 million USD (approx). This wealth comes from different sources, including his work as a journalist, his books, his television shows, and his digital projects like El Comidista.
While he is not known for living a flashy lifestyle, his financial standing reflects the value of his work and the respect he has earned in the industry. His success shows that journalism, when combined with creativity and authenticity, can lead to both recognition and stability. For readers, his story is inspiring because it proves that following one’s passion can also bring professional and financial rewards.
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