Later, Juan Mari Arzak's parents took over control of the restaurant.

Juan Mari Arzak has two daughters, Marta and Elena, with Maite Espina.

[2] Arzak said that his interest in cooking began at birth, and that in his childhood he would help in his family's restaurant.

However, his real interest in cuisine didn't begin until his time at a hotel management school in Madrid.

[2] In 2008 Arzak received the "Universal Basque" award for "adapting gastronomy, one of the most important traditions of the Basque Country, to the new times and making of it one of the most innovative of the world".