Among the passions of the young Ricard Camarena were cooking and music...the former won the battle. Deciding to lay aside his trumpet and scores he has devoted himself to a cuisine based on local produce, one that has earned him several awards. He has garnered three Michelin stars (Arrop, Arrop Valencia, and Ricard Camarena Restaurant), as well three Repsol suns for his current gourmet restaurant. In 2018 the French guide awarded him the second star and years later he received the green star. It has also been recognised with the National Gastronomy Award.

In addition to his flagship restaurant, Camarena also has a more cosmopolitan eatery called Canalla Bistro, and his Central Bar is a more affordable option based on local produce. Ricard Camarena Colón is an events venue, and his R&D centre is called Ricard Camarena Lab.  To round off his conquest of his city, he also has a new place, Bar X.