The evening of November 25 in Málaga turned into a true celebration of Spanish gastronomy. Here, the long-awaited Michelin Stars 2026 awards ceremony took place, bringing together the country’s top chefs, restaurateurs, and haute cuisine enthusiasts. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and joy: for many participants, this event marked the culmination of years of hard work and creative pursuit.
This year, 25 restaurants from across Spain received their first Michelin star. This is not only recognition of their craftsmanship but also a significant milestone in the evolution of the national cuisine. Each of the honored restaurants showcased exceptional ingredient quality, originality in presentation, and consistency in flavor, factors that proved decisive for the jury.
New Michelin Stars Spanning from Andalusia to the Canary Islands
Among the new Michelin-starred establishments are venues from all corners of the country. In Andalusia and the Canary Islands, awards went to Faralá (Granada), Mare (Cádiz), Ochando (Seville), Palodú (Málaga), Recomiendo (Córdoba), Haydée By Víctor Suárez and El Taller Seve Díaz (both in Tenerife). These restaurants impressed the experts with a blend of tradition and contemporary culinary technique.
The Mediterranean region also stood out: Barahonda (Murcia), Llavor and Rubén Miralles (both in Castellón), Simposio (Valencia), as well as Scapar and Kamikaze (both in Barcelona), joined the list of the country’s best. Each offered a unique approach to local ingredients and flavors, which could not go unnoticed.
Central and Northern Spain: New Names on the Gastronomic Map
In central and northern Spain, stars were awarded to Ancestral (Madrid), Emi (Madrid), Èter (Madrid), Casa Rubén (Huesca), Bakea (Mungia, Biscay), Islares (Bilbao), Itzuli (San Sebastián), La Revelía (Amorebieta/Etxano), Miguel González (Ourense), Pico Velasco (Carasa, Cantabria), Regueiro (Tox, Asturias), and Vértigo (Sober, Lugo). These restaurants have shown that culinary discoveries are possible not only in the capital but also in small towns and even villages.
Special attention was paid to establishments that focus on local products and seasonality. Many of them have already become hotspots for gourmets eager to discover new flavors and unexpected combinations.
Two stars and special awards: new achievements
This year, five restaurants received two Michelin stars: four in Catalonia—Enigma, Aleia, Mont Bar, and La Boscana—and one more, Ramón Freixa, in Madrid. This confirms the high level of culinary excellence in these regions and their commitment to continuous development.
However, in 2026, no Spanish restaurant was awarded a third star—the jury decided to keep the previous list of triple-starred establishments. Thus, 16 restaurants with three stars continue to hold their place among the elite of world gastronomy.
Green stars and special achievement awards
An important part of the ceremony was the presentation of five Michelin Green Stars for contributions to sustainability and ethical practices. In 2026, these were awarded to Ama (Tolosa), Bakea (Mungia), Garena (Dima), Hika (Villabona), and Terraem (Port de Pollença). These restaurants delight guests with their flavors while caring for nature and the planet’s future.
Additionally, special awards were presented: for best service — Abel Valverde (Desde 1911, Madrid), for sommelier work — Luis Baselga (Smoked Room, Madrid), for young chef — Juan Carlos García (Vandelvira), and for mentorship — Quique Dacosta.
Spanish Cuisine: New Horizons and Growing Recognition
The gala in Málaga demonstrated that Spanish cuisine continues to surprise and inspire. The new Michelin stars signify not only personal achievements for the chefs but also contribute to the development of the country’s gastronomic culture. Each recognized restaurant will now attract gourmets and tourists, while their teams set examples for future generations of culinary professionals.
In 2026, Spain has once again confirmed its status as one of Europe’s top gastronomic powers. The names of the new star recipients are already becoming symbols of quality, creativity, and passion for their craft.
