Over 100 top chefs unite behind the campaign to crown Catalonia best gastronomy in the world
A stunning culinary declaration was made at the heart of Barcelona’s Palau de la Música Catalana: Catalonia has the best gastronomy in the world—and the region’s top chefs are standing behind it. In an unprecedented show of unity, more than 100 Michelin-starred and traditional chefs, including global icons Ferran Adrià, the Roca brothers, Carme Ruscalleda, and the Cocina Hermanos Torres, gathered to launch a campaign that positions Catalonia as the world’s leading food and wine destination.
Catalonia’s culinary revolution—launched decades ago by pioneers like elBulli—has now reached its peak. With 62 restaurants holding 77 Michelin stars, and three spots in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Catalonia is no longer just a regional force; it’s a global culinary powerhouse.
A Movement Rooted in Legacy—and Innovation
What began over 30 years ago with culinary disruptors like Ferran Adrià (elBulli) and Carme Ruscalleda has evolved into an internationally recognized ecosystem of talent and taste. Chefs like Joan and Josep Roca (El Celler de Can Roca) and Albert Adrià—named the #2 chef in the world in 2024 by The Best Chef Awards—have put the region at the pinnacle of fine dining.
“Catalonia’s gastronomy is not just about restaurants,” said one campaign spokesperson. “It’s a reflection of a deeply rooted food culture that integrates tradition, innovation, and sustainability.”
The numbers support the claim:
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77 Michelin stars across 62 restaurants
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3 restaurants in the World’s 50 Best: Disfrutar, El Celler de Can Roca, elBulli
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12 Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) and 13 PGIs for agri-food products
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12 wine DOs, placing Catalonia among Europe’s most refined viticultural zones
A Unified Culinary Force
The campaign, titled “Catalonia, the Best Gastronomy in the World,” brings together 140 real culinary professionals—chefs, sommeliers, producers, winegrowers, farmers, and restaurateurs—in a cinematic ad shot across seven iconic Catalan locations. These include:
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Barcelona
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Costa Brava (Peratallada, l’Escala)
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Costa Dorada (Valls)
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Ebro Delta (muscle farms)
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Lleida, La Vall de Boí (Pyrenees), and Penedès
This visual journey emphasizes the regional diversity and culinary depth that sets Catalonia apart—from mountains to the Mediterranean.
“It’s the first time we’ve united every representative of Catalan cuisine,” the Catalan Tourism Agency stated. “This is more than a campaign—it’s a statement of identity.”
Tourism with Taste: Catalonia’s Culinary Economy
Gastronomy in Catalonia isn’t just art—it’s big business. The agri-food sector generates 20% of the region’s GDP, employs over 573,500 professionals, and invests €85.7M in R&D annually. This makes Catalonia not just a place to dine, but a global hub of food innovation.
Food tourism is booming here, too:
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Visitors drawn by food and wine spend 20% more than the average tourist.
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There are over 500 curated gastronomic experiences across the region.
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The region has been named World Region of Gastronomy 2025 by IGCAT.
In this context, the campaign aims to attract international travelers from culinary capitals like New York City, San Francisco, Miami Beach, Aspen, Chicago, Berlin, and Hong Kong who seek immersive, high-end experiences in wine, food, and culture.
A Call to the Culinary Curious
This campaign is not just for critics and chefs—it’s for global gourmets. Whether you’re sipping DO Penedès wine in the vineyards, enjoying Michelin-starred magic in Girona, or biting into a rustic calçot in Valls, Catalonia offers a full-spectrum journey for every level of food enthusiast.
With its strong links between agriculture, culinary arts, and tourism, the region is redefining what it means to travel for taste.
“Catalonia doesn’t just serve food,” a featured chef in the campaign said. “We serve a story, a territory, a legacy.”
Conclusion: The Taste of a Culinary Nation
From farm to fine dining, Catalonia has declared itself a world culinary leader—and it’s hard to argue. With dozens of Michelin stars, a thriving agri-food industry, and the cultural depth to match, the region is inviting the world to experience gastronomy at its finest.
Whether you’re a traveler, chef, or connoisseur, the message is clear: Catalonia is calling—and it’s serving something unforgettable.
