Thirty years ago, chefs such as Carme Ruscalleda, Ferran Adrià, Santi Santamaria and the Roca brothers turned Catalonia into a beacon of international haute gastronomy and a first-class gastronomic destination. The foremost culinary revolution of the late 20th century was begun here and continues to captivate the thousands of lovers of good food who visit us every year. It is a revolution that blends tradition and innovation and turns Catalan gastronomy into a winning combination. This unique generation, inspired by a propitious social and economic setting which was open to the world, broke the mould with creative gastronomy that knew no bounds. Their innovation triggered a heated debate: was it science or was it Catalan gastronomy? Today, their legacy has paved the way for a generation of chefs who now fill tables and bars all over Catalonia with stunning and vibrant proposals. The kitchens of legendary haunts such as elBulli, el Celler de Can Roca, Sant Pau and Can Fabes have blazed the trail for emerging chefs including Carles Abellán, Sergi Arola, Oriol Balaguer, Ramon Freixa, Fina Puigdevall, Ada Parellada and Nandu Jubany. Today, the baton is being taken up by the likes of Jordi Cruz (ABaC), the Torres brothers (Cocina Hermanos Torres), the trio Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch and Mateu Casañas (Disfrutar) and lots more. Combining tradition and innovation: the secret of Catalan gastronomy Catalan gastronomy perfectly blends tradition and the avant-garde. One without the other simply isn't possible. It’s a reflection of its landscape and people. Whether you eat out in a traditional restaurant or book a table at a Michelin-starred one, savour the essence of Catalan gastronomy which seamlessly melds local dishes with the most innovative and creative gastronomy. Come to Catalonia to experience its gastronomic delights, where you can sample popular flavours and age-old recipes along with dishes featuring stunning textures made with liquid nitrogen and even created using 3D printing. Gastronomy acknowledged worldwide Catalonia has become firmly established as a global gastronomic powerhouse. Alongside its restaurants, it also has internationally recognised schools and educational facilities which attract future chefs from all over the world. There is no prestige chef, gourmet, foodie, critic or gastronome who does not at some point mention Barcelona and Catalonia. The culinary and gastronomic universe is so vast that it is hard to decide where to start: haute gastronomy, bistronomic restaurants, neo-taverns, up-to-the-minute wine cellars, vermouth bars, traditional eateries and more. This recognition peaks in 2025 with the designation of Catalonia as a World Region of Gastronomy. It is a unique opportunity to show the world what we are like through what we cook. The gastronomy made in Catalonia is the most awarded both domestically and internationally: this year we are the region with the most Michelin stars and suns in the Repsol guide. Gastronomy that invigorates the region Catalan gastronomy's drive lies as much in the chefs of renowned Michelin-starred restaurants as in the cooks who every day raise the shutters of family-run eateries hosting birthday parties and Sunday lunches. These are places where food is the identity of a county or town where quality Catalan gastronomy is still very much alive and celebrated. Culinary collectives and local produce restaurants are also essential players in showcasing Catalan gastronomy in the region. In Catalonia, 25 collectives bring together restaurants, taverns, diners, hotels and accommodation that conserve old recipes, recover local varieties and partner with wineries to pair dishes with local wines. They also run festivals, conferences and markets that attract visitors and invigorate the region. Slow food restaurants, who are committed to local produce, also connect producers with the public. There are 46 of these restaurants in Catalonia which back gastronomic initiatives such as the Earth Market and the Land and Flavour Fair and also enhance the value of rural culture and authentic home flavours. Catalonia is a place where every landscape has a dish and every dish tells a story. Cooking here means loving the land, its people and time. And this gastronomy with its roots and soul continues to enthral the world.