At THE SUN PLACES we want you to experience gastronomic excellence in our destinations with the same level of luxury and comfort we offer in our accommodation. That's why we invite you to discover everything you need to know about this unique recognition and how to enjoy it from our luxury apartments in Barcelona and the Costa Brava.
📅 What is the World Region of Gastronomy and who awards this title?
The World Region of Gastronomy is an initiative promoted by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT), a non-profit organisation established in 2010 that works with regional consortia to empower local communities.
Unlike other awards, this is not a competition. The title is awarded to regions that have joined the World Region of Gastronomy Platform and demonstrate an integrated strategy to promote their gastronomy as a driver of economic, tourist and cultural development.
What does the jury value when awarding the prize for the best World Region of Gastronomy? A panel of independent experts evaluates whether the region meets criteria such as:
- Fostering regional collaboration between public and private institutions, producers and chefs
- Safeguarding culinary and cultural diversity
- Promoting innovation for a more sustainable and inclusive future
- Promoting food education and sustainability in the tourism and agricultural sectors
When was it awarded to Catalonia?
The international jury visited Catalonia in May 2023 to see first-hand the potential of the candidacy. On 6 June 2023, the president of IGCAT, Diane Dodd, officially announced that Catalonia had been selected to receive this distinction in 2025, becoming the first European region to achieve it.
🎉 The Gala and events of Catalonia, World Region of Gastronomy 2025
The programme of activities has been as extensive as Catalonia's own culinary richness, with more than 50 events scheduled throughout the year.
The 1st World Gastronomy Summit
On 27 September 2025, the 1st World Gastronomy Summit will take place in Catalonia, organised by IGCAT and hosted by the Government of Catalonia. The event will bring together international experts, political leaders and cultural figures to explore the role of food in shaping more sustainable and inclusive futures.
The inaugural cocktail in Madrid
The Royal Tapestry Factory in Madrid will host a spectacular event on 22 January 2025, bringing together tour operators, representatives from the business and cultural world, opinion leaders, media and influencers.
The restaurants Cocina Hermanos Torres and Les Cols will be in charge of showcasing the excellent moment that Catalan gastronomy is experiencing with dishes made from local products.
🌍 What does being Catalonia, World Region of Gastronomy 2025 represent for Barcelona and Catalonia?
For Catalonia, this distinction is much more than recognition: it is confirmation that Catalan cuisine is a benchmark of excellence and a leader in wine and food tourism.
Catalan cuisine reflects the history, landscapes and life of its people. It is the result of a rich agri-food production and of highly talented and creative professionals recognised worldwide. The title highlights a gastronomy rooted in the territory, but open to the world, inviting you to enjoy authentic and unique experiences.
👨🍳 The best chefs and restaurants in Catalonia
Catalonia is home to some of the most renowned chefs and restaurants on the international scene. Many of them have been active ambassadors during this year of celebration.
Notable chefs:
- Javier and Sergio Torres: The Torres brothers, heads of Cocina Hermanos Torres in Barcelona, with three Michelin stars and three Repsol Suns.
- Fina Puigdevall and Martina Puigvert: Mother and daughter, at the helm of Les Cols in Olot, with two Michelin stars and three Repsol Suns, representing the tradition and innovation of Catalan cuisine.
- Joan, Josep and Jordi Roca: The Roca brothers, from El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, considered one of the best restaurants in the world with three Michelin stars and three Repsol Suns, are universal ambassadors of Catalan cuisine.
- Oriol Balaguer: One of Catalonia's great pastry masters, present at the most notable events of the year.
- Carme Ruscalleda: The chef with the most Michelin stars in the world (along with her son Raül Balam), with proposals such as Moments in Barcelona.
Essential restaurants in Barcelona and the Costa Brava
Barcelona:
- Disfrutar (3 Michelin stars, 3 Repsol Suns): Considered one of the best restaurants in the world.
- Cocina Hermanos Torres (3 Michelin stars, 3 Repsol Suns).
- Lasarte (3 Michelin stars, 3 Repsol Suns): By Martín Berasategui.
- ABaC (3 Michelin stars, 3 Repsol Suns): By Jordi Cruz.
- Dos Palillos (1 Michelin star, 2 Repsol Suns): Albert Raurich's Asian proposal.
- Amar Barcelona (1 Repsol Sun 2026): Specialising in seafood and fish, by Rafa Zafra.
Costa Brava and Girona:
- El Celler de Can Roca (Girona) (3 Michelin stars, 3 Repsol Suns).
- Les Cols (Olot) (2 Michelin stars, 3 Repsol Suns).
- Bo.TiC (Corçà) (2 Michelin stars, 2 Repsol Suns).
- Miramar (Llançà) (2 Michelin stars, 2 Repsol Suns).
- Els Tinars (Llagostera) (1 Michelin star, 2 Repsol Suns): Traditional Catalan cuisine with local produce.
🍽️ The most notable dishes of Catalan gastronomy
Catalan cuisine is a reflection of its geographical and cultural diversity. Some of its most emblematic dishes and products are:
- Calçots: Tender spring onions grilled over coals, typical of the winter season, served with romesco sauce. International influencers who visited Catalonia during the year were able to taste them as part of the promotional campaign.
- Longaniza sausage: Traditional cured sausage, especially from Vic, with Protected Geographical Indication.
- Catalan cream: The quintessential dessert, similar to crème brûlée but with its own personality.
- Bread with tomato: The basis of any Catalan meal, a ritual combining rustic bread, ripe tomato, olive oil and salt.
- Suquet de peix: A typical fisherman's stew from the Costa Brava.
- Escudella i carn d'olla: The Catalan stew, a traditional hearty soup.
- Butifarra with white beans: Catalan sausage with white beans.
- Wines and cavas: Catalonia has internationally prestigious Designations of Origin such as Priorat, Montsant, Penedès and Cava.
🏡 Experience Catalonia, World Region of Gastronomy 2025, with THE SUN PLACES
At THE SUN PLACES we want you to experience the gastronomic excellence of Catalonia with the same level of luxury and comfort we offer in our accommodation.
We offer you:
- Personalised advice to help you with reservations at the most exclusive restaurants in Catalonia, including the ambassadors of the World Region of Gastronomy 2025.
- Connection with the territory: We can recommend wine tourism experiences at the best wineries in Penedès, Priorat or Montsant, as well as visits to local producers who are part of Catalonia's rich agri-food tradition.
Gastronomic routes: We design personalised itineraries for you to discover the flavours of Catalonia through its markets, restaurants and landscapes.
👉 Contact us and book your accommodation with THE SUN PLACES and discover why Catalonia is the first World Region of Gastronomy in Europe, a territory where flavour, history and innovation come together in every bite. 🍷✨