🌱 In the universe of haute cuisine, luxury is no longer measured only by flavour. It is also measured by commitment to the planet. And in Spain, that commitment has a name: the Michelin Green Stars
The Michelin Guide created this distinction in 2020 to recognise those restaurants that, beyond gastronomic excellence, demonstrate a responsible and sustainable business model.
It is not a star in the traditional sense. It is a symbol that transcends technique and creativity, that looks at local produce, the territory, people and the future of the planet.
At The Sun Places we believe that authentic luxury also involves sustainability. That's why we want to take you to discover the restaurants across Spain that have made this philosophy their hallmark.
✨ The Green Michelin Star is awarded to restaurants that stand out for their responsible management of resources, the use of local and seasonal produce, the reduction of food waste, the well-being of the team and commitment to the community.
It is not linked to traditional stars: a restaurant can have a Green Star without having a red star, and vice versa.
It is a recognition that, although it has evolved in its form, continues to be a benchmark for those seeking conscious gastronomy.
In the 2026 edition, the Michelin Guide added five new Michelin Green Stars, reaching 59 establishments with this distinction in Spain.
📜 History of the Michelin Green Stars: the origin of a commitment
The Michelin Green Star was born in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, as a response from the Michelin Guide to the growing environmental awareness in the gastronomic sector.
In 2021, it was incorporated for the first time into the Spain and Portugal selection, with 21 Spanish restaurants distinguished. The award recognises the use of km 0 products, the use of technologies that seek energy savings, waste reduction and commitment to the circular economy.
During its first years, nearly 500 restaurants worldwide obtained the distinction. Renowned chefs, from the Swiss Alps to the Japanese coast, proudly displayed the symbol.
However, behind the green shine, the system showed structural cracks. Unlike the mythical red stars, evaluated by inspectors with defined and verifiable criteria, the Green Star lacked a transparent or universal methodology.
Inspectors assessed aspects such as the origin of ingredients, the use of seasonal products, waste management or communication about sustainable practices. But none of this was formally audited.
This ambiguity led to the distinction being criticised, especially due to the possibility that it could serve as "greenwashing".
In October 2025, months before the 2026 gala, Michelin announced a radical change: the Green Star would cease to be an annual distinction and become an editorial seal, integrated into the "Mindful Voices" platform.
This change does not mean that sustainability disappears from haute cuisine. On the contrary: Michelin is betting on telling deeper stories about chefs and restaurants that are leading the change.
🌍 Who awards the Michelin Green Stars and why?
The Michelin Green Stars are awarded by the Michelin Guide, the world reference publication in the field of gastronomy, founded in 1900 by the brothers André and Édouard Michelin.
The decision to create them in 2020 responded to the guide's need to adapt to new times and to recognise the growing role of sustainability in haute cuisine.
The objective of the Green Star was twofold: on the one hand, to give visibility to pioneering restaurants in sustainable gastronomy and, on the other, to make it easier for more committed diners to identify establishments that were in line with their values.
However, in 2026, the Michelin Guide has completely reformulated its approach. Sustainability is no longer awarded with an independent distinction, but is integrated into the guide's narrative through the "Mindful Voices" platform, which highlights people (chefs, hoteliers, sommeliers, producers) who are transforming the industry in a sustainable way.
According to Michelin sources, "the Green Star has not disappeared, it has evolved in its form of representation. This editorial distinction highlights restaurants that inspire through their commitment to the future of gastronomy".
🏆 What do the Michelin Green Stars represent for the restaurant and the community?
For restaurants, receiving a Green Michelin Star represented a recognition of their commitment to sustainability, but also a powerful magnet to attract an increasingly aware public.
For the community, these restaurants became benchmarks and examples to follow, demonstrating that luxury can be ethical, responsible and close to the territory.
The Green Michelin Star also implied a responsibility: to be transparent and rigorous in their practices, and to inspire other establishments to follow their path.
However, the lack of an external audit system and clear measurement criteria generated some controversy. Some critics pointed out that the award could be used as a "greenwashing" tool without there being a real verification of sustainable practices.
Despite the criticism, the Green Michelin Star managed to place sustainability at the centre of the gastronomic debate and has paved the way for the new stage of "Mindful Voices".
🌟 What having Michelin Green Stars represents for The Sun Places
At The Sun Places, the Michelin Green Stars are the symbol of a luxury that goes beyond comfort and exclusivity. They represent the connection with the territory, respect for local produce and a commitment to a more sustainable future.
Discovering the restaurants with Green Michelin Stars is a natural extension of our philosophy: offering authentic luxury experiences that also take care of the planet and the people who inhabit it.
That's why, at The Sun Places, we invite you to explore the restaurants of all our destinations that have been pioneers in sustainability, some of which have worn the Green Michelin Star and others that continue their legacy in the new era of "Mindful Voices".
In addition, sustainability is an increasingly present value in other gastronomic recognitions, such as the Barcelona Restaurant Awards and the Bib Gourmand Seal, which also reward excellence and commitment to local produce.
🗺️ Michelin Green Stars in The Sun Places destinations
These are some of the restaurants with Green Michelin Stars that you can find in The Sun Places destinations according to data collected from the Michelin Guide up to its last edition in 2025-2026:
📍 Barcelona
- Cocina Hermanos Torres (Sergio and Javier Torres): Three Michelin stars and Green Star in previous editions. A magical space where the gastronomic experience travels from coherence for the best seasonal products
- Els Casals (Sagàs): Michelin star and Green Star, with a strong commitment to local produce and market cuisine
- Lluerna (Santa Coloma de Gramenet): Michelin star and Green Star, stands out for its commitment to the territory and the season
- Somiatruites (Igualada): Bib Gourmand with Green Star, proves that sustainability can also be accessible
- Restaurant 1497 (Vallromanes): Michelin Green Star 2025
- Espacio Amunt (Ulldecona): Michelin Green Star 2025
📍 Cádiz
- Aponiente (Ángel León, El Puerto de Santa María): Three Michelin stars and a world reference in sustainable cuisine for years.
📍 Marbella
- Sollo (Fuengirola, Málaga): Diego Gallegos bases his star menu on sustainable aquaculture and controlled breeding of river species
📍 Costa Brava
- El Celler de Can Roca (Joan Roca): Three Michelin stars and a world reference in sustainability, although it does not appear in recent Green Star lists
- Bistrot 1965 (Castelló d'Empúries): Michelin Green Star 2025
📍 Madrid
- Tramo (Madrid): A benchmark in sustainable architectural design, energy self-sufficiency and an inclusive social approach
- El Invernadero (Madrid): Rodrigo de la Calle, the pioneer of the "green revolution" and haute cuisine based on gastrobotany and seasonal vegetables
- Montia (San Lorenzo de El Escorial): Dani Ochoa. Micro-producers from the Madrid mountains, wild harvesting of mushrooms, herbs and a completely natural philosophy.
- Santerra (Madrid): Miguel Carretero. Strict respect for seasonal closed seasons and forest and hunting resources in his game menu
🍽️ The perfect plan with The Sun Places to discover the Michelin Green Stars
Friday: Arrival and first contact with sustainability in Barcelona
- In the evening, dine at Disfrutar to enjoy sustainable avant-garde cuisine
Saturday: Day of gastronomic discovery in Barcelona
- In the evening, dine at Cocina Hermanos Torres to experience excellence and sustainability at its highest expression
Sunday: Conscious farewell
- In the evening, dine at Els Casals (Sagàs) or Somiatruites (Igualada) to say goodbye with the best sustainable flavour
✨ Ready to discover the Michelin Green Stars with The Sun Places?
📞 Contact us and let us organise your perfect sustainable gastronomic experience. We offer you reservations at the best restaurants, private transfers and luxury apartments in the best locations.
CEO's word: At The Sun Places we have travelled the world in search of authentic experiences, and the Michelin Green Stars represent what we value most: respect for the product, the territory and the people. The first time I dined in a restaurant with a Green Star, I understood that the luxury of the future is not measured in silk tablecloths, but in the coherence of what is served on the plate. Spain is a world reference on this path, and at The Sun Places we want you to discover it from the utmost comfort. Because luxury can also be sustainable.
But if you prefer other destinations, The Sun Places also has prepared for you: Luxury Apartments in Madrid, Luxury Accommodation on the Costa Brava, Luxury Apartments in Seville, Luxury Apartments in Cádiz, Luxury Apartments in Puerto Banús, Luxury Accommodation in Sanlúcar de Barrameda and Luxury Apartments in Córdoba.
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