American Express presented the fourth edition of the ‘Restaurantes con Esencia Awards’, honouring five local restaurants and bringing national acclaim to Catalonia’s vibrant culinary scene. The awards celebrate innovation and sustainability in Spain’s hospitality sector, and this year’s results underscore the region’s significant contribution to the country’s gastronomic landscape.
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Tapán Barcelona, B de Bocata, Bar del Pòsit, Vapor Gastronòmic, and Arcano Restaurant were among the recognised establishments. American Express announced the awards at a gala held at its Madrid headquarters, bringing together industry professionals from across Spain, Europa Press reported. Catalonia’s strong showing, with one main category winner and four finalists, highlights the depth and diversity of its celebrated food culture.
Innovation on the Menu
In the ‘Essència Innovadora’ (Innovative Essence) category, for venues with an average bill under €50, Barcelona-based establishments secured both top spots. Tapán Barcelona, located in the Sants neighbourhood, was crowned the winner. Judges praised its creative reinterpretation of diverse gastronomic cultures through a contemporary lens.
B de Bocata, a popular Gràcia spot known for its gourmet sandwiches, claimed the first finalist position in this category. This recognition for two accessible eateries demonstrates that culinary innovation thrives beyond fine dining.
A Strong Commitment to Sustainability
Three other Catalan restaurants became finalists in the ‘Essència Sostenible’ (Sustainable Essence) category, reflecting the region’s hospitality industry’s growing focus on environmental and social responsibility.
Arcano Restaurant, a grill in a 17th-century stable within Barcelona’s historic El Born quarter, was among the finalists. The area is a well-known hub for quality dining, as explored in this guide to El Born’s best restaurants.
Recognition also extended beyond the capital. Bar del Pòsit in the coastal town of Cambrils, Tarragona, and Vapor Gastronòmic in Terrassa, a Michelin Guide-featured restaurant, both received acknowledgement for their sustainable practices. This highlights how establishments across the entire region drive excellence in Catalan cuisine.
Reflecting a Dynamic Gastronomic Scene
Julia López, Vice President and General Manager for American Express’s establishments area in Continental Europe, commented on the awards’ significance. She highlighted the recognised restaurants’ diversity, which reflects the Spanish gastronomic scene’s richness and dynamism.
“From large cities to rural settings, small and medium-sized establishments are leading innovative proposals that strengthen the economic and social fabric of their communities,” López stated.
The success of these five restaurants significantly endorses Catalonia’s food sector, showcasing its ability to blend tradition with forward-thinking concepts in innovation and sustainability. Furthermore, this exemplifies Catalan creativity gaining wider recognition, a trend recently seen in technology, with the story of how Catalan Wikipedia became a global pioneer, and in entertainment, with both a Catalan video game earning a BAFTA nomination and a local film securing Oscar nods.
As these awards demonstrate, the region’s culinary talent continues to be a powerful force, contributing not only to its cultural identity but also to its economic vitality.
