Six Spanish restaurants have been awarded in the second edition of the Top Tradition awards, held in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Ca l'Isidre, located in Barcelona, stands out for its commitment to traditional cuisine.
The traditional Spanish cuisine has been recognised at the Top Tradition 2026 awards gala, where the importance of keeping the country’s culinary recipes and traditions alive was celebrated. This event took place at the Museum of Fine Arts in Vitoria-Gasteiz, a space that symbolises cultural and artistic preservation. Among the winners is Ca l’Isidre, an iconic restaurant in the Raval neighbourhood of Barcelona, known for its dedication to classic Catalan cuisine since its opening in 1970. The director of the Abril supplement of Prensa Ibérica, Álex Sàlmon, received the award on behalf of the establishment, emphasising that this recognition is a tribute to the gastronomic tradition that does not need to reinvent itself to remain relevant.
The gala also awarded five other restaurants that represent the best of traditional Spanish gastronomy: Nou Manolín (Alicante), Doña Filo (Colmenar del Arroyo), Arte de Cozina (Antequera), La Hermandad de Pescadores (Hondarribia) and Hispania London. Each of these establishments has managed to keep a rich and diverse culinary heritage alive, reflecting a commitment to local products and traditional techniques.
Throughout the ceremony, Javier Sáenz, the driving force behind the awards, highlighted: «Gastronomy is considered one of the fine arts and what better place to celebrate it than at the Museum of Fine Arts».
Each of the winners presented a unique proposal that connects with their cultural roots. For example, Doña Filo has built its identity around traditional stews and local products since its foundation in 1992. Its chef, Julio Reoyo, emphasised during his speech that «we cook with very deep roots».
Despite the current trend for culinary innovation and fleeting trends, these awards highlight that there are restaurants whose essence lies in honouring their traditions without the need to disguise them. La Hermandad de Pescadores was recognised for its faithful representation of the Basque marine recipe book; Iñaki Bergés and Maite Martínez received praise for keeping alive the family recipes passed down through generations.
Nou Manolín has risen as a gastronomic symbol by being considered an institution within the Spanish culinary landscape thanks to its Mediterranean approach centred on fresh products.
As the event moves towards future editions, it is clear that these awards are more than just simple prizes; they are a vital reminder of how to preserve our gastronomic culture while looking forward. The ceremony culminated with a sculpture designed by Xabier Santxotena as a symbol of the roots and authenticity represented by each of these restaurants.
As diners seek authentic and meaningful experiences when eating out, initiatives like the Top Tradition awards play a crucial role in ensuring that these culinary stories continue to be told. For those interested in exploring these awarded gastronomic gems or enjoying a memorable meal based on tradition and history, visiting any of these establishments promises to be an enriching experience.
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