Oriol Castro, Mateu Casañas and Eduard Xatruch finally savor a dream long in the making. They celebrate a triple triumph as their restaurant Earned three Michelin stars. The celebration isn’t theirs alone; Paco Morales also marks a major milestone with a third star for Noor in Córdoba. Barcelona hosts two big announcements as the Michelin Guide 2024 is revealed.
The scene was electric from the start. A media cycle built heat around a night that seemed to glow with anticipation. The Auditori Fòrum, part of the Barcelona International Convention Center, was the setting for conversations about new stars and rising favorites. Rumors swirled that certain names might claim the coveted third star, and the pace of speculation kept everyone’s attention pinned to the event. Leaks had already hinted at the likely beneficiaries, and the room did not disappoint.
The energy rose further when the gala began with its familiar sparkle. The October 18 event, held in the Sants market, drew more than 700 guests. Andreu Buenafuente hosted in a late-night style, delivering a performance that kept the room buzzing. Later, a wine and gastronomy discussion at La Pedrera touched on the broader significance of the awards. In a moment of ceremony, the Best Sommelier prize went to Josep Roca of El Celler de Can Roca, presented in a sharp black jacket that underscored the evening’s stylish gravity.
List of Spain’s new Michelin-starred restaurants
Last night’s revelations kept many on their toes as the guide confirmed its new rankings. Two restaurants earned three stars for the first time since 2018, marking a memorable jump for two ambitious kitchens. The previous years had already seen notable moves, with Atrium in Cáceres and Hermanos Torres Kitchen in Barcelona among the earlier entrants into the three-star circle, followed by other notable additions during the 2018 edition.
Both the 2023 and the 2024 editions reinforced Barcelona as a central hub in Spanish gastronomy. The city now anchors a cluster of three-star establishments, including Abac, Lasarte, Hermanos Torres Kitchen, and Enjoy. Spain’s total now reaches 15 three-star restaurants, with Abac, Lasarte, Hermanos Torres Kitchen, Enjoy in Barcelona, El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Arzak, Martin Berasategui, Akelarre in San Sebastian, Azurmendi in Larrabetzu, DiverXO in Madrid, Quique Dacosta in Denia, and others across the country celebrated for their sustained excellence.
On the map of second stars, Venta Moncalvillo near Daroca de Rioja stood out as a notable standout, while Madrid continued to strengthen its roster with several new entries. The balance between top-tier dining rooms and emerging stars demonstrates the evolving landscape of Spain’s Michelin Guide in the current year, with Madrid and Barcelona both expanding their influence in the three-star echelon.
15 three stars
As the night closed, the count stood at 15 restaurants earning the top accolade. Names included Abac, Lasarte, Hermanos Torres Kitchen, Enjoy in Barcelona, El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Arzak, Martin Berasategui, Akelarre in San Sebastián, Azurmendi in Larrabetzu, DiverXO in Madrid, Quique Dacosta in Denia, and several others across El Puerto de Santa María, Córdoba, Avila, Cáceres and beyond. The spread of these stars reflects a broad spectrum of regional talent and culinary ambition.
Moncalvillo for sale, two stars
In the two-star category, a few places shifted but the standout remained Venta Moncalvillo near Daroca de Rioja, which achieved its second star this year. The guide’s inclusions show a wide set of environments—from historic inns to modern gastronomic temples—each contributing to Spain’s broader gastronomic narrative. In Barcelona, a few venues secured significant recognition, including Carat at the Intercontinental Hotel and a rising set of establishments that point toward a dynamic future. Martin Berasategui added more points, and Madrid continued to grow its cluster of notable addresses with restaurants such as Allard, Cebo, Santerra, Desde 1911, Toki and Osa, expanding Madrid’s profile in the guide’s scoring system and nudging the national totals higher as the competition to be counted among the top grows sharper.
12 green stars
Spain’s green stars highlight venues that pair high culinary standards with a strong commitment to eco-responsibility. The list includes Emporium in Castelló d’Empúries, L’Algadir del Delta in Amposta, Es Tragón in Sant Antoni de Portmany, Andreu Genestra in Llucmajor, Barro in Ávila, Béns d’Avall in Sóller, Ca na Toneta in Campanet, Casa Marcial in Arriondas, Monte in San Feliz, Kara Stork Habitat in Valverde del Fresno, El Molino de Alcuneza in Sigüenza, and El Molino de Urdániz in Urdaitz. These venues demonstrate how sustainability and culinary excellence can go hand in hand, reflecting a growing emphasis on responsible dining across the country.
Three special awards
The gala also recognized a series of special honors. In addition to the Best Sommelier prize, the Young Chef 2024 accolade went to Martina Puigvert of Les Cols, a nod to the next generation of talent. A Mentor Chef award celebrated the guidance of industry veterans, with Juan Mari Arzak of Arzak among the honorees. Elena Arzak accepted a recognition on behalf of the family, highlighting the role of mentorship in shaping Spain’s culinary leadership. A third special prize honored the head of a prominent Barcelona kitchen, underscoring the strong leadership that helps sustain excellence across the nation.