In total, 39 restaurants across Spain were put forward by a jury of renowned chefs and critics for consideration as the best new dining venue of 2022 in TheFork Restaurant Awards. This remains the only award chosen by restaurant customers and recognized by leading professionals within the industry.
This year’s panel brings together 52 prominent figures from Spain’s gastronomic scene, many of whom hold Michelin stars. Names like Martin Berasategui, Elena Arzak, Mario Sandoval, and Ramon Freixa headlined the list, alongside others who contributed to assembling the nominees. The composition reflects the high prestige attached to the awards and the close collaboration between celebrated chefs and TheFork in celebrating culinary excellence.
Restaurants themselves participate actively in the process. Voting runs from today through October 23, inviting diners to cast their ballots and help decide which venues earn a place on the final short list. The aim is to surface the most exclusive gastronomic recommendations from among the chef-endorsed nominees, ensuring voters have a meaningful say in recognizing standout experiences.
The winners, including the People’s Choice Award recipient, will be revealed on November 13 at a gala hosted at the Palacio de Cibeles in Madrid. The top-ranked entry will receive this special People’s Choice honor, following last year’s winner, a gastronomy project led by Carlos Bosch in Madrid.
The second edition encompasses venues from across Spain’s diverse regions. The nomination pool includes establishments from the Basque Country and the northern islands, with Bilbao, Donostia, and Barcelona-based venues among those featured in Amar and Teatro Kitchen Bar. The lineup highlights regional diversity and the breadth of Spain’s culinary scene.
Serving as examples of regional strength, Andalusia contributes several notable entrants such as 7 Heads and Miniña Lola in Malaga, Manzil in Seville, Ochando from Los Rosales, Seville, and Radis in Jaén. Asturias showcases NM in Oviedo and Alenda in Villaviciosa, while Cantabria includes Garbo Trattoria Moderna & Cocktail Bar from Santander. In Murcia, Lariz and BaruListed appear among potential selections, and across the Valencian Community, Calp and Alicante feature Barrafina, queer, and Alev in Valencia.
From the Canary Islands, Taste 1973 makes the short list, while the Balearic Islands contribute Sutil Carbón in Ibiza, Nus in Palma de Mallorca, and Staff Room in Palma. Madrid adds a cluster of notable names to the roster, including Barmitón, Bait, El 33, El Lince, La Llorería, Restaurante Lana, La Morera, Mudrá, Omeraki, Takumi, and The Omar. Castilla y León presents Peñafiel as a regional highlight, with Valladolid, León, and Burgos also represented by several dining concepts such as Curioso, Cocina con Mimo, Onírica, and La Fábrica.
According to TheFork, the awards aim to celebrate unforgettable moments shared around a table. The company’s leadership in Spain and Portugal emphasizes that the second edition seeks to further unite restaurants with diners, recognizing talent and knowledge across the culinary world. The overarching goal is to create a lasting connection between guests and the chefs who craft memorable experiences for them. The remarks from Sèrgio Sequeira, the general manager for TheFork in Spain and Portugal, highlighted the importance of this collaborative spirit and the role of the awards in elevating restaurant culture for both locals and visitors. [Source: TheFork Restaurant Awards official communications]