Catalonia is located in the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula, it is formed by a large variety of landscapes that are the result of highly diverse geography.
This diversity of sceneries results in a wide variety of ingredients: excellent fish and shellfish, fruit, exquisite vegetables, top quality meats and waters that deserve international recognition. In addition, there is a real tradition of Catalan cuisine, with remarkable leading products already famous in mediaeval times.
In the late 20th century, the Catalan chefs gave added value to the raw materials and achieved recognition around the planet. The Roca brothers, Ferran Adrià and Carme Ruscalleda are names engraved in fire on the universe of haute cuisine. Currently, there are 59 restaurants with 1 Michelin Star, 9 with 2 Michelin Stars and 3 with 3 Michelin Stars throughout Catalonia and Barcelona has been declared the World Sustainable Food Capital of 2021.
Moreover, Michelin has introduced the ‘Green Star’ award, recognizing quality prepared in a sustainable manner and chefs particularly committed to the environmental cause. A total of 21 establishments have been named in this category, 7 of them located in Catalonia. These are Casa Albets in Lladurs, Hermanos Torres Kitchen in Barcelona, Els Casals in Sagàs, L'Antic Molí in Ulldecona, Les Cols in Olot; Lluerna, in Santa Coloma de Gramenet, and Somiatruites in Igualada.
Therefore, Gastronomy is, and always will be, one of the strongest identifying features of Catalan culture.