The week has been intense for Aragonese gastronomy. Just two days after thirteen restaurants from Aragon received their plaques as Recommended by the Michelin Guide 2026 at the CaixaForum in Zaragoza, the capital hosted the grand gala of the Horeca Awards 2026, where Ferran Adrià returned to the spotlight and local talent was celebrated in a significant way.
The delivery of Michelin plaques took place on Tuesday, March 24. Organized by CaixaBank and the Michelin Guide, it brought together professionals from Aragon, La Rioja, and Navarra. A total of 30 establishments from the Ebro region received plaques, of which thirteen belong to our community. Ferran Adrià, present at the event, personally awarded several distinctions and emphasized the importance of this recognition as a reflection of the daily commitment to excellence.
The thirteen Aragonese restaurants that will now proudly display the blue plaque are:
- Province of Zaragoza: Bistrónomo, Quema, Maite, Gamberro, Crudo, La Senda, La Cocina del Principal (Sos del Rey Católico)
- Province of Huesca: Cambium Pirineos (Sallent de Gállego), Vidocq (Formigal), Las Torres (Huesca)
- Province of Teruel: Método, Yain, El Visco (Fuentespalda)
This distinction, which evaluates product quality, technique, consistency, and culinary personality, consolidates Aragon as a region in full bloom: not just Michelin stars (which now total eleven) and not just tradition. It is a complete ecosystem where urban avant-garde, Pyrenean products, and reinterpretations of Lower Aragon coexist.
And with hardly any time to digest it, the night of Wednesday, March 23 arrived: the 27th edition of the Horeca Awards at the Auditorium of Zaragoza. More than 350 professionals from the sector gathered to celebrate the event which, from February 12 to March 15, had launched tasting menus in over 40 establishments under the slogan «Flavor Made Art.»
The big winners were:
- La Clandestina — Best €60 menu
- El Candelas — Best €40 menu
- Best restaurant in the province of Zaragoza: El Burgolés
- Best tapa: Parrilla Nardone (which will represent Zaragoza at Madrid Fusión 2027)
- Gastronomic creativity: La Embajada
- Best hotel restaurant and best wine service: Aragonia Palafox
- Best dining room service: La Bodega de Chema
And the most emotional moment: the Hospitality Pride Award was given to Ferran Adrià, in recognition of a lifetime dedicated to elevating Spanish cuisine. The Catalan chef, who had already been in Zaragoza days earlier for the Michelin award, thus concluded a visit that will remain in the collective memory of the Aragonese sector.
Two events in less than 48 hours, with the same prestigious guest and the same common denominator: Aragonese gastronomy is no longer competing for recognition, but is establishing itself as a benchmark. The Michelin plaques reward consistency and sustained quality. The Horeca Awards celebrate everyday creativity, the ability to surprise the average diner with accessible menus, and the strength of the local hospitality fabric.
As of the end of March 2026, Aragon has not only received plaques and trophies. It has received a boost of confidence. The plaque on the façade and the award at the gala are merely the visible reflection of thousands of services, seasonal products, stoves lit at dawn, and dreams that are slow-cooked.
The table is set. And Aragon, hungry and proud, continues to dine.
