Madrid recently became the stage for exceptional culinary talent with the celebration of the XI Macarfi Gala, sponsored by Andbank, at the Círculo de Bellas Artes. The event, supported by the Community of Madrid and hosted by journalist Jota Abril, brought together prominent chefs from across the country and a notable representation of Spanish gastronomy. During the evening, the TOP OF THE TOPS awards were presented to the restaurants that have led the ranking for three consecutive years: Disfrutar and El Celler de Can Roca from Catalonia; Diverxo from the Community of Madrid; and Asador Etxebarri and Elkano from Euskadi. The ROOKIE OF THE YEAR award for the best opening of 2025 was given, with Fontané (Catalonia) taking first place, Itzuli (Euskadi) in second, and Ancestral (Community of Madrid) in third. The day was complemented by the TOP 10/15 from each autonomous community, led by Cocina Hermanos Torres (Catalonia), Desde 1911 (Madrid), Azurmendi (Euskadi), and other key players in the national scene, gathering over 200 chefs from the best restaurants in Spain along with distinguished personalities from the business and civil sectors.

Top 15 from Andalusia In the Top 15 from Andalusia, Malaga displayed remarkable strength in the kitchen, with Bardal topping this prestigious list. Alongside the Malaga restaurant, Kaleja and Palodú in the capital, as well as Skina in Marbella and Los Marinos José in Fuengirola, are notably recognized. Other establishments in Andalusia include Noor and Choco in Córdoba; Aponiente, Lú Cocina y Alma, and Mesón Sabor Andaluz in Cádiz; Bagá, Dama Juana, and Vandelvira in Jaén; Cañabota in Seville; and La Costa Restaurant in Almería.

Additionally, Macarfi showcases the 25 most outstanding restaurants in the province of Malaga, including Bardal, Kaleja, Skina, Palodú, Los Marinos José, José Carlos García, Back, Blossom, Nintai, Kava, La Milla, Beluga Málaga, Restaurante Hermanos Alba, ChinChín Puerto, Messina, Ta-Kumi Marbella, Sollo, La Cosmo, Restaurante Cávala, El Saladero, Areia Marbella, La Taberna de Mike Palmer, Tragatá in Ronda, El Lago, and Ta-Kumi Málaga. The Top 100 from Andalusia also features several restaurants from Malaga, such as Nobu, La Marisquería Casa Curro, REI by Finca Cortesín, Kütral, Ménade, Promesa, and Mi Niña Lola.

Rookie of the Year 2025 The gala celebrated the best openings of 2025 with the Rookie of the Year award. In Andalusia, this title was led by two restaurants from Malaga, Clómada and Alaparte, along with the Malaga establishments La Recaleta and Cristine Bedfor. Notable proposals from Cádiz included Arima Gastrobar (Jerez de la Frontera), Casa Candela and Clandestino (Zahara de los Atunes), Dalmar (San Roque), and the Sevillian Eterno and La Cocina de Cristine. Recognitions also include Acebuche from Baeza (Jaén) and Asador de la Reina (La Zubia, Granada).

Macarfi Selection Another award presented was the Macarfi Selection, which features relevant restaurants that, although not in the top ranks, deserve a visit. Among the selected in Malaga are El Saladero (Caleta de Vélez), ChinChín Puerto (Caleta de Vélez), and Restaurante Hermanos Alba. In the rest of Andalusia, Acebuche from Baeza (Jaén), Casa Pepe, and Los Sentidos in Linares are featured. Granada includes Asador de la Reina (La Zubia) and Atelier Casa de Comidas. Those selected in Huelva include Azabache, El Bodegón de Palos (Palos de la Frontera), and Lieva (Fuenteheridos). In Almería, Bacus (Aguadulce), Bar Casa Joaquín, and Tony García Espacio Gastronómico are highlighted. In Cádiz, El Campero (Barbate) and El Faro de El Puerto (El Puerto de Santa María) were chosen, while La Cuchara de San Lorenzo was featured in Córdoba. Sevilla’s selections include Cal Viva (Morón de la Frontera), Ochando (Los Rosales), and Sobretablas.

Macarfi Guide 2026 The evening also served as the presentation of the Macarfi Guide 2026. This edition, published in print, consolidates the Top 100 or Top 50 by community, with a Top 25 by province, and adds special classifications such as Macarfi Selection, Top by type of cuisine, Top by Decoration, Top by Service, along with categories for Hidden Gems and Most Popular. Additionally, the Guide is presented in dual language (Spanish and English). Founded in Barcelona in 2015, the guide has evolved to cover all of mainland Spain for the first time and is set to expand in 2027 to include the islands for complete national coverage.