These are the 15 best restaurants in Catalonia and the ten discoveries made by the 'Macarfi Guide'

MadridLast year There wasn't even room for a needle in La Paloma to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Macarfi GuideThis year, in its eleventh edition, the Barcelona-based guide has managed to cover the entire Iberian Peninsula and presented its results at the Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid, in the presence of more than 200 chefs. What began as a group of friends recommending restaurants to each other now has a robust network of ambassadors (more than 2,000) with a keen eye for identifying places worth visiting. Thus, while they do compile a list of the best restaurants in each autonomous community, they also create a... rookies, of which there are signs of promise. And this is where there may be more surprises and discoveries. Let's begin, then, with the new developments that the guide has detected in Catalan territory.

The first of the rookiesRestaurant Fontané, which not only tops the Catalan list but also the list for the entire country, is located in the Sant Julià de Ramis castle. It is the Roca brothers' tribute to the cuisine of their mother, Montserrat Fontané. In the same building, it houses the Esperit Roca restaurant, boasts the most impressive wine cellar a restaurant could have, a hotel, and a museum space showcasing all the awards and experiences the Roca family has accumulated over the years at the forefront of gastronomy.

Secondly, we're going to Barcelona. The Chambacú restaurant, owned by Santiago SánchezThere, the Colombian chef champions the often-overlooked cuisine of Latin America, created by Afro-descendants and indigenous communities. All filtered through the lens of haute cuisine. Next, we go to Girona, to La Farinera. From an impressive modernist building located in the city center, they champion local and seasonal cuisine. Fourth, Kresala fish and grill restaurant, located in Barcelona's Olympic Port. It follows in fifth position Balmes Inn, the restaurant that inherited and continued the legacy of Fermí Puig's former establishment.

In sixth place, Miquel Pardo's MelosoThe chef of Cruix has "given" himself this restaurant in Barcelona's Eixample district to elevate his culinary offerings. It ranks seventh. The Court of MosJeffrey Ruiz and Helena Termes were already named chefs of the year at the Barcelona Gastronomic Forum for their establishment in Palamós. In eighth place is the Somsis restaurant in Ciutat Vella (Barcelona), specializing in fish and seafood. Ninth place goes to La Lonja Espacio Gastronómico in Roses, which, in their own words, is a "bridge between the sea and the vineyard." Located opposite the fish market, it offers high-level seafood cuisine. Rounding out the ranking in tenth place is... Franca restaurantLocated in Barcelona's Eixample district, it has been one of the restaurants that opened in 2025 to generate the most critical acclaim, both for the quality of its dishes and for their originality and price.

The best of the best

If we analyze the list of best restaurants in Catalonia, it's important to note that there are two that are no longer allowed to participate. Disfrutar and El Celler de Can Roca belong to a separate, permanent category, having each placed first three times. They are the category top of the tops...as if they resided in the latest piece installed in the Sagrada Familia. Bearing this in mind, then, the list is as follows: starting with number 1, the Torres Brothers KitchenIn Barcelona. In fact, the first four spots are in the Catalan capital. Second place goes to Alkimia by Jordi Vilà, one of the most beloved and highly regarded Catalan chefsThird place goes to Amar, owned by Rafa Zafra. Fourth place is awarded to the reliable and classic Via Veneto, run by the Monje family. Fifth place is shared by Valle de Bianya and Ca l'Enric, the game cuisine temple of the Juncà family. Sixth place goes to the other side of the country, to Bellvís. in La Boscana by Joel Castanyerwhich this year received its second Michelin star, as did the next restaurant; because we're returning to Barcelona to stop at theAlbert Adrià's Enigma, which we found in 7th position.

Then we traveled to Osona, to Can Jubany, which has just celebrated its 30th anniversary in an absolute state of grace. We continue with Lasarte, with the skillful and precise touch of Paolo Casagrande, in Barcelona. We return to Garrotxa, in Les ColsTo secure the 10th position, we head towards the sea, to Llançà, where we'll find Paco Pérez's Miramar. The next three restaurants are also located in the Catalan capital. The Gothic Quarter restaurant features Japanese cuisine and grilled dishes. Koy Shunkawhich comes in at number 12. Pur restaurant, also by Nandu Jubany. And Gresca, Rafa Peña's restaurant, a favorite of Dua Lipa (and many others). Rounding out the top 15 is Els Tinars, by Marc Gascons. A solid spot in Llagostera, where you'll leave much happier than when you arrived.

'Rookies'

1. Fontané Restaurant
2. Chambacú
3. The Flour Mill
4. Kresala
5. Balmes Inn
6. Mellow
7. The Court of Mos
8. Sumsis
9. La Lonja Gastronomic Space
10. France

Top 15

1. Torres Brothers Kitchen
2. Alchemy
3. Estimate
4. Via Veneto
5. Ca L'Enric
6. The Boscana
7. Enigma
8. Can Jubany
9. Lasarte
10. Cabbage
11. Miramar
12. Koy Shunka
13. Pure
14. Fracas
15. The Tinars

'Top of the tops'

• Enjoy and El Celler de Can Roca