Foodies will be flocking to Catalonia this year to enjoy the region’s celebrated cuisine. Known around the world for its culinary scene, Catalonia has received the honor of being the World Region of Gastronomy for 2025. It’s the first time a European region has earned this distinction which is much deserved due to the region’s unique local gastronomic offerings.

The World’s Best Restaurant

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, has continually earned awards for its culinary offerings. Disfrutar (“Enjoy” in English) was named The World’s Best Restaurant 2024 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. The restaurant is owned by Catalan chefs Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch, and Mateu Casañas. Open for a decade in Barcelona’s historic Eixample neighborhood, the restaurant serves innovative dishes that honor traditional Catalan flavors.

Memorable Catalan Dishes

Catalan cuisine often centers on locally sourced farm fresh ingredients from the nation’s geographical area, with locally farmed produce from mountainous towns and fresh seafood due to its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. Seafood lovers won’t want to miss trying the local hearty stew of shellfish (Suquet de Peix) which traditionally was made by fishermen using their leftover daily catch after the market closed. It’s no surprise that the Mediterranean country is also known for phenomenal olive oil. Catalonia makes five varieties of PDO olive oil (a protected designation of origin) including les Garrigues, Siurana, Terra Alta, Baix Ebre-Montsià, and Empordà. Each olive oil is distinct due to the climate, soil, and proximity to the sea where it was grown.

Plant-based eaters will be thrilled by the quality of farm-fresh produce. Visit a local produce market to get a feel for Catalan’s fruit, mushroom, and vegetable market. Try roasted calçots, a unique local onion. Order escalivada, a Catalan tapas dish made of seasonal grilled or roasted vegetables such as eggplant and bell peppers. The quintessential Catalan breakfast is also vegetarian-friendly. Pa amb tomàquet is perfect in its simplicity. It’s a dish of toasted coca bread rubbed with raw garlic, fresh tomatoes, olive oil, and sea salt. For dessert order crema Catalana, a sweet custard dessert topped with caramelized sugar.

Must-try Catalan Wines

There are over 300 wine and cava wineries in Catalonia including small family-owned winemakers to world-renowned brands. The country is rich in wine traditions offering events throughout the year from which travelers can partake from grape picking to harvest festivals. While in Catalonia it’s a must to drink the region’s sparkling wine, Cava. Produced primarily in Penedès, Cava is made with Xarel·lo, Macabeo, Parellada, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir grapes. It varies from brut nature to dulce as well as light and fruity to complex and aged.

Beyond cava, the most famous wine regions in Catalonia are Priorat and Penedes. In the south of Catalonia, Priorat is one of two Denominació d’Origen Qualificada in Spain, which denotes superior quality. In Priorat wines are produced using Garnacha, Cariñena, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah grapes that have tannic flavors and a mineral base due to the llicorella soil. Penedès, known as the land of wine and just 30 minutes south of Barcelona, is a perfect day trip from the capital city to sample Catalan still wines including Garnacha, Syrah, Monastrell, Macabeu, Parellada, and sparkling cava.