Euskadi Gastronomika Awards 2025 recognises the excellence of Basque gastronomy tourism

The Minister of Tourism, Trade and Consumer Affairs of the Basque Government, Javier Hurtado, gave the opening address at the Euskadi Gastronomika Awards 2025, an event that highlights the best initiatives in gastronomic tourism in the Basque Country. These awards recognize the authenticity, innovation, collaboration and commitment of professionals and companies in the sector, whose work contributes to the prestige of Basque gastronomy.

Euskadi is a tourist destination defined by its gastronomy, which is not only an attraction for visitors, but also a cultural and social expression. For the Minister, “the international prestige of our cuisine is the result of a legacy combining exceptional ingredients, a first-class professional ecosystem and constant evolution.”

Gastronomy tourism is firmly entrenched as a tool for cultural preservation, promoting the quality and authenticity of local products and the territory. “Visitors are looking for authentic experiences, and in the Basque Country they find a unique fusion of tradition and innovation,” he explained.

He also highlighted the role of hospitality schools and universities, forging new generations and passing on the gastronomic legacy. “In the Basque Country, gastronomy is much more than flavours; it's an experience that connects with people, that fosters relationships and is transmitted from generation to generation”

The Euskadi Gastronomika Sariak Awards recognise those who make it possible for the Basque Country to be an international leader in gastronomy tourism: producers, cooks, hoteliers and communicators who, with their dedication, help Basque gastronomy to remain a sign of cultural identity and an engine of development.

6 awards were presented in the different categories:

• Origen (Origin): recognising projects within the gastronomy tourism sector that connect with the tradition, culture and authenticity of the territory through the commitment to, and promotion of, local products and sustainability - Restaurante Garena (Dima, Bizkaia)
• Ongi Etorri (Welcome): recognising excellence in customer service in the gastronomic field  – Bodega Hiruzta winery (Hondarribi. Gipuzkoa)
• WOW: recognising impactful and original communication actions that transmit our essence and identity – Malum Rex (Astigarraga. Gipuzkoa)
• Innova: recognising innovation over the course of the client journey: from the inspiration phase to opinion and from decision to enjoyment – Restaurante Ikea (Vitoria, Araba/Álava)
• Konpromiso (Commitment): recognising efforts in the pursuit of sustainability and responsibility, in the enjoyment of cultural heritage and the landscape, in offering inclusive and accessible tourism, and the solidarity of those who place value on gastronomic culture and social commitment – Mater Barco Ecoactive Museum (Pasaia, Gipuzkoa)
• Elkarrekin (Together): recognising sectoral collaboration for the creation of unique gastronomic tourist products - 2 winners, award shared: Tolosaldea and Gorbeia (Gipuzkoa, Bizkaia and Araba)

During the ceremony, special recognition awards were awarded to three fundamental figures in Basque gastronomy and its promotion: Eva and Karlos Arguiñano and Benjamín Lana. “Their contribution, from the stoves and from the media and promotion of gastronomy has been key to positioning our cuisine as a cultural and tourist attraction,” said the Minister.