The DIARIO DE AVISOS Foundation held the 41st edition of its National Gastronomy Awards last night, reaffirming the prestige of the oldest awards of their kind presented by a Spanish media organisation. The gala, hosted at a packed El Sauzal Theatre, brought together leading figures from the culinary, institutional and cultural sectors to celebrate the talent, dedication and creativity that define contemporary gastronomy.
The awards recognise the work of professionals and projects that contribute to the strength of a sector which has become one of the driving forces of the economy, both in Spain and in the Canary Islands. Throughout the evening, the ceremony highlighted the importance of craftsmanship, local produce, innovation, sustainability and the ability of gastronomy to promote identity, territory and culture.
During the event, the jury, chaired by José Luis Conde, awarded the Manuel Iglesias Prize to Priscila and Carlos Gamonal, from Mesón El Drago, a restaurant located in an 18th-century manor house in Tegueste. The award recognises a career closely linked to traditional cuisine, respect for local produce and the values of hospitality.
Recognition for Canarian cuisine and international flavours
The award for Best Ambassador for Canarian Gastronomy Worldwide went to Luna Zacharias, from Famara, Lanzarote. A chef, influencer, restaurateur and former contestant on MasterChef 8, Zacharias was recognised for a professional and personal approach that reflects key values of the Canary Islands’ culinary landscape, including proximity produce, the defence of “kilometre 0” food and a firm commitment to environmental sustainability.
The award for Best International Cuisine was presented to El Líbano, owned and run by chef Ali Mahmoud Mohsen. The restaurant, which opened in 1979 at number 36 Santiago Cuadrado Street in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, has become one of the most popular establishments on the island, thanks to its long-standing commitment to Lebanese cuisine and its ability to connect different culinary cultures.
The @ConsumeCanario Award went to Cráter, the restaurant led by Tenerife-born chef Eduardo Domínguez, who has created a menu inspired by La Palma and designed as a tribute to the island’s landscape, produce and identity.
Wine, young talent and pastry also take centre stage
The award for Best Work in Winemaking went to Bodega Ferrera, a distinctive winery located 1,000 metres above sea level in the middle of a vast volcanic plateau in Güímar. Its work reflects the richness of Canarian wine culture and the value of producing wines in unique landscapes shaped by altitude, volcanic soil and tradition.
One of the notable moments of the evening was the presentation of the Young Talent Award, which went to Rafael de León. He is the chef at El Cenador, the main restaurant at JOIA El Mirador by Iberostar in Costa Adeje, where he also oversees the other dining spaces of the five-star establishment. The award recognises the promise, ambition and growing influence of a new generation of culinary professionals.
The Best Pastry Work Award was given to chef Dana Joher for Ave Pastelería, located at number 1 Calle Carmen Llopis in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The project draws inspiration from the French patisserie tradition while maintaining a close connection with local ingredients and flavours.
National recognition and major names in gastronomy
The award for Best National Restaurant went to La Tasquería de Javi Estévez, the Madrid restaurant led by the chef of the same name. Estévez has transformed the way offal is perceived in contemporary cuisine, elevating humble products through technique, creativity and a distinctive culinary vision.
The Best Restaurant Award was presented to Juan Cabrera, popularly known as Juan el Majorero, owner of Brisa Marina in Yaiza, Lanzarote. Alongside chef Germán Blanco, the restaurant has become a reference point for cuisine based on top-quality Canarian produce, reinterpreted with skill and respect.
The final award of the evening, for Best Contribution to the Promotion of Gastronomy, went to Samantha Vallejo-Nágera, who served as a judge on MasterChef from 2013 to 2025. Her work has helped bring gastronomy closer to a wider audience and has contributed to the growing visibility of culinary culture in Spain.
A gala with humour, recognition and broad support
The evening was marked by a festive atmosphere, moments of humour and the debut of the Young Talent Award, which added a new dimension to an event already firmly established in the national culinary calendar.
The gala will be broadcast by Atlántico Televisión this Saturday, 18 July, at 11.00 pm. The private regional broadcaster in the Canary Islands is responsible for the official coverage of the DIARIO DE AVISOS Foundation’s events. The broadcast will also be available on Channel 10 on Movistar Plus and through Atlántico Radio, another official broadcaster.
The event was primarily sponsored by TuTrébol, with special support from El Sauzal Town Council and Promotur Turismo de Islas Canarias. It also received backing from the Canary Islands Government, GMR Canarias with Volcanic Experience, the Tenerife Island Council, the Tenerife Rural Foundation, the Tenerife Wine House, Turismo de Tenerife, Adeje Town Council, the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Development Society, the Cajasiete-Pedro Modesto Campos Foundation and Torres Canarias, wines and spirits.
With this 41st edition, the DIARIO DE AVISOS National Gastronomy Awards once again celebrated the excellence of a craft that combines tradition, innovation, identity and talent, while recognising the people and projects that continue to strengthen the culinary reputation of the Canary Islands and Spain.
