#Spain #Barcelona #Culinary Institute #Lasarte #Osteria Francescana

2nd Edition of the Best Practices Recognition Award

On November 6, 2026, the Culinary Institute of Barcelona (CIB) held the 2nd edition of its prestigious Best Practices Recognition (BPR) Award during the Gastronomic Forum Barcelona. This award recognizes restaurants that not only excel in culinary artistry but also promote exemplary workplace learning environments within their kitchens.

Among the esteemed recipients this year were notable names such as Lasarte from Barcelona, the world-renowned Osteria Francescana from Modena, Italy, and PAZ located in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands. Along with these highlights, other acknowledged establishments included a mix of Michelin-starred restaurants and smaller independent operations, making this year's awards a diverse representation of the culinary landscape.

The BPR Award was instituted to shine a light on best practices in the gastronomy sector, complementing the existing culinary accolades that focus predominantly on food quality and creativity. “It emphasizes the importance of how high-end culinary restaurants manage their teams and structure their environments,” said Ona Mundó, the Academic Director at CIB. “Understanding gastronomic excellence today involves more than just the food; it includes the workplace culture and the operational ethos that support it.”

The evaluation committee, staffed by academic leaders and internship unit members at CIB, carefully curates the list of honored establishments. Any restaurant that enters into an internship agreement with CIB and hosts students for a minimum of 1,040 hours of guidance is eligible for consideration. The assessment criteria delve into various aspects of workplace practices, such as the quality of the working environment, consistency between the establishment’s proclaimed values and practical day-to-day operations, and the ability to foster stable teams while offering meaningful learning experiences.

The visual representation of excellence was clear at the award ceremony, with representatives from the winning restaurants attending alongside a virtual connection to Osteria Francescana and PAZ. This year's event marked a significant expansion from the inaugural edition, which recognized just three establishments: Berbena, Pompa, and Lluerna Restaurant from Barcelona.

“This recognition allows us to understand what culinary excellence means in the contemporary world,” Mundó explained, emphasizing that good practices in restaurant management should not go unnoticed. “By honoring those who excel behind the scenes, we enrich the conversation surrounding gastronomy.”

CIB is currently affiliated with over 200 partner establishments spread across more than 25 nations, which allows for a robust exchange of knowledge and techniques. The award ceremony was not only a celebration of excellence in restaurant practices but also a moment for CIB itself to be acknowledged for its contributions to sustainable gastronomy by the Slow Food Guide, making it the first culinary school to feature in the guide’s Selective Affinities.

As an institution founded in 2017, CIB has made strides in redefining culinary education by emphasizing creativity and innovation. The school focuses on cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit among its students, who hail from diverse backgrounds, covering all continents. This global perspective enhances the educational experience, moving away from traditional culinary models toward more progressive and collaborative learning environments.

Through specialized programs, the institute nurtures future chefs and culinary leaders while providing professional training that resonates with the evolving food landscape. Additionally, CIB offers consultancy services through openCIB to various organizations and universities, thereby extending its mission of fostering innovation beyond the classroom walls.

The recognition of these inspiring restaurants illustrates the expanding definition of excellence in gastronomy. As the culinary world evolves, embracing values such as effective team management and a positive workplace climate is crucial for continued success and innovation.