Málaga is getting ready for a night of pure culinary magic as it has been chosen to host the annual Michelin Guide Gala for the very first time. Taking place on Tuesday 25 November, the newly opened Sohrlin is the venue that has been chosen for this auspicious event.
A veritable cultural hub for performing arts, the Sohrlin is situated on the scenic Almonte Street, near the Antonio Banderas Promenade. Its facilities include an auditorium that comfortably accommodates more than 1,000 guests. This makes it the ideal venue for this incredible celebration of food, culture and community.
More than 700 guests expected to attend Michelin Guide Gala
It is anticipated that more than 700 guests will gather for the evening, which will mark the unveiling of the new Michelin stars for Spanish restaurants and coincide with Michelin’s 150th global anniversary and, more specifically, 115 years in Spain. With it being such a milestone year for Michelin, the choice of Málaga for this prestigious Gala makes the honour greater still.
Alongside the highly anticipated announcement of the new Michelin stars for 2026, the Gala will also bestow green stars on establishments that prioritise environmentally friendly practices. This highlights the Michelin Guide’s commitment to sustainable gastronomy and its desire to move towards a greener future.
Mauricio Giovanni, Messina
Quique Dacosta
Kiko Moya, L’Escaleta
Who will win one of these prestigious awards?
The main awards are, of course, the one, two, and three Michelin stars, which indicate an exceptional level of excellence, and each year at least one new restaurant is added to each category:
One Star – ‘A very good restaurant’
Two Star – ‘Excellent cooking that is worth a detour’
Three Star – ‘Exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey’
There is also the Bib Gourmand distinction, awarded to restaurants that offer excellent cuisine at a reasonable price. Finally, individuals are recognised and rewarded for their talent in the following categories:
- Young Chef: Awarded to an emerging chef
- Sommelier: Recognition of a wine expert
- Dining Room Service: Honours excellence in service
- Chef Mentor: Acknowledges a senior chef who mentors others
- Opening of the Year: A newer award for restaurants that have recently opened
Organised by Málaga Town Council, the Diputación de Málaga, and the Junta de Andalucía, this Gala is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of culinary artistry that puts Málaga firmly on the map as a top food destination. Francisco Salado, President of the Diputación, proudly stated that the evening will honour the culinary brilliance found throughout the city and province.
18-course dinner planned for guests in attendance
Speaking of culinary brilliance, following the award ceremony, guests can look forward to sampling the gastronomic delights of a menu created by nine Málaga chefs working at restaurants that collectively hold 11 Michelin stars. This includes two ambassadors of Malaga’s haute cuisine: the Bardal restaurant in Ronda (two MICHELIN Stars), led by chef Benito Gómez, and the Skina restaurant in Marbella (two MICHELIN Stars), led by chef Mario Cachinero and Marcos Granda, the establishment’s director.
Marcos Granda is one of the chef’s leading the menu for the dinner
While the menu remains a closely guarded secret, it will feature 18 exquisite dishes (two from each chef). Accompanying the dinner will be a wine pairing with some ‘big surprises’, including the sparkling wine El Corregidor de Carrascal. There will also be a Manzanilla from Sanlúcar (Pastora), an amontillado (Gran Barquero) and a Sedella red from the Sierras de Málaga.
With TV presenter Jesús Vázquez, known for his charisma and ability to connect with people, hosting the dinner, it is sure to be a memorable evening for all in attendance.
