It’s almost time: Madrid’s 7th Annual Gastrofestival takes place from January 21 to February 5, 2017. Restaurants and bars across the city join the celebration with a variety of special offers and events. Highlights include Degustatapas (tapas paired with a bottle of Mahou), Our Favorite Bars (tapas paired with a bottle of Rioja), and Dinner with the Stars, where an internationally renowned chef works alongside a top local restaurant to create a memorable tasting menu. For example, last year Italian chef Giuseppe Iannotti collaborated with El Club Allard to present an elaborate truffle-focused dinner.
The program also features themed routes and activities such as the Sweet Tooth Route and the Colombian Coffee Route, along with playful competitions like a squid baguette contest. Depending on location, participating venues will present either Spanish Cuisine menus or Cuisine of the World options, ensuring a wide range of flavors and styles. The festival extends beyond restaurants and bars to include boutiques, cultural institutions, museums, galleries, and culinary schools, turning the entire city into a culinary stage.
Events are organized into several categories to suit diverse interests: Gastronomic Madrid showcases the city’s food scene; Sensory Experiences focus on experimental tastings and multisensory dining; Gastroculture explores the relationship between food and culture; Gastrofashion links culinary trends with design and style; Gastrohealth highlights healthy eating and wellness; and Design and Gastronomy emphasizes the intersection between aesthetic design and culinary creativity.
Gastrofestival offers opportunities for food lovers to discover new restaurants, sample creative tapas, attend special dinners, and take part in workshops or tastings led by chefs and industry experts. Whether you’re interested in traditional Spanish dishes, international flavors, sweets and coffee, or innovative dining experiences, the festival presents a broad program designed to appeal to residents and visitors alike.
Plan ahead to check participating venues and schedules in the neighborhoods you’ll be visiting. With events spread throughout the city, Gastrofestival provides an inviting way to explore Madrid’s gastronomic diversity and enjoy curated culinary experiences during these two weeks.