GastroCanarias 2026 Highlights Rising Technical Standards in Canary Islands Culinary Scene
The 11th edition of GastroCanarias 2026 showcased the evolution of the Canary Islands' culinary scene through a series of professional competitions in tapas, traditional cuisine, barista skills, and table aesthetics.
The 11th edition of GastroCanarias 2026 has once again proven to be the heart of professional cooking in the Canary Islands. Organizers report that this year’s competitions highlighted a clear shift in the local hospitality industry, showing a move toward higher standards and greater technical expertise.
In the world of small-plate cuisine, Rossiberth Baute Díaz won the 4th Canary Islands Tapas Championship (Makro Grand Prix). She beat out runners-up Cristian Jesús Domínguez Negrín and Arturo Norberto Matheo Rufino in a high-pressure challenge that required contestants to prepare six tapas in 45 minutes on a 50-euro budget. Other participants included Íñigo Moreno León and Sandra Díaz Méndez.
The event also introduced the 1st Canary Islands Russian Salad Championship (Hellmann’s Grand Prix), which focused on elevating traditional dishes through technical skill. Ana Lamela Villarejo of La Hoya del Camello won the top prize by a unanimous jury decision, finishing ahead of Jonay Macías García and David Hernández Pérez. The competition featured a dozen professionals from various local restaurants, including Troque, 18 By Pellizco, La Gata Flora, La Jama Gastrobar, Bulán, Dam By, Donde Mario, and NH Tivoli La Caleta.
Coffee culture also took center stage during the 1st Canary Islands Barista Championship (La Marzocco Grand Prix). In the plant-based beverage category, Santiago Del Castillo and Antonio Castillo tied for first place, followed by Valentina González and Daniel Bencomo. In the barraquito category, Luis Martínez took the win, with Daniel Bencomo placing second. Other competitors included Alejandro García, Steven Paredes, and Thiago Barros.
Finally, the 2nd Country-Style Table Setting Championship (Adom Grand Prix) tested participants on their design and staging skills for a six-person dinner. Javier García González took the top spot, followed by Rómulo Leal Gómez and Cristina Hernández Gutiérrez, with Ambrosio Martín Padrón also competing.
These specialized contests highlight GastroCanarias’ role in showcasing local talent. By focusing on everything from cost management to service aesthetics, the event demonstrates how the Canary Islands' culinary scene is maturing and adapting to the demands of modern dining.