Oct 11 2022

This is Restaurants From Spain - The New Stamp of Quality Dining

Look for the ‘Restaurants From Spain' endorsement at your local Spanish restaurant - It’s a new certification denoting Spanish roots, protected denomination of origin products and the quality of those products.

With so many Spanish restaurants popping up all over the country, it can be hard to know which offer authenticity.  Enter a new certification that will tell us everything we need to know about the authenticity of a Spanish restaurants’ ingredients, wine, beverages and menu.

Titled Restaurants From Spain, this new seal seeks to recognize Spanish restaurants internationally for using authentic ingredients in the menus offered to diners. Based on the principles of objectivity, traceability and transparency, consumers can be reassured in the knowledge that the menu at restaurants that are awarded this distinction all comply with the same high standards. The certification committee is made up of professionals from both inside and outside of the kitchen, across many gastronomy sectors, and are key players in Spanish products. For example, the likes of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Spanish Wine Federation all play a part in certifying these establishments globally. 

So, what can we expect from restaurants when we see the Restaurants from Spain emblem? First and foremost, integrity, in the origin of the ingredients from Spain used. This includes foods with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status which guarantee the regions of origin and production methods used – such as Rioja or Ribera del Duero PDO wines, Baena PDO, Les Garrigues PDO Olive Oils, Pimentón de la Vera (Spanish paprika), La Mancha saffron, charcuterie, PDO cheeses such as Manchego,  Mahón, Murcia al Vino and many more… Secondly, the menu itself has to feature some typical Spanish dishes. Finally, the dining establishment must convey a Spanish feel in its overall ambience. There are also perks for the restaurants honored with the seal of approval, including training and access to suppliers through the ICEX network.

Over 200 restaurants in 30 markets were identified in 2022 with the Restaurants from Spain badge. They are as far away as New Zealand, Hong Kong and Japan - but many are much closer to home here in the United States - so you can rest assured that your dine-out choice will be as authentic as if you were in Spain itself.

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