On June 9th, at Próxima Estación in Madrid, the 100% Italiano Institute, a non-profit cultural association committed to promoting and protecting authentic Italian supply chains worldwide, presented the “100% Italiano” Awards in Spain for the first time. The awards were granted to businesses in the Community of Madrid that stand out for their authenticity and commitment to spreading genuine Italian gastronomic culture: restaurants and pizzerias that serve as concrete references for Made in Italy across the Iberian market.
The ceremony took place as part of The Italian Show, the international format created by I Love Italian Food, which, after stops in Berlin and Paris, arrived in the Spanish capital for its third Madrid edition. It was an intense day of networking, training, and discussion that brought together chefs, restaurateurs, pizza makers, distributors, producers, and industry professionals, with the aim of strengthening professional dialogue between Italy and Spain through gastronomic culture, in a market where Italian cuisine is currently experiencing a phase of extraordinary growth and maturity.
The 100% Italiano recognition was created to honor those who, beyond Italy’s borders, choose to represent Italian cuisine and products with seriousness and awareness. It is not only about preparing a good dish or offering an authentic product, but also about preserving and passing on a heritage made up of territories, production chains, traditions, and artisanal expertise.
During the ceremony, Silvia Meloni, Vice President and Head of External Relations at I Love Italian Food, highlighted the cultural significance of this commitment:
“Behind every Italian dish there are producers, distributors, restaurateurs, and pizza makers who keep this culture alive every single day. It is a cultural recognition, but also a responsibility that must be preserved.”
Alongside the awards presented to 38 authentic restaurants and pizzerias in the Community of Madrid, the 100% Italiano Institute also established, for the first time, the category of 100% Italiano Ambassadors in Spain, dedicated to individuals whose professional careers significantly contribute to promoting and protecting Italian gastronomic culture throughout the country.
Ciro Cristiano, chef and founder of Baldoria and Beata Pasta, is one of the most recognizable faces of contemporary Neapolitan pizza in Spain. His work has helped shape a vision of Italian pizza based on ingredient excellence and project consistency, demonstrating that growth and quality are not mutually exclusive.
Nicoletta Negrini, CEO of Negrini SL, represents one of the pillars of authentic Italian product distribution in the Iberian market. Her commitment has played a decisive role in ensuring Spanish restaurateurs have access to high-quality Italian ingredients, building a solid bridge between Italian production chains and local hospitality businesses.
Maurizio Di Ubaldo, delegate of the Italian Academy of Cuisine in Spain, has worked for years to promote Italian gastronomic culture in its deepest dimension: not only as a culinary practice, but as a cultural, historical, and territorial heritage that deserves protection and transmission.
Juancho Asenjo, described as a “wine humanist,” is one of the most respected voices in Spanish food and wine journalism. His appreciation and respect for Italian food and wine culture have made him a valuable interlocutor and communicator capable of bringing Spanish audiences closer to the complexity and richness of Made in Italy.
Andrea Tumbarello, founder and chef of Don Giovanni, is one of the pioneers of authentic Italian dining in Madrid. Over the years, he has built a restaurant that has become a benchmark for both the Italian community and Spanish diners, consistently offering a concept rooted in authentic ingredients and respect for tradition.
Alberto Luchini, one of Spain’s most respected food journalists and critics, has long described Italian cuisine with a depth and affection rarely found outside Italy’s borders. He concluded the ceremony with a reflection that earned applause from the entire audience:
“Italian cuisine is one of the greatest gifts that, if God exists, He has given to humanity.”
The selection of the award-winning businesses was curated by the 100% Italiano Institute with the support of its Made in Italy Ambassadors, Italian professionals living abroad who have a deep understanding of local markets and the value of gastronomic authenticity.
With the Madrid event, the 100% Italiano project takes a significant step forward in its international journey: for the first time, Spain joins the network of countries where businesses that help represent and spread authentic Italian gastronomic culture around the world are officially recognized and celebrated.
Below is the complete list of award recipients and the gallery featuring the winners present at the Madrid ceremony.
PREMIO 100% ITALIANO – MADRID, JUNE 9th, 2026
Ambassadors Category
Ciro Cristiano – Nicoletta Negrini – Maurizio Di Ubaldo – Juancho Asenjo – Andrea Tumbarello – Alberto Luchini
Restaurants and Pizzerias Category
A Vánvera, Araldo, Baldoria Madrid, Beata Pasta, Boccondivino, D.O.C. Wine Bar Enoteca Italiana, Casa Marco, Don Giovanni, Filu ‘e Ferru Ristorante, Fratelli Figurato, Gianna Ristorante, Gioia by Davide Bonato, Grosso Napoletano, Gruppo Big Mamma, Gruppo Pulcinella, El Bacaro de Fabio Gasparini, Il Boccone, La Nonna, La Tavernetta, Luna Rossa, Mena Apulian Food, Mercato Ballaró, My Pasta My Art, Morso, Mozzafiato, Nap, Noi Italiano en Madrid, Noi Due, Ouh Babbo!, Ozio Gastronomico, Reginella Pizzeria, Reginella Ristorante, Rifugio Madrid, IN RistoLab, La Piperna, Sottosopra, Trattoria D’Alfredo, Trebbiano.
