Jaume Subirós receives the 2026 National Gastronomy Award for a Lifetime Achievement

Chef and restaurateur Jaume Subirós, who has been linked for decades to Motel Empordà in Figueres, has been awarded the 2026 National Gastronomy Award for Lifetime Achievement, one of the most significant distinctions granted by the Real Academia de Gastronomía.

The award recognises a career defined by loyalty to Catalan cuisine, respect for produce, craftsmanship and an approach to hospitality based on consistency, rigour and service. It also acknowledges the historic importance of an establishment that is fundamental to understanding the evolution of contemporary dining in Catalonia and Spain as a whole.

Subirós has for many years been a key figure in the continuity of Motel Empordà, a restaurant that has helped consolidate a cuisine rooted in territory, traditional recipes and a modern vision of hospitality without losing its identity.

The Real Academia de Gastronomía has highlighted a career that has remained at the forefront for decades, with a recognisable style of cooking, classic service and a gastronomic philosophy based on consistency and quality.

The 2026 National Gastronomy Awards will be presented on 9 November in Toledo, during a ceremony bringing together leading figures and professionals from the gastronomic sector.

With this award, Jaume Subirós joins the group of professionals recognised for a lifetime devoted to cuisine and hospitality, leaving a deep mark on the country’s gastronomic history.