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[title]For the first time in the history of Mendoza’s gastronomy, the Michelin Guide will host its awards gala in the province. The April 7th event will take place at the Susana Balbo Wines winery, with the Andes Mountains and vineyards that define the region providing a picturesque backdrop.
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During the ceremony, the restaurants that will join the Michelin Guide Buenos Aires & Mendoza 2025 will be announced, as well as those receiving a Michelin Star, the Bib Gourmand, the Green Star, or a Special Award.
The event will bring together chefs from selected restaurants in both cities, along with prominent figures from the culinary world. It is expected that around 400 guests will attend the gala. Catering will be provided by the GULA Group, and four wines from Mendoza wineries will accompany the celebration.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide, stated that Mendoza is a key gastronomic region in Argentina, with vineyards and orchards offering an ideal setting for the awards ceremony. It is important to note that the Michelin inspectors have worked on the 2025 selection, which will be revealed during the gala.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide, stated that Mendoza is a key gastronomic region in Argentina
Why is the 2025 Michelin Guide Gala Being Held in Mendoza?
Mendoza is internationally recognized for its wine production and cuisine, and it continues to solidify itself as a key destination for both national and international tourists who enjoy fine dining and wine. Cristina Mengarelli, Director of Tourism Development and Innovation, told Time Out that "this was a bet and a commitment made by Governor Alfredo Cornejo, along with Gabriela Testa, president of Emetur, understanding the significance of the event for Mendoza and its impact that goes beyond the measurable." She also explained that two options were evaluated: a virtual ceremony from France or an in-person gala in Mendoza with guests, including local, national, and international press. The second option was ultimately chosen.
Since 2005, Mendoza has been part of the Great Wine Tourism Capitals, alongside destinations such as La Rioja, Bordeaux, and Napa Valley. Mengarelli emphasized that the selection of Mendoza and Buenos Aires by the Michelin Guide reinforces the relevance of Mendoza’s gastronomy, the quality of its products, and the professionalism of those working in the industry.
Since 2005, Mendoza has been part of the Great Wine Tourism Capitals, alongside destinations such as La Rioja, Bordeaux, and Napa Valley
Sebastián Weigandt, chef and owner of Azafrán, who has a Michelin star, expressed that "this is the most important event in Mendoza’s and Argentina’s gastronomic history. Chefs and restaurant owners are eagerly awaiting it, looking forward to having colleagues from Buenos Aires come to the province, to share the moment. Even though the gala ceremony is very stressful, we are very happy with what is happening." He also highlighted the importance of the unity of Argentine gastronomy in this meeting.
Regarding his expectations, he mentioned that he would like to see restaurants like Ángelica Cocina Maestra and those run by Flavia Amad join the guide in Mendoza, while in Buenos Aires, he hopes to see Crizia and Julia included. He also expressed a desire for Tomás Treschanski to receive a second Michelin star. Finally, he mentioned, "I would like to see more stars in Mendoza and Buenos Aires, so together we can make these two places an international destination with more offerings, especially to boost the current crisis."
In this edition, the Michelin Guide will continue to highlight sustainability through the Green Star, awarded to restaurants with a strong environmental commitment. This focus has gained relevance in the culinary industry and is part of the recognition that Michelin gives to proposals that stand out in this field.
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The event takes place in a context of changes in Argentine gastronomy. In Buenos Aires, several recommended or starred restaurants from previous editions have closed, reflecting the sector’s complexity and the impact of Michelin’s recognitions. Recent closures include Na Num, which relocated to Madrid (Spain) and closed its Buenos Aires location; Benedetta and Trece Fronteras. All three were part of the guide's recommended list.
In Mendoza, expectations are high. Michelin arrives at the province during a period of expansion and diversification in the sector, with chefs and winemakers seeking to position the region as a culinary destination of excellence. Thus, the ceremony will be an opportunity to showcase this work and project Mendoza onto the global gastronomic map.
Cecilia Boullosa, journalist and culinary influencer, shared her vision with Time Out about the upcoming edition. "There are a lot of expectations, especially in such a difficult year, where consumers and tourists have disappeared. I think more than ever, being in the guide is a treat and an incentive. Maintaining quality was a big challenge: many restaurants had to reduce teams, but they continued doing good work in a very adverse context. Now, they are coming with their last strength and eager to be recognized," she said.
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Boullosa emphasized the importance of new names appearing on the list, especially those that managed to maintain a good price-quality ratio in this challenging scenario. "I would love to see places like Santa Inés, which did a very fine job. Gran Dabbang, which was the big omission last year and deserves to be included this year. Of the new openings, Evelia, Ness, and Ultramarinos should be there."
"I would love to see places like Santa Inés, which did a very fine job. Gran Dabbang, which was the big omission last year. Of the new openings, Evelia, Ness, and Ultramarinos", Cecilia Boullosa
Regarding the stars, the journalist expressed her wish for Don Julio to receive a star. "It is a reference for many gastronomes across Latin America and deserves it," she explains. "In Mendoza, Angélica is, without a doubt, the restaurant that deserves it the most today. And of those who already have one, I think Trescha should move up to two stars," she adds.
Additionally, she expressed excitement about other possible recognitions in the guide: "I imagine that maybe this year they will announce awards for best sommelier and best young chef in Mendoza, as happened with Buenos Aires last year."
"Maybe this year they will announce awards for best sommelier and best young chef in Mendoza, as happened with Buenos Aires last year", Boullosa
On the other hand, Boullosa pointed out the absence of certain establishments that could have been included in the previous edition. "Café San Juan, for example, has a very strong identity, has been around for years, and offers great price-quality value. I think it could be part of the selection, along with something more representative of porteña cuisine, but with a more informal approach. Just as in Mexico they included a taquería, maybe this year they’ll add a Buenos Aires pizzeria. I feel that was missing a bit in the last edition. I hope there is more diversity in the types of places they choose."
"I hope this year the Michelin Guide includes more diversity in the types of places they choose", Boullosa
Expectations are high, and the gastronomic scenes in Buenos Aires and Mendoza are eagerly awaiting the guide’s results.