The force behind this success is Foodverzo, a restaurant in Zaragoza that has won over the public with its distinctive patatas bravas. Its chef, Luigi Rubertone, received the People's Choice Award last September at the Grand Final of the 7th International Palencia Brava Patatas Bravas Competition 2026, held in Palencia. The recognition places the Aragonese capital among the standout destinations for fans of this tapa.
Under the name ‘Bravas Foodverzo’, the Zaragoza recipe prevailed in the public jury's preferences over the offerings of 17 other finalists. Those who chose their favorite were the winners of the Palencia Bravas Routes, food enthusiasts who tasted the different creations at the Hotel Rey Sancho.
This award did not come by chance. Foodverzo had already been crowned champion of ‘Zaragoza Brava 2025’, a title that allowed it to attend the grand final in Palencia and showcase its talent to the public. Now, with this new accolade under its belt, the Zaragoza establishment has another reason to become a gastronomic stop for those who enjoy discovering new versions of one of Spain's most popular appetizers.
OTHER PALENCIA BRAVA 2026 AWARDS
Alongside the People's Choice recognition earned by Foodverzo, the winners of this seventh edition included chef Mauro Barreiro, of Real Club Valderrama in Cádiz, who took the Overall First Prize. José Luis Martínez Mora, of Taberna y Media in Madrid, received the Second Prize, while Javier García Albuger, of Asador de la Concepción in Albacete, finished in third place.
The 18 finalists who reached the decisive stage also received the official diploma from the 7th International Competition, along with product packages from brands such as Choví, D.O. Cigales, La Chinata and Frusangar La Chulapona.
First prize: Real Club Valderrama (Sotogrande, Cádiz) — Chef: Mauro Barreiro — Bravas Colorás.
Second prize: Taberna y Media (Madrid) — Chef: José Luis Martínez Mora — Bravas Tradición.
Third prize: Asador de la Concepción (Albacete) — Chef: Javier García Albuger — VRAVAS del Asador.
Special Innovation Award: La Caverna (Málaga) — Chef: Pachu Barrera — Bravas Andaluzas.
Special Aesthetic Award: Taberna y Media (Madrid) — Chef: José Luis Martínez Mora — Bravas Tradición.
Special Jury Mention: Velarde 13 (Madrid) — Chef: Alejandro Martínez Díaz — Bravuconas.
Special People's Jury Mention: Foodverzo (Zaragoza) — Chef: Luigi Rubertone — Bravas Foodverzo.
Special Palencia Foods Award: KYOMU Resort — Chef: Javier Bartolomé — Bravas de montaña by ky&ko.
