In Puerto Rico, BACOA Finca Fogón, a restaurant founded by chefs Raúl Correa, Xavier Pacheco, and René Marichal, received two international awards: Best Restaurant in the Caribbean and Best Restaurant in Puerto Rico, at the 7th World Culinary Awards 2026. The awards were presented on Wednesday, October 14, at a ceremony in Jamaica. BACOA’s cuisine is based on local ingredients, ancestral techniques, and traditional culinary practices.
The restaurant, located in Juncos, has developed a unique proposal that connects agriculture to gastronomy, using fire as an essential element. The founders said the awards are not only a recognition of their work but also a tribute to their team, local farmers, and those who have believed in the project since its inception. With these awards, BACOA adds a new chapter to its trajectory and puts the international spotlight on Puerto Rico’s culinary talent.
The restaurant’s philosophy is centered around the relationship between the land and fire, reflected in its name, which comes from the combination of the words barbacoa and coa, a traditional agricultural tool.