Few restaurants can boast of cooking and serving with a social conscience. Restaurant Nectari in Barcelona —located near Sants station, on Carrer de València, 28— can, and it can prove it. For this reason, it has received the National Hospitality Award in the category of companies committed to people with disabilities. This recognition is awarded by Hostelería de España and comes as no surprise: for years, this gastronomic establishment has embraced inclusion as an essential ingredient in both its menu and its service to diners.

Jordi Esteve, the head chef

A large part of this commitment to inclusion is the work of its head chef, Jordi Esteve, a quiet professional who is nevertheless remarkably active. Esteve is known not only for his cuisine —a blend of tradition and modernity, with fresh, quality produce as his hallmark— , but also for a social sensitivity that has earned this award. Through his tireless work, he has transformed Nectari not only into a Michelin-starred restaurant since 2012 but also into a benchmark for sustainability and social responsibility.

What is their latest initiative? They have launched the first menu in Catalonia specifically adapted for people with autism, a pioneering project that has moved families and professionals alike, while also highlighting a reality that is often overlooked or ignored. The underlying message is clear: people with autism spectrum disorder can also enjoy a fine dining experience!

Menus with pictograms and Braille

The adapted menu uses clear, colourful pictograms and shows the dishes and their main ingredients. This helps people with ASD know what they will be eating and tailor the menu to their preferences. Less stress, more enjoyment: the perfect environment for those with this condition, enabling them to explore the flavours on offer at Nectari.

In addition, the restaurant provides menus in Braille, easy-to-read formats, and accessible digital versions. Not only that, but all staff receive training in inclusive communication. The aim is to offer empathetic and respectful service that matches each customer’s pace.

To further enhance the experience, the restaurant’s environment is designed to be sensory-friendly, with calm spaces, clear visual signage, and improved physical accessibility. Considerations include reducing background music or offering a more private area if needed.

But the restaurant’s commitment to responsibility goes even further. Its accolades include two green circles from the 360 Eat Guide and the Destination Barcelona Commitment to Sustainable Tourism seal, alongside participation in campaigns such as Restaurants Against Hunger, which raises funds for the NGO Action Against Hunger.

Nectari’s social and inclusive approach is not a passing trend, it is a genuine commitment, applied every day in a project recognised internationally.

More information at nectari.es