The hospitality industry of the Republic of Moldova organized for the first time the Gala “Moldova Hospitality Awards 2025”, an event aimed at recognizing the performance of the HoReCa sector and stimulating its professionalization. The Gala marked the official launch of the first national competition dedicated to professionals in the sector, organized by the National Association of Restaurants and Leisure Venues (MĂR), under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture.
The event brought together hundreds of entrepreneurs, chefs, managers, suppliers and government representatives. The competition, divided into 21 categories and judged by a jury of over 30 experts, aims to promote excellence, innovation, culinary identity and sustainability. Andrei Chistol, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Culture, underlined the importance of striking a balance between creativity and making the most of cultural heritage for the country’s tourist and economic development. Nicolae Hudic, president of the MĂR, said the event aimed to recognize the strong business environment in the hospitality sector and encourage its growth, adding that 2025 was a good year for the industry.
The voting process followed rigorous criteria of transparency and objectivity:
1. Best traditional Moldovan restaurant
1st place – Fuior Gourmet
Second place – Stone Age
3rd place – Popasul Dacilor
2. Best pastry/coffee shop
1st place – Miro
Second place – Marcu Bakery
3rd place – Granier
3. Best café/tea shop
1st place – Tucano Coffee
Second place – Bonjour Café
3rd place – Poetry Coffeeshop
4. Best beer restaurant
1st place – Keller Holz Gastropub
Second place – RockScor Brewery
3rd place – Lake House
5. Newest location open in 2025
1st place – SOL Restaurant
Second place – Terra RestoCafe
3rd place – Soufflé Café
6. Best fast-food restaurant
1st place – Pegas Burger
Second place – McDonald’s
3rd place – Torro Burger
7. Best steakhouse/burger restaurant
First Place – Buffalo Steak House
Second place – Pegas Terrace & Restaurant
3rd place – Gastrobar
8. Best catering company
1st place – Box Catering
Second Place – Select Banquet Hall
3rd place – Seasons Cafe Bakery
9. Restaurant promoting local products
1st Place – Berd’s Local Flavors Restaurant
Second place – Stone Age
3rd place – Popasul Dacilor
10. Best Asian restaurant
1st place – Momo Asian Bar
Second place – E-sushi
3rd place – Madam Wong
11. Award for excellence in hosting festive events
1st place – Mimi Castle
Second place – Lago Event Park
3rd place – Madison Park
12. Best delivery company
First place – Glovo
Second place – Box Catering
3rd place – Straus
13. Best hotel
1st place – Berd’s Hotel
Second place – Nobil Luxury Boutique Hotel
3rd Place – Radisson Blu Hotel
14. Best barista
1st place – Alexandru Garaz
Second place – Alexandr Dmitrenko
3rd place – Vladimir Chzou
15. Best Chef
1st place – Alexandru Comerzan
Second place – Maxim Budeci
3rd place – Alexandru Julavschi
16. The most sustainable business in HoReCa
1st place – Mimi Castle
Second place – Tucano Coffee
3rd place – Rozmarin Café
17. Best rural leisure venue
First place – Pension Casa din Luncă
Second place – Eco-Resort Butuceni
3rd place – Asconi
18. Supplier of the Year 2025
1st place – METRO Moldova
Second place – Julius Meinl Moldova
3rd place – MGM
19. Wine excellence for HoReCa
First place – Purcari Winery
Second place – Crama Mircești
3rd place – Château Vartely
20. Excellence in decoration services in the HoReCa industry
1st place – Lara Deco Event
Second place – Medeya Decor and Event
3rd Place – Veranda Deco Events
A philanthropic component was also integrated into the Gala, through which the MĂR Association supported the Winter Project of The Moldova Project Association, and following the charity auction with products offered by partners, as well as two master classes to be held by Oxana Crețu, chef and Oxana Crețu – Ambassador of Moldovan Gastronomy for 2024-2027, where the funds raised will bring gifts and support to over 1000 children from 46 rural localities – reaffirming the HoReCa industry’s commitment to social responsibility and care for the community.
Olga Calmiș, Executive Director of MĂR, emphasized the role of the HoReCa industry as a strategic branch for the national economy, which is constantly evolving. She mentioned that in the absence of geographical resources such as the sea or the mountains, the Republic of Moldova needs to promote other important values. The gala ended with the awarding of prizes to the best restaurants, cafes, hotels and professionals in the field, marking an important step for the development of the industry.