Lazos de Oro FAQ

How are the restaurants selected?

Restaurants are nominated by judges from the Golden Ties circuit, beginning a rigorous evaluation process that extends over several months. During this period, each proposal is visited, analyzed, and carefully assessed, ensuring fair and consistent criteria at every stage.

What is required for a concept to be nominated and evaluated?

Participating concepts must meet the following requirements:

To be founded in Puerto Rico and operate legally in any of its islands.
Having a physical space where the culinary experience is offered.
Offer two or more products in your gastronomic proposal.
Provide some type of service or direct contact with the diner.
Do not contemplate partial or definitive closure of its operations.
Operate at least once a week consistently.

Do restaurants pay to participate?

Absolutely not.

What if it's a pop-up or event?

Pop-ups, culinary events, residencies, ghost kitchens, catering services, deliveries, or similar experiences are not accepted.

Who are the judges?

The judges remain anonymous at all times. They are all connected to the food industry in various ways: chefs, sommeliers, managers, distributors, marketing professionals, food enthusiasts, and others.

How can I become a judge?

The current judges are the ones who recommend future panel members. Each new judge is selected exclusively by invitation and at the discretion of La Mafia, Puerto Rico.

What do the judges evaluate?

Each judge brings a different perspective and is guided by the established evaluation pillars: menu, service, atmosphere, innovation, and justification.

In the case of winners from previous editions who are nominated again, the consistency category is also incorporated, evaluated with greater rigor and precision.

Atmosphere

Sound experience, cleanliness, smell, control of the room and the diners, among others.

Service

Reservation system, efficiency in restaurant-customer communication, attention and speed (depending on the type of concept), staff knowledge, handling of unusual situations, etc.

Vanguard

Initiatives or philosophies that propel the local culinary industry forward. Examples: molecular gastronomy, cultural preservation, philanthropic initiatives, homegrown produce, among others.

Justification

A one-of-a-kind category. It considers the overall value of the experience, the restaurant's execution, and its mission to be inclusive for all diners. It answers questions like: "Is it worth the three-hour drive or ferry ride?" "Would I return every chance I got?"“

Consistency

Exact compliance with the offer that is promoted, offered and sold on each visit.

How do the judges evaluate?

The process is divided into three fundamental pillars:

Numerical evaluations by category, on a scale from zero (0) to ten (10).
Zero being the lowest score and ten being the highest.
Written statements.
Conversations with the Mafia, Puerto Rico, and among the judges themselves, if necessary.

Each pillar generates arguments for or against the concept being evaluated. The combination of the three strengthens the protocol and guarantees a fair and impartial decision.

What are written declarations?

Written statements are of great importance.

Each time the judges visit a concept, they must write two statements: one highlighting the positive aspects and another identifying areas for improvement. This allows us to delve deeper into the panel's decisions and strengthen the communication process.

Positive statement: If the concept meets or exceeds expectations, the judge must state in 2-4 sentences why it deserves to be part of Golden Ties.

2. Declaration of area of opportunity:

If necessary, the judge will establish areas for improvement in writing. If expectations are not met, the judge must explain in 2-4 sentences why the concept does not qualify under the Golden Ties framework.

The statements will be the only element shared with the concepts participating in the process and their judges will remain anonymous at all times.

Is the Mafia part of the jury?

No. No member of the La Mafia, Puerto Rico team participates in the nomination, evaluation, or final decision. Our role is to guide the process, receive the information, and manage it properly.

Can a restaurant withdraw its nomination?

Yes. If your concept was withdrawn and you wish to participate again, you must submit a letter of reconsideration to be considered in a future evaluation.

Since when have GOLDEN TIES existed?

Our first evaluation circuit was held in 2023 with the participation of three judges.

Will there be an event?

Yes. The event to announce the official list and the awards ceremony will be on May 13, 2026 at Vivo Beach Club, Carolina.

The event is by invitation only.

What is Tradition?

It recognizes the extraordinary gastronomy of a restaurant or concept with more than 25 years of operation in Puerto Rico.

This award is determined by a committee of three judges specializing in the island's gastronomy, culture, and culinary history. They evaluate aspects such as menu, history, ambiance, and others.

A restaurant that has already received this recognition can obtain it again after 10 years.

The winners of this award are:

Apa's Ranch, 2023
Doña Ana Restaurant, 2024

What is Hospitality Excellence?

This recognition distinguishes concepts with outstanding hospitality.

A special committee of three front-of-house service professionals conducts this evaluation, focusing solely on service, ambiance, and their impact on the dining experience.

The nominees for this category are selected based on evaluations by the regular judges. This committee begins its process in March 2026.

The winners of this award are:

2025: Verdemesa / COA

Q&A

Here are the most frequently asked questions and answers about the awards.