About Us | Restaurante Tortuga

ABOUT TORTUGA

Tortuga Cuina Creativa was founded in 2021 by three long-time friends in Barcelona who shared a dream: to create a restaurant that combines high-quality fresh food, a cozy and friendly ambiance, and a commitment to responsible dining. Conveniently located in the heart of Barcelona, Tortuga offers an inviting space for both locals and tourists to experience its unique culinary offerings. The restaurant is known for its carefully selected wines, exceptional tapas and mains, and exquisite desserts crafted by the talented chef Pedro Gonzalez.

CREATIVE TAPAS

At Tortuga, tapas are more than just a meal—they are a celebration of Barcelona's rich culinary heritage. The menu is a tribute to local culture, focusing on shared dishes that embody the tapas concept. Each dish tells the story of the chef's travels and culinary journey, utilizing diverse ingredients sourced from local farmers and markets.

LOCALLY SOURCED, GLOBALLY IINSPIRED

Tortuga believes in the power of local flavors. The chef curates a menu that showcases the abundance of nearby farmers' produce, ensuring that every diner's experience reflects the essence of Barcelona's vibrant culinary scene. At the same time, the menu is infused with the chef's own experiences and global culinary influences, offering a unique fusion of local and international flavors.

SUSTAINABILTY AT THE CORE

Tortuga is dedicated to reducing its ecological footprint. The restaurant is not only about exceptional food but also about embracing eco-friendly practices throughout its operations. From reducing food waste to adopting energy-efficient technologies, Tortuga strives to leave a positive impact on both its guests and the environment.

Some of Tortuga's sustainable practices include:

Preparing all dishes in-house.
Changing the menu with the seasons to respect the seasonality and availability of produce.
Using recycled paper for takeaway containers.
Donating a percentage of profits to NGOs focused on cleaning oceans and protecting marine life.

Tortuga's commitment to sustainability is a daily practice and part of its journey toward a greener, healthier future.

Chef Pedro González Maradei's culinary journey is a rich tapestry woven from his experiences across the globe, starting in Brazil and culminating in the establishment of his own restaurant in Barcelona

EARLY BEGINNINGS IN BRAZIL

Pedro's culinary passion ignited in 2010 when he began working in the bustling kitchen of Leopoldo, a high-end wedding event space in São Paulo's financial district. This experience laid the foundation for his career, where he honed his skills in Brazilian and Italian cuisine at prestigious establishments like Bar des Arts and Piselli. These early experiences were crucial in shaping his understanding of traditional and contemporary flavors.

A GLOBAL CULINARY EDUCATION

In 2011, Pedro moved to New York City, where he immersed himself in the art of pastry at the French Culinary Institute (FCI). This period of his life marked the beginning of his international culinary education. After graduating, he embarked on a worldwide journey, exploring different cuisines and cultures. This exploration was not just about learning new techniques but understanding the diverse ways in which people around the world experience food.

A NEW CHAPTER IN AUSTRALIA

By 2016, Pedro decided to expand his expertise beyond pastry and enrolled in the Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Sydney, Australia. Here, he refined his skills in traditional French culinary techniques, setting the stage for his future endeavors. His time at The Flying Fish, a fine dining restaurant specializing in Australian-Japanese fusion cuisine, further developed his understanding of global flavors. Starting as a commis chef and quickly rising to chef de partie, Pedro gained invaluable experience in handling delicate seafood and creating complex, flavorful dishes.

ESTABLISHING TORTUGA IN BARCELONA

In 2019, Pedro moved to Barcelona with the dream of opening his own restaurant. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, his dream became a reality in October 2021 with the opening of Tortuga. The restaurant is a reflection of Pedro's culinary journey and his vibrant personality, offering a menu that is as eclectic as it is personal, inspired by the various cultures he encountered throughout his travels.

Pedro González Maradei's story is one of passion, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of culinary excellence, culminating in the creation of a unique dining experience in Barcelona.

Partners

At Tortuga, we believe that creating a better, greener world for future generations is a responsibility we all share. As a proud member of our community, we are deeply committed to this cause and have taken significant steps to contribute to a more sustainable future.

We are proud to be a 100% single-use plastic-free restaurant, sourcing all our ingredients locally within a 0km radius. Our commitment to the environment extends to every aspect of our operations, including the use of chemical-free products in our cleaning processes to minimize our environmental footprint.

Our dedication to sustainability doesn’t stop there. We have established strong partnerships with globally recognized NGOs that are at the forefront of promoting sustainability. These collaborations are a testament to our commitment to making a meaningful impact on the planet.

Above, you’ll find details about some of our esteemed partners in this mission. We warmly invite you to join us in this crucial endeavor. Together, we can tackle the challenges ahead and pave the way towards a more sustainable, eco-friendly future. Let’s make a difference, hand in hand!

Adopt a turtle WWF

For over 60 years, WWF has dedicated itself to fostering a world where both people and nature thrive. As the leading global conservation organization, WWF operates in nearly 100 countries, working tirelessly to safeguard our planet's most vital resources.

At WWF, we believe that healthy oceans are crucial to ensuring the well-being of our planet, supporting the prosperity and peace of communities around the globe. Our integrated approach to ocean conservation combines place-based efforts to create Nature-Positive Seascapes with broader initiatives in global markets and Blue Finance.

By choosing to symbolically adopt an animal, you contribute generously to WWF’s worldwide conservation endeavors. Your donation helps to protect endangered species, preserve fragile ecosystems, and build a future where humanity lives in harmony with nature.

Projeto Tamar

Our mission is to support Projeto Tamar in their efforts to restore five endangered sea turtle species in Brazil. By developing conservation initiatives, conducting research, and engaging in social inclusion programs, Projeto Tamar has been a pioneer in marine conservation since the 1970s, when no such work was being done in Brazil. We are proud to contribute to this cause by donating 1% of our profits to support their vital work.

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Kareta Maluca

Karetta Maluca is a unique blend of passion and purpose. As a socially-driven business, we are dedicated to rescuing and preserving endangered species while offering an exceptional wine experience. Our selection features six distinct wines, each associated with a specific animal species, and for every bottle sold, we contribute €0.50 towards conservation efforts.

By visiting us in Tortuga and purchasing one of our wines, you’re not just indulging in fine wine—you’re also supporting a noble cause. Your contribution helps fund the protection of turtles and other endangered species, making each sip a step towards making a positive impact. Together, let’s enjoy great wine and work towards a brighter future for our planet's wildlife!

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Surf Rider Foundation

We are thrilled to announce that we are the first restaurant in Barcelona to receive certification from the Surfrider Foundation! This achievement highlights our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and aligns perfectly with our values of sustainability and responsibility.

By partnering with the Surfrider Foundation, we are taking concrete steps to protect our oceans and coastal areas, ensuring they remain pristine and accessible for future generations. We invite you to join us in supporting this important cause and making a positive impact on our planet. Together, we can make a difference!

Ocean Beer

Ocean Beer is more than just a great-tasting brew; it's a powerful way to support the health of our oceans and the planet. Renowned for its exceptional quality, Ocean Beer is committed to fighting climate change through investments in impactful environmental projects. We back dedicated scientists and activists working on innovative solutions to protect and restore marine ecosystems.

When you choose Ocean Beer, you’re not just enjoying a beverage—you’re joining a movement to ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for our oceans. Raise a glass to making a meaningful impact with every sip!

Too Good To Go

"Too Good To Go" is an innovative app designed to fight food waste by connecting consumers with restaurants, grocery stores, and other venues that have surplus food. The app allows users to purchase 'surprise boxes' filled with a variety of food items that are nearing the end of their shelf life at a discounted price. By doing so, it reduces unnecessary food waste and offers users the chance to enjoy quality food at more affordable prices. You can make a positive impact on the planet by downloading the app and purchasing these surprise boxes, available every Sunday night. Join the movement to combat food waste and enjoy great meals at the same time!

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