From Gate 28 of the Bernabéu Stadium, the venture by Álvaro Castellanos and Iván Morales, owners of Grupo Arzábal, is leading the way towards a culinary scene where excellence and responsibility go hand in hand.
Arzábal Bernabéu, Grupo Arzábal’s latest venture located at Gate 28 of the Bernabéu Stadium, is once again in the spotlight after becoming the first restaurant in Madrid to obtain the international Biosphere Sustainable certification, a recognition that distinguishes those companies that manage sustainability in a comprehensive manner and in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This demanding certification assesses three key areas: environment; people, society and culture; and responsible management and economy, confirming that Arzábal Bernabéu goes beyond gastronomic excellence to integrate sustainability as an essential part of its identity.
The decision to move towards certification for all venues managed by the Arzábal Group was taken at a strategic committee meeting held in October 2025, with the certification process for Arzábal Bernabéu commencing in November of the same year.
Achieving this distinction involves following a bespoke sustainability plan, which begins with an initial assessment designed to establish the starting point and identify opportunities for improvement, continues with the implementation of actions backed by verifiable evidence, and culminates in annual external audits that ensure transparency and rigour.
A living model, based on continuous improvement, which drives the company to constantly evolve in its environmental, social and governance commitments. To obtain Biosphere certification, all departments within the group have adapted their processes with the aim of developing concrete actions aligned with the three pillars of the methodology.
“Biosphere does not propose sustainability based on empty rhetoric, but on method, monitoring and evidence. It is a methodology that encourages measurement, prioritisation, improvement and demonstration. And that is precisely what we wish to highlight today: that Arzábal Bernabéu has understood from the outset that sustainability is not promised, but demonstrated”, stated Raffaele Sisto, Executive Director of Biosphere Madrid.
In the environmental sphere, measures have been implemented to improve energy efficiency, reduce water consumption, optimise waste management and recovery, and reduce the carbon footprint through collaboration with local suppliers.
In the area of people and community, initiatives have been strengthened that focus on staff wellbeing and a commitment to local and responsible suppliers.
Meanwhile, the responsible management area has incorporated measurement systems, verifiable indicators and transparent management models that go beyond legal compliance. The process has also required the development of specific documentation and auditable evidence, enabling the certifying body to objectively verify the actual implementation of all actions.
This recognition is in line with the commitment and values of the Bernabéu, a venue that prioritises energy efficiency, circularity and the use of renewable energy. The Bernabéu has committed to the reuse of infrastructure and the optimisation of resources in its refurbishment project, which has transformed it into a venue open 365 days a year, offering a combination of the finest cuisine, such as Arzábal Bernabéu, with the best experiences, whilst remaining true to its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
As Belén Agustí, Director of Quality and Sustainability at Grupo Arzábal, points out: “the certification has involved organising, consolidating and projecting all its sustainable practices that were already part of the Group’s philosophy, integrating them into a structured framework that facilitates their monitoring, improvement and constant evolution, from efficient resource management and waste reduction to caring for staff and collaborating with local suppliers. Furthermore, it delivers key strategic benefits by validating existing initiatives, aligning with IFS certification, generating value for customers, partners and future franchisees, and integrating environmental, social and management sustainability into a single framework for action. Internally, it reinforces the corporate culture and the commitment to continuous improvement, viewing sustainability as a journey rather than a one-off goal”.
“Beyond the recognition, Biosphere certification marks a turning point in the Group’s evolution,” said Iván Morales and Álvaro Castellanos, owners of Grupo Arzábal, who are making progress in building a solid, responsible growth model aligned with the sector’s new challenges.
This process, which began at the Bernabéu restaurant and will be progressively rolled out to the rest of the group’s establishments, aims to certify all restaurants by the end of 2026, thereby consolidating Grupo Arzábal as an inspiring example where gastronomy, responsibility and the future go hand in hand on the national scene.
About GRUPO ARZÁBAL
With over 15 years’ experience, Grupo Arzábal has established itself as one of Madrid’s leading culinary names. Founded by Iván Morales and Álvaro Castellanos, the group currently employs a team of almost 300 professionals and operates a strong network of venues across the capital.
Its legendary tavern, Arzábal Retiro, has been joined by El Jardín de Arzábal, located in the Reina Sofía National Art Museum; Arzábal Market, in the San Miguel Market; and its latest opening, the Arzábal Bernabéu restaurant, amongst other venues and brands such as Arzábal Food Truck, Hermanos Pollo and Madrí.
Their approach is based on respect for the ingredients, the reinterpretation of traditional cuisine with a contemporary twist, and the creation of an experience where tradition and innovation coexist naturally.
Source: SUITE Comunicar con Estilo