Cándido López Sanz, born on December 1, 1903 in Coca and died on August 16, 1992 in Segovia, is an emblematic figure in Spanish gastronomy. Known as a master griller and the Chief Innkeeper of Castile, his legacy began to take shape at the famous Mesón de Cándido, located beneath the historic aqueduct of Segovia.

Cándido not only stood out for his culinary skills, but also for his ability to turn the Mesón de Cándido into a cultural and social meeting point.

During his lifetime, he was widely recognised and respected in the hospitality industry, making his name automatically associated with the high quality and authenticity of Castilian cuisine. His influence and dedication led to the restaurant’s well-deserved international fame.

With an innovative vision and a deep respect for culinary traditions, Cándido transformed his restaurant into an internationally recognized gastronomic epicenter. His dedication to excellence not only attracted lovers of good food, but also caught the attention of celebrities and influential figures from around the world. Among the illustrious visitors to his establishment were the Italian actress Sofia Loren, the iconic American actor Cary Grant and the genius of surrealism Salvador Dalí, who came attracted by the fame and prestige of the inn.

Cándido’s passion for cooking and his tireless efforts to elevate Castilian gastronomy to new heights established his name as an emblematic figure in Segovian gastronomy. His legacy lives on not only in the dishes served at his restaurant, but also in the inspiration he left for future generations of chefs and restaurateurs.

In 1977 he received the Gold Medal for Merit in Work in recognition of his outstanding career in the hospitality sector and his contribution to the tourist and gastronomic development of Segovia and Spain. The medal was presented by the President of the Government, highlighting the importance of his work and its positive impact on society.

That same year, Cándido received the Gold Medal from the CEOE (Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations) in recognition of his outstanding career in the hospitality sector and his contribution to the economic and social development of Spain.

In 1979 he received the Gold Medal of Merit for Tourism due to his outstanding contribution to the promotion and development of gastronomy and tourism in Spain.

For all this, and much more, Cándido received the Title of Favorite Son of the City of Segovia, the Title of Favorite Son of the Town of Coca and the Silver Medal of the Honorable City Council of Madrid , the latter imposed by Mr. Carlos Arias Navarro.

Cándido López’s reputation and contribution to Spanish cuisine are testament to his unwavering dedication to quality and to promoting the flavours of his land. After his death, Cándido was honoured in 1996 with the Monumento a Cándido, a five-metre-high monument of Cándido performing his ceremony of splitting the suckling pig with the edge of the plate at the roundabout on Puente de Sancti Spiritu street, Segovia, with the cathedral in the background. Later, in 2003, he was honoured with the bust of Cándido in the Plaza del Azoguejo, next to the Aqueduct, consolidating Cándido as the leading figure in Segovia gastronomy and one of the leading figures in Castilian gastronomy.

The family tradition and commitment to excellence continues today under the direction of their descendants, ensuring that Mesón de Cándido remains a pillar of Spanish gastronomy.