Delicious
The food has been eaten, the service has been enjoyed, and the ambiance has been taken in—and it is now time to reveal the 50 best restaurants in the world. In 2002, Restaurant magazine put out the first ranking of the 50 best restaurants in the world and today, while not directly associated with the magazine anymore, the list is still going strong. For those curious about how the rankings are decided...
The list is derived from a poll of 1,080 experts (chefs, critics, foodies, journalists) who vote for the restaurants at which they had the best experiences. There is no specific criteria for the vote, with the members being allowed to decide using their own ideas.
And just to note: A rule was introduced in 2019 that disqualified any restaurant that had previously taken the top spot.
Now, onto the 50 best restaurants on the planet...
50: Uliassi
Location: Senigallia, Italy
This three-Michelin star restaurant sits on an Italian beach on the Adriatic Riviera and serves up truly special seafood dishes and tasting menus.
#FOODMISSION 2021 by Perlage - EPISODE 9 - Mauro Uliassi, Uliassi, Senigallia, Italy, The Best Chef
49: La Colombe
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
La Colombe earned its three Michelin stars by bringing together Asian and French culinary influences. It has also been voted the best restaurant in Africa.
La Colombe - The Theatre of Great Food, Reel Stories South Africa
48: Hiša Franko
Location: Kobarid, Slovenia
In 2017, chef Ana Roš was voted the World's Best Female Chef—and her restaurant, Hiša Franko, has been one of the top 50 in the world ever since then. Roš is a self-taught chef who uses mostly local produce to create her bold dishes.
A chef's world | Spent a moment with Ana Ros in Slovenia - Restaurant Hisa Franko, MICHELIN Guide
47: Schloss Schauenstein
Location: Fürstenau, Switzerland
We aren't kidding when we say that this restaurant is located in a remote castle on a Swiss mountaintop. It might be an old location, but the cooking is brilliantly modern European cuisine.
Adrian Michael, Wikimedia Commons
46: SingleThread
Location: Healdsburg, United States
SingleThread is a restaurant and boutique hotel in the Sonoma Valley region of California. It offers patrons a fabulous Japanese-influenced tasting menu using produce sourced mostly from the 24-acre farm nearby (run by Katina Connaughton—wife of head chef Kyle Connaughton).
45: Arpège
Location: Paris, France
Another stunning restaurant that sources its produce locally and fresh daily—Arpège has been mostly animal-free for decades now, and if you didn't think vegetables could be the star of the show, then you haven't experienced chef Alain Passard (the 'maestro' of vegetarian cuisine).
Kent Wang from London, United Kingdom, Wikimedia Commons
44: Mingles
Location: Seoul, South Korea
The "best restaurant in Korea" in 2024 is also the 44th best restaurant in the world. Brilliant chef Mingoo Kang and in-season ingredients combine for something special here.
MGM x RR1HK Culinary Masters Macau 2025: Meet Chef Kang Mingoo, Robb Report Hong Kong
43: Nobelhart & Schmutzig
Location: Berlin, Germany
Serving amazing super-local six-course meals, this spot in Germany's capital is fun and delicious. But warning to all you Insta-foodies: there is a no cameras allowed policy at this restaurant.
Inside the restaurant redefining German gastronomy by 50 Best
42: Ikoyi
Location: London, England
Chef Jeremy Chan calls the dining experience at Ikoyi "a journey through bold heat".
Chef Jeremy Chan's Two Michelin-Starred Restaurant Is Secretly a Steakhouse — Mise En Place, Eater
41: Mayta
Location: Lima, Peru
Chef Jaime Pesaque’s refined Peruvian cuisine has made Mayta a mainstay on this list since 2022. The nine-course tasting menu is a must-have culinary experience.
Jaime Pesaque: Discover Mayta's secret and dynamic cuisine #VideosEC, El Comercio newspaper
40: Le Du
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Le Du and its modern Thai cuisine has earned one Michelin star and a spot at the number one spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2023.
Inside Asia's Best Restaurant - Le Du in Bangkok, 50 Best
39: Piazza Duomo
Location: Alba, Italy
Depending on what time of year you visit Piazza Duomo, the menu will be quite different—but it will always be delicious.
Probably The BEST Restaurant in Italy - Piazza Duomo (Enrico Crippa), Alexander The Guest
38: Sorn
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Back to Bangkok for this high-end seafood-focused dining experience. To quote the Michelin guide in their review of this three-star establishment: "The whole experience will more than make up for the very thorough process involved in securing a table".
22-Course THAI FOOD! | Rare Ingredients at Sorn (Sorn) | Best Restaurants in Bangkok!, Mark Wiens
37: Oteque
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
In the heart of the trendy Botafogo neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro sits Oteque—where chef Alberto Landgraf has created a menu that centers around three key elements: texture, acidity, and temperature.
CHEF Alberto Landgraf - OTEQUE, Ofcine
36: The Jane
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
In the 19th century, it was a military hospital; today, it's home to one of the best restaurants in the world. At The Jane, guests are treated to a full sensory experience—from the architecture and design, to the music that plays and, of course, the delicious food.
Braeken, Jo, Wikimedia Commons
35: Frantzén
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
At Frantzén, all the guests arrive in one room and are then given a tour of the property while being served dishes that strike futuristic chords all over their taste buds.
City Foodsters, Wikimedia Commons
34: Rosetta
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
From English literature student to world-renowned chef, Elena Reygadas opened Rosetta in the 2010s and, these days, has been focusing her culinary skills on creating her own interpretations of traditional Mexican dishes.
33: Pujol
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
We are staying in Mexico City for Pujol at number 33—where chef Enrique Olvera puts his twist on Mexican favorites (and does it in the most elegant of ways).
City Foodsters, Wikimedia Commons
32: Den
Location: Tokyo, Japan
From the 20-ingredient Den salad to his now-signature Dentucky Fried Chicken wings—chef Zaiyu Hasegawa's culinary approach is as fun as it is unique.
Two Michelin Star Modern Kaiseki at DEN - Den Tokyo!, Glorious Gluttony
31: Belcanto
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Chef José Avillez took over in 2012, moved the restaurant to a larger venue in 2019, and has since gone and made Belcanto the top dining establishment in the country.
30: Restaurant Tim Raue
Location: Berlin, Germany
In a not-so-fancy area of Berlin, chef Tim Raue serves up some of the most amazing Asian flavors anywhere.
Tim Raue presents the Michelin star restaurant Tim Raue in Berlin, wbpstarscom
29: Boragó
Location: Santiago, Chile
Constantly researching and discovering native Chilean produce, chef Rodolfo Guzmán showcases the tastes and culinary possibilities of his native country like few others.
From Being EMPTY for 6 Years to Being FULL for Months - Borago, Rodolfo Guzman, Francois Pouzet
28: Elkano
Location: Getaria, Spain
Chef Aitor Arregui's father set a new standard for seafood grilling and Arregui has taken that family tradition to Elkano—the most prestigious seafood grill in the Basque Country.
27: A Casa Do Porco
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Translated to "The House of the Pig"—A Casa do Porco is a pork-focused restaurant that presents dishes using every part of the animal.
$50 for an 8-Course Meal at BRAZIL'S BEST RESTAURANT?! | A Casa do Porco🐷, Crystal Yang
26: The Chairman
Location: Hong Kong
Voted number one in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2021, The Chairman won the Highest Climber Award this year.
The Best Restaurant in Hong Kong!! $200 FLOWER CRAB You Don’t Want to Miss!, Mark Wiens
25: El Chato
Location: Bogotá, Columbia
This contemporary Colombian bistro made its first appearance on the list last year and jumped up eight spots on this year's list.
El Chato Restaurant among the best in the world | CityTV, CityTv
24: Odette
Location: Singapore
A modern French restaurant with Asian influences—this is chef Julien Royer's love letter to his grandmother. And on the dessert side, you get the best pastry chef in Asia 2023, Louisa Lim.
Meet Julien Royer, The Admired Chef Behind Singapore Restaurant, Odette, 50Best
23: Sühring
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Chefs and twin brothers Mathias and Thomas Sühring brought their contemporary German cuisine to Thailand and have thrived.
50 Seconds with Mathias and Thomas Suhring, 50 Best
22: Steirereck
Location: Austria, Vienna
Great food, hospitality beyond reproach, and stunning architecture have kept Steirereck in the upper half of this list for years now.
Diego Delso, Wikimedia Commons
21: Florilège
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Come enjoy creative French-Japanese, vegetable-forward cuisine, seated around a 16-foot table in the tallest building in Japan.
Florilege Restaurant Tokyo | Chef Hiroyashu Kawate, Food Lovers
20: Wing
Location: Hong Kong
Wing wasn't even on the list prior to this year and with its debut at 20, it also earned the Highest New Entry Award.
How Wing in Hong Kong has become The World's Most Hospitable Restaurant, 50 Best
19: Reale
Location: Castel di Sangro, Italy
Chef Niko Romito doesn't just cook food, he researches every single ingredient to discover the optimum potential and pairings possible. Minimalist in presentation—but maximal in flavor and care.
Homemade Bread like in a Three Michelin Star Restaurant with Niko Romito - Reale***, Italia Squisita
18: Plénitude
Location: Paris, France
Chef Arnaud Donckele's food and his sauces are exceptional, but at Plénitude, it is both the food and the amazing service that make the whole experience unforgettable. The restaurant and its staff didn't win the Hospitality Award for nothing.
Interview with Chef Arnaud Donckele, Dom Perignon
17: Kol
Location: London, UK
Making authentic Mexican food using local British ingredients. That was chef Santiago Lastra's goal when he opened Kol in 2020 and that is what he has done...and done superbly.
London meets Mexico at the new Kol restaurant designed with Dekton, Cosentino PRO TV
16: Kjolle
Location: Lima, Peru
From the vibrant food to the curated glassware and dishes created by local artists, Kjolle is an amazing experience—and it is all led by 2021's World’s Best Female Chef, Pía León.
Inside the #1 Restaurant in the World, Michael Ligier
15: Sézanne
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Chef Daniel Calvert brings together French ingredients with Japanese influence at this three-Michelin star spot.
Chef Daniel Calvert's Experiences and His Present in Japan | SEZANNE | SAVOR JAPAN, Savor Japan
14: Quique Dacosta
Location: Dénia, Spain
Chef Quique Dacosta brings his 30+ years of experience to every dish and a meal at his restaurant is a journey well worth taking.
13: Trèsind Studio
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Voted the best restaurant in the Middle East, Himanshu Saini takes guests on a culinary journey and exploration of Indian cuisine that is unlike any Indian restaurant you've ever been to.
Tresind Studio Earns Three MICHELIN Stars - A Historic Moment for Indian Cuisine, MICHELIN Guide
12: Lido 84
Location: Gardone Riviera, Italy
In 2021, Lido 84 entered the top 50 at number 15 and the delicious Italian cuisine with views of Lake Garda has continued to rise up the list.
Lido 84 - Tasting menu with an amazing view of Lake Garda, iamgentii
11: Septime
Location: Paris, France
$150 for seven courses at dinner seems underpriced for the delicious modern French cuisine served at this neo-industrial bistro.
10: Don Julio
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Only the best meats, organically-grown produce, and an amazing wine list that will always offer something perfect to pair with whatever menu items you choose.
Roberto Fiadone, Wikimedia Commons
9: Gaggan
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Number nine on this list and number one on the Best Restaurants in Asia list make for quite an impressive resume and "a culinary adventure of the senses and a roller coaster ride of emotions".
Taste Bangkok: Gaggan | chef Gaggan Anand, LITV Asia
8: Alchemist
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
To quote from the restaurant's website: "The experience lasts for 4–6 hours, and the only prerequisites are curiosity and presence of mind". Well, sign us up.
The Bizarre 50 Course, 7 Hour Long, $1000 Meal at Alchemist, Michael Ligier
7: Quintonil
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
New-wave Mexican cuisine and unmatched hospitality have earned this place two Michelin stars and the seventh spot on the top 50 list.
City Foodsters, Wikimedia Commons
6: Atomix
Location: New York, New York
In the NoMad district of Manhattan sits a Korean restaurant that elevates counter dining and has been voted the best restaurant in North America.
5: Maido
Location: Lima, Peru
Voted "The Best Restaurant in South America", and with a wine list created by Florencia Rey, winner of "Latin America’s Best Sommelier 2023"—Maido is topping lists all over the place.
4: Diverxo
Location: Madrid, Spain
At age 33, Chef Dabiz Muñoz became the second youngest person to ever earn three Michelin stars—over a decade and a half later, his culinary "pleasure-dome" Diverxo sits at number four among the top 50 restaurants in the world.
Inside the WORLD'S #3 BEST Restaurant - Diverxo, Alexander The Guest
3: Table by Bruno Verjus
Location: Paris, France
Before becoming a chef and opening his restaurant, Bruno Verjus had many jobs: medical student, entrepreneur in China, photographer, author, radio commentator, even food critic. And now he can add chef and owner of the third best restaurant in the world to that list.
TABLE | Bruno Verjus | Paris, France | 2 Michelin Star | 2024, THIS IS LIFE
2: Asador Etxebarri
Location: Atxondo, Spain
Chef Victor Arguinzoniz is a true master on the grill (grills that he has custom-made himself for his restaurant), and everything on the menu—from the meats to the ice cream—is touched by said grills.
1: Disfrutar
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Spain is certainly making a case for it being the best culinary destination on the planet—with three restaurants in the top five, including this number one contender, Disfrutar in Barcelona.
They say that too many cooks spoil the broth but in the case of Disfrutar, the three chefs that own and run it have turned that idiom on its head with the amazing works of culinary art that emerge from their kitchen.
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