On Tuesday, Lima, the gastronomic capital of Peru, made an impressive mark at The World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards by clinching the top spot and securing multiple positions in the top 50, surpassing other cities in representation.
Lima boasted four restaurants on the prestigious 50 Best list: Central secured the No. 1 position, Maido ranked at No. 6, Kjolle claimed the 28th spot, and Mayta earned the 47th position. Notably, Kjolle made its debut in the top 50 this year.
The 2023 edition of the world’s 50 best restaurants showcases culinary excellence from various corners of the globe:
- Central (Lima, Peru) – Best Restaurant in South America
- Disfrutar (Barcelona, Spain) – Best Restaurant in Europe
- Diverxo (Madrid, Spain)
- Asador Etxebarri (Atxondo, Spain)
- Alchemist (Copenhagen, Denmark)
- Maido (Lima, Peru)
- Lido 84 (Gardone Riviera, Italy)
- Atomix (New York City) – Highest Climber, Best Restaurant in North America
- Quintonil (Mexico City, Mexico)
- Table by Bruno Verjus (Paris, France) – Highest New Entry
- Trèsind Studio (Dubai, UAE) – Best Restaurant in the Middle East and Africa
- A Casa do Porco (São Paulo, Brazil)
- Pujol (Mexico City, Mexico)
- Odette (Singapore) – Best Restaurant in Asia and Chef’s Choice: Julien Royer
- Le Du (Bangkok, Thailand) – Highest New Entry
- Reale (Castel di Sangro, Italy)
- Gaggan Anand (Bangkok, Thailand) – Highest New Entry
- Steirereck (Vienna, Austria)
- Don Julio (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
- Quique Dacosta (Dénia, Spain)
- Den (Tokyo, Japan)
- Elkano (Getaria, Spain)
- Kol (London, England) – Highest New Entry
- Septime (Paris, France)
- Belcanto (Lisbon, Portugal)
- Schloss Schauenstein (Fürstenau, Switzerland)
- Florilège (Tokyo, Japan)
- Kjolle (Lima, Peru) – Highest New Entry
- Boragó (Santiago, Chile)
- Frantzén (Stockholm, Sweden)
- Mugaritz (San Sebastian, Spain)
- Hiša Franko (Kobarid, Slovenia)
- El Chato (Bogotá, Colombia) – Highest New Entry
- Uliassi (Senigallia, Italy)
- Ikoyi (London, England)
- Plénitude (Paris, France) – Highest New Entry
- Sézanne (Tokyo, Japan) – Highest New Entry
- The Clove Club (London, England)
- The Jane (Antwerp, Belgium)
- Restaurant Tim Raue (Berlin, Germany)
- Le Calandre (Rubano, Italy)
- Piazza Duomo (Alba, Italy)
- Leo (Bogotá, Colombia)
- Le Bernardin (New York City)
- Nobelhart & Schmutzig (Berlin, Germany)
- Orfali Bros (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) – Highest New Entry
- Mayta (Lima, Peru)
- La Grenouillère (La Madelaine-sous-Montreuil, France) – Highest New Entry
- Rosetta (Mexico City) – Highest New Entry
- The Chairman (Hong Kong)
For 15 years, Central, under the leadership of Virgilio Martinez and Pía Léon, has been offering exquisite dining experiences showcasing Peruvian ingredients and techniques. The restaurant’s unique concept guides diners through 15 diverse Peruvian ecosystems, classified by altitude – from 15 meters beneath the Pacific Ocean to the lofty elevation of 4,200 meters in the Andes, as highlighted on the 50 Best website. Kjolle represents Pía Léon’s independent culinary venture.
Remarkably, Central has the distinction of being the first South American restaurant to claim the coveted title of “World’s Best.”
These prestigious awards, often regarded as the Oscars of global fine dining, were revealed on Tuesday evening at the City of Arts and Sciences. This architectural marvel, crafted by the renowned Santiago Calatrava, is situated in the southern Spanish city of Valencia.
Spain had an impressive showing in this year’s awards, securing six spots in the top 50. Notably, Barcelona’s Disfrutar claimed the world’s No. 2 position, while Madrid’s Diverxo and Asador Etxebarri in Atxondo, Basque region, took the No. 3 and No. 4 spots, respectively.
In Europe, Italy and France demonstrated strong performances, securing five and four restaurants in the top 50, respectively. London, representing England, made an impressive mark with three notable slots.
Meanwhile, in Asia, Bangkok emerged as a key player, boasting two restaurants that made their debut in the top 20: Le Du at No. 15 and Gaggan Anand at No. 17.
The United States contributed with two New York-based restaurants making the cut. Atomix climbed to No. 8 from its previous No. 33 position, earning both the Highest Climber award and the title of Best Restaurant in North America. Another longstanding favorite, Le Bernardin, led by chef Éric Ripert, secured the No. 44 spot.
The diverse compilation of this year’s top 50 includes restaurants from 24 territories across five continents, with 12 establishments making their inaugural appearance on the list.
It’s worth noting that restaurants can only claim the top prize once, after which they enter a separate “Best of the Best” program. Esteemed members of this exclusive group include Geranium and Noma in Copenhagen, Eleven Madison Park in New York, The Fat Duck near London, Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy, and Mirazur in Menton, France. Central is set to join the Best of the Best category next year.
What is the best restaurant in the entire world?
The 2023 edition of the Top 10 best restaurants not only lists exceptional dining establishments but also highlights the distinctive qualities that earned them recognition:
- Central (Lima, Peru) – Best Restaurant in South America
Recognition: Central has consistently delivered fine dining experiences by showcasing Peruvian ingredients and techniques over its 15-year history. The restaurant takes diners on a culinary journey through 15 different Peruvian ecosystems, ranging from 15 meters below the Pacific Ocean to 4,200 meters in the Andes. - Disfrutar (Barcelona, Spain) – Best Restaurant in Europe
Recognition: Disfrutar in Barcelona secured the No. 2 spot globally, showcasing excellence in European cuisine and culinary innovation. - Diverxo (Madrid, Spain)
Recognition: Diverxo in Madrid impressed with its unique culinary offerings, contributing to Spain’s strong representation in the top 50. - Asador Etxebarri (Atxondo, Spain)
Recognition: Asador Etxebarri in Atxondo, part of the Basque region, stood out for its exceptional culinary contributions, securing the No. 4 spot. - Alchemist (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Recognition: Alchemist in Copenhagen earned its place in the top 50, showcasing the culinary prowess of Denmark on the global stage. - Maido (Lima, Peru)
Recognition: Maido in Lima, Peru, impressed with its culinary offerings, securing the No. 6 spot on the global list. - Lido 84 (Gardone Riviera, Italy)
Recognition: Lido 84 in Gardone Riviera, Italy, showcased outstanding culinary achievements, earning a spot among the world’s best. - Atomix (New York City) – Highest Climber, Best Restaurant in North America
Recognition: Atomix in New York City climbed from its previous No. 33 position, earning the title of Highest Climber and Best Restaurant in North America. - Quintonil (Mexico City, Mexico)
Recognition: Quintonil in Mexico City earned its place among the top 10, showcasing Mexico’s culinary excellence. - Table by Bruno Verjus (Paris, France) – Highest New Entry
Recognition: Table by Bruno Verjus in Paris made an impressive debut, securing the title of Highest New Entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What criteria are considered when determining the “Best Restaurant in the World”?
- The criteria for evaluating the best restaurants often include factors such as culinary innovation, creativity, the overall dining experience, quality of ingredients, service, and the restaurant’s impact on the global culinary scene. Various organizations and publications may have their own specific criteria.
How frequently are the rankings for the Best Restaurants in the World updated?
- The frequency of updates depends on the organization or publication. Some release annual rankings, while others may do so less frequently. It’s essential to check with the specific entity responsible for the rankings for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Can restaurants from any country be considered for the title of the Best Restaurant in the World?
- Yes, the title is open to restaurants from any country. The rankings often aim to reflect the global diversity and excellence in the culinary world. Restaurants from different continents and cultures are considered and evaluated for their unique contributions.
Are there specific awards or recognitions within the “Best Restaurant in the World” rankings?
- Yes, within the rankings, there are often additional awards and recognitions for various categories. These may include honors like “Best Restaurant in a Specific Region,” “Highest Climber,” or “Best New Entry,” highlighting different aspects of culinary excellence.
How can a restaurant be nominated or considered for the Best Restaurant rankings?
- The nomination process varies among organizations. Some use expert panels of chefs, food critics, and industry professionals, while others may involve a voting system that includes input from chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary experts. Restaurants can often be nominated through a formal submission process.
Do restaurants retain their ranking indefinitely once they are recognized as the Best Restaurant in the World?
- No, most ranking systems have rules in place to prevent a restaurant from monopolizing the top spot indefinitely. Many programs have policies where once a restaurant achieves the top ranking, it may enter a separate category, like the “Best of the Best,” allowing new contenders to rise in the primary rankings. This encourages ongoing innovation and diversity in the culinary landscape.
Countries renowned for their exceptional restaurants include France, Italy, Japan, Spain, and Peru. These culinary hubs boast diverse, innovative cuisines and are frequently celebrated in global rankings for their outstanding gastronomic contributions.
With an average price of $2,400 a head, Sublimotion in Ibiza is the most expensive restaurant in the world. A voyage through food, time and space. World-renowned chef Paco Roncero has built a gastronomic universe based on unique multi-sensory experiences.
Conclusion
The “50 Best Restaurants in the World” is like a food journey showcasing the planet’s top dining spots. It’s not just about fancy meals; it’s a celebration of unique flavors and creativity.
Every restaurant on the list adds something special to global food culture. Think of it as a dynamic menu of extraordinary places, each telling its own delicious story. This list mirrors the ever-evolving world of food, always inviting us to explore and savor.