The World’s Best Restaurant of 2024 has been decided, and the prestigious title goes to Disfrutar in Barcelona, Spain. This highly acclaimed culinary establishment has impressed judges with its innovative dishes and exceptional technical skill. Following closely behind in second place is Asador Etxebarri in Atxondo, another outstanding Spanish restaurant known for its unique flavors and picturesque setting in a Basque village.
Glitzy Ceremony Unveiling
The unveiling of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants of 2024 took place on June 5 at a lavish ceremony held at Wynn Las Vegas. The event brought together top chefs, restaurateurs, and representatives from the hospitality industry to celebrate the best of the best in the culinary world. This year’s ranking features restaurants from 26 countries across five continents, with eight new additions and re-entries making the list.
Disfrutar and Asador Etxebarri lead the pack in the ranking, followed by Table by Bruno Verjus in Paris at #3, Diverxo in Madrid at #4, and Maido in Lima at #5. Each of these restaurants offers a unique dining experience that showcases the rich flavors and culinary traditions of their respective regions. The best restaurants in each continent were also recognized, highlighting the diversity and excellence of global gastronomy.
The Criteria
The ranking is determined by a panel of 1,080 independent experts from the world of gastronomy, including food journalists, chefs, and food enthusiasts. Judges are required to have dined at each establishment within the prior 19 months in order to cast their vote. They must also abstain from voting if they have any economic interest in any of the restaurants. This strict criteria ensures fairness and transparency in the selection process.
The Culinary Masters
Disfrutar, the newly crowned Best Restaurant in the world, has been a rising star in the culinary scene since 2018. The restaurant is led by three talented chefs – Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch, and Mateu Casañas – who honed their skills at the legendary El Bulli. Known for its molecular cuisine and playful presentation, Disfrutar offers two parallel menus of 30 courses each, showcasing the chefs’ creativity and technical expertise.
Best of the Best
Previous winners of The World’s Best Restaurant title are listed in the elite ‘Best of the Best’ group, including iconic names like Noma, Osteria Francescana, and Mirazur. This year’s list also features two U.S. entries: Atomix in New York at #6 and SingleThread in Healdsburg, California at #46. The extended 51 to 100 list highlights an additional 21 European restaurants, further showcasing the diverse culinary landscape of the continent.
South America also made a strong showing on this year’s list, with 11 acclaimed restaurants earning a spot among the best in the world. From Maido in Lima to Don Julio in Buenos Aires, these establishments represent the vibrant flavors and culinary traditions of the region. Each restaurant offers a unique dining experience that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of South America.
The World’s Best Restaurants of 2024 showcase the exceptional talent and creativity of the world’s top chefs. From molecular cuisine to traditional flavors, each restaurant offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience. As the culinary landscape continues to evolve, these establishments set the standard for excellence and innovation in the global gastronomic scene.