The highly anticipated annual event, The World's 50 Best Restaurants Awards, concluded recently in the splendid setting of Wynn Las Vegas. This prestigious gathering brings together the crème de la crème of the culinary world, with chefs and restaurateurs from every corner of the globe eager to learn which restaurant will claim the coveted title of "The World's Best Restaurant." This year, the accolade went to Disfrutar in Barcelona, Spain, marking a significant milestone for the establishment on its 10th anniversary.
10. Don Julio, Buenos Aires, Argentina
At Don Julio, a charming neighborhood parrilla established in 1999 by Pablo Rivero, the focus is on organic agriculture and the finest local produce. The menu, crafted 'around the seed' by Executive Chef Guido Tassi, highlights the best of grass-fed beef alongside a selection of artisan charcuterie. With a wine cellar boasting over 14,000 Argentine labels, Don Julio not only delights meat lovers but also wine enthusiasts, earning Rivero the prestigious Beronia World's Best Sommelier Award 2024.
9. Gaggan, Bangkok, Thailand
Gaggan Anand continues to redefine the boundaries of Indian cuisine at his eponymous restaurant in Bangkok. The menu is a thrilling adventure for the senses, blending Indian traditions with influences from French, Thai, and Japanese cuisines. The dynamic dining experience at Gaggan, which encourages guests to engage with their food in playful and unconventional ways, has earned it the title of The Best Restaurant in Asia 2024.
8. Alchemist, Copenhagen, Denmark
Entering Alchemist is like stepping into another world. Chef Rasmus Munk has created an immersive dining experience under a domed roof where the ambiance changes with the dishes. Combining classic techniques with modern research, Munk's creations are not just delicious but also convey powerful social and environmental messages.
7. Quintonil, Mexico City, Mexico
Quintonil, led by Chef Jorge Vallejo and his wife Alejandra Flores, is a sanctuary of fresh, local ingredients and traditional Mexican flavors. The restaurant's seasonal tasting menu features inventive dishes like duck pibil tamales and braised oxtail with black recado sauce, offering diners a truly unique gastronomic journey through Mexico.
6. Atomix, New York, USA
Atomix by Chef JP and Ellia Park represents the pinnacle of Korean cuisine in America. The restaurant's meticulous attention to detail and innovative approach to traditional Korean dishes provide a sophisticated and unforgettable dining experience. Atomix's influence is further evidenced by its ranking as The Best Restaurant in North America 2024.
5. Maido, Lima, Peru
Maido, a standout in the vibrant Miraflores district of Lima, is where Chef Micha Tsumura perfects the art of Nikkei cuisine, blending Japanese techniques with Peruvian flavors. The restaurant offers a range of exquisite dishes that reflect Tsumura's culinary prowess, earning him the Estrella Damm Chefs’ Choice Award 2024.
4. Diverxo, Madrid, Spain
Chef Dabiz Muñoz's Diverxo offers an unpredictable and hedonistic dining experience. Each dish is a creative explosion of flavors, with unexpected combinations like Pyrenean-matured nigiri and roasted caviar with vindaloo curry. Diverxo is a must-visit for those seeking culinary innovation and excellence.
3. Table by Bruno Verjus, Paris, France
Table stands out with its wave-like counter and open kitchen where diners can witness the magic of Chef Bruno Verjus's creations. The restaurant's commitment to seasonal ingredients and innovative dishes has quickly earned it a spot among the top culinary destinations worldwide.
2. Asador Etxebarri, Atxondo, Spain
Nestled in a serene Basque village, Asador Etxebarri offers a unique grill-centric dining experience. Chef Victor Arguinzoniz's emphasis on simplicity and flavor showcases the natural qualities of ingredients, making it a perennial favorite on the global culinary stage.
1. Disfrutar, Barcelona, Spain
Chefs Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch, and Mateu Casañas marked Disfrutar's tenth anniversary by being named The World’s Best Restaurant for 2024. A decade after its inception and inspired by their time at El Bulli, the trio continues to awe the culinary world with their innovative approach.
Situated in Barcelona’s vibrant Eixample district, Disfrutar embodies the essence of modernist cuisine, blending an avant-garde interior with a menu that sparks both wonder and anticipation.
The restaurant features two meticulously curated tasting menus, The Classic and The Festival, each presenting about 30 courses of intricate, small dishes designed to surprise and please. The Classic menu dazzles with items like multi-spherical Thai-style cuttlefish and kombu spaghetti-enhanced squab, while The Festival menu ventures further, offering delights such as a caviar-stuffed Panchino doughnut and a novel frozen gazpacho sandwich.
Each of these restaurants not only offers unique culinary experiences but also embodies the spirit of their local cultures and cuisines, making them worthy of their spots on this prestigious list.
Photos: The World 50 Best
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