25 of the Best Restaurants in the World

Every foodie knows that the world is a vast canvas of flavors and culinary experiences. And what better way to explore all these fantastic dishes than by visiting some of the best restaurants in the world?

As a part of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ 20th anniversary, the organization announced its updated list of the top dining spots in the world. This list came from a series of global panelists who voted for their favorite restaurants across the globe. Years after changing its voting body and methodology, the latest list provides a fascinating snapshot of what’s trending in the world of fine dining.

25 Best Restaurants List: Your Next Vacation To-Do List

From elegant fine-dining establishments to hole-in-the-wall eateries, these 25 restaurants offer some of the most unforgettable food experiences on the planet.

25. Frantzén, Stockholm

Named after chef Björn Frantzén, the immersive experience from the moment you enter is like no other. The kitchen creates futuristic dishes and serves them in a multi-room townhouse. The menu consists of a combination of Nordic and Asian influences, featuring the likes of king crab with vin jaune, caviar and frozen lime marshmallow. It’s a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

24. The Chairman, Hong Kong

This restaurant earned the top spot in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. The traditional yet contemporary take on Cantonese cuisine has made this restaurant a must-visit destination. Signature dishes include the Chairman-style flowery crab made by chef Kwok Keung Tung, who specializes in combining classic and modern flavors. This meal is a must-try for any food lover.

23. The Jane, Antwerp

Located in a former military hospital, The Jane is the brainchild of chef Nick Bril. The restaurant offers an architecturally beautiful setting with a menu that showcases locally sourced fish and shellfish. The restaurant’s must-try dish is its lobster in dashi butter.

22. Septime, Paris

Bertrand Grébaut’s Septime is considered one of the most influential restaurants in Paris. The menu boasts fair pricing for its quality and uses ingredients from local farmers. The restaurant focuses on seasonal French dishes such as flatbread with praline, marinated sardines, and mezcal jelly.

21. Mugaritz, San Sebastian, Spain

The animal cake, made of creative ingredients and served in a gastronomic set-up, is just one of the many innovative dishes at Mugaritz. Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz focuses on creating a unique atmosphere and playing with ingredients to create unexpected flavors. Each dish is designed to surprise and captivate the taste buds.

20. Den, Tokyo

If you’re one of the curious diners confused about the type of sushi you’re eating, chef Zaiyu Hasegawa makes sure you understand what’s being served by providing detailed explanations of the ingredients.

The Den has become an essential part of the Tokyo dining scene, with a menu focusing on traditional Japanese fare with a modern twist, featuring dishes, like Dentucky fried chicken wings. This restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the unique flavors of Japan. 

19. Piazza Duomo, Alba, Italy

From Enrico Crippa, the historical twist of Piazza Duomo has earned its reputation as one of the world’s best restaurants. Crippa’s menu is famous for its creative use of local ingredients and its focus on main ingredients, such as snails and polenta and wild garlic risotto.

18. Alchemist, Copenhagen

With the combined expertise of chef Rasmus Munk and Pastry chef Mike Adelsten, the Alchemist’s dishes send a deep message within the world of Scandinavian gastronomy. Its experimentation with intense flavors, unique textures and visual presentations make this restaurant a must-visit for any food lover.

17. Nobelhart & Schmutzig, Berlin

As Germany’s most political restaurant, Nobelhart & Schmutzig has won numerous awards for its creative take on German cuisine. The seasonal menu consists of chicken with marjoram and celeriac with blackcurrant oil.

16. Elkano, Getaria, Spain

Famous chef Aitor Arregui owns the Elkano, a grill restaurant located on the Basque coast. The menu includes traditional dishes such as cod throats in green sauce, as well as innovative takes on classic dishes like marinated lobster.

15. Reale, Castel di Sangro, Italy

The perfected minimalism of chef Niko Romito’s Reale restaurant has earned it a spot on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The menu focuses on locally sourced ingredients, including wild asparagus, spring vegetables, and truffles. Guests can also enjoy a unique selection of wine pairings to enhance the experience.

14. Don Julio, Buenos Aires

By Pablo Rivero and Guido Tassi, Don Julio has earned the reputation of being one of the best steakhouses in Buenos Aires. The chefs focus on creating a memorable dining experience by focusing on the right cook on a steak and unique flavors to combine. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of wines and various cuts of beef to choose from.

13. Steirereck, Vienna

Heinz Reitbauer’s Steirereck restaurant is a gastronomic temple in Vienna. The menu focuses on seasonal, regional ingredients and traditional recipes from the region. The restaurant also offers a wine-tasting experience that allows guests to explore local specialties, like Grüner Veltliner and Blaufränkisch.

12. Uliassi, Senigallia, Italy

Uliassi has become a gastronomic favorite in Italy. Chef Mauro Uliassi’s ever-evolving menu features creative takes on classic dishes like tagliatelle with sea urchin, as well as unique creations, such as a lobster roll made with smoked eel and crispy vegetables.

11. Maido, Lima

Maido has become a culinary icon in Peru. The restaurant’s menu features an eclectic mix of Japanese, Peruvian and French cuisine, blending flavors to create dishes like scallop ceviche and spicy beef croquettes. Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura and his team have created a unique dining experience that has earned Maido global recognition.

10. Le Calandre, Rubano, Italy

Le Calandre has earned a spot as one of the world’s best restaurants, thanks to chef Massimiliano Alajmo and his team. The menu features creative Italian dishes such as risotto with saffron, white truffle, and fennel. The restaurant also offers a selection of wines to enhance the experience.

9. Quintonil, Mexico City

Chef Jorge Vallejo’s Quintonil has become one of Mexico City’s most beloved restaurants. The menu emphasizes the use of local ingredients, such as chiles and huitlacoche, to create creative dishes like cecina tacos with nopales salad. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and Mexican flavors has earned it a spot on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.

8. Lido 84, Gardone Riviera, Italy

Chef Riccardo Camanini’s Lido 84 has become one of the most popular restaurants in Italy. The menu focuses on traditional Italian cuisine, highlighting the freshest ingredients from the region. Guests can also enjoy a selection of wines from the restaurant’s wine cellar, as well as breathtaking views of Lake Garda.

7. A Casa do Porco, Sao Paulo

Chef Jefferson Rueda has earned a spot on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list for A Casa do Porco, his Sao Paulo restaurant. The menu features a mix of traditional Brazilian flavors and international influences, with dishes like suckling pig with blackcurrant oil and pork belly with pickled vegetables. The restaurant also offers a selection of craft beers to complement the food.

6. Asador Etxebarri, Atxondo, Spain

Chef Victor Arguinzoniz from Asador Etxebarri has gained his standing with the creative use of fire-grilling techniques. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of seafood, meats, and vegetables cooked to perfection over an open flame. Guests can also enjoy a selection of wine pairings to enhance the experience.

5. Pujol, Mexico City

As the best restaurant in North America, Pujol has earned a reputation for its creative takes on traditional Mexican cuisine. Chef Enrique Olvera uses local and organic ingredients to create unique dishes such as mole madre and chilaquiles. The restaurant also offers a chic setting, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

4. Diverxo, Madrid, Spain

Diverxo is one of the most renowned restaurants in Madrid, thanks to the imaginative cuisine created by chef Dabiz Muñoz. The menu features a mix of traditional Spanish and modern European flavors, with dishes like razor clam ceviche and squid ink paella. The restaurant also offers a selection of mochi at the end of the meal, giving guests a truly unique dining experience.

3. Disfrutar, Barcelona, Spain

Disfrutar has become one of the most talked-about restaurants in Barcelona. The menu features a creative take on modern European and Spanish cuisine, with dishes such as panchino with smoked eel and crispy vegetables. The restaurant’s charming interior design offers guests a warm atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a special occasion.

2. Central, Lima, Peru

Lima is quickly becoming one of the culinary destinations for South American flavors. And the Best Restaurant in South America award goes to Central, chef Virgilio Martinez’s Lima restaurant. The menu showcases the ingredients and flavors of Peru, including dishes like quinoa crab salad with aji amarillo and crispy pork with corn puree. The culinary team also takes guests on an educational journey through their tasting menus, introducing them to traditional Peruvian flavors.

1. Geranium, Copenhagen

Geranium in Copenhagen is 2022’s top-rated restaurant in the world. This restaurant in the Danish capital is known for its high-end Scandinavian dishes and focuses on every detail, from exquisite plating to intense flavors. 

The restaurant opened in 2007 and has grown exponentially in popularity. It’s also the first Nordic restaurant to receive three Michelin stars.

Overseen by chef Rasmus Kofoed, Geranium offers an unforgettable experience of modern Nordic cuisine. Its Universe menu takes guests on a gastronomic adventure with dishes, such as smoked lumpfish roe, forest mushrooms in beer, and pickled hops. 

And although the selection is meatless, it’s far from bland. The use of fresh ingredients, bold flavors and impeccable presentation make Geranium a must-visit for any foodie.

Other Awards from The World’s 50 Best Restaurants

Aside from being a fantastic way to experience different cultures and cuisines, the organization also provides special awards to individuals and restaurants in various categories.

In the individual categories, Josep Roca won Beronia World’s Best Sommelier Award, Leonor Espinosa won the World’s Best Female Chef, and the Icon Award went to Wawira Njiru.

Restaurants also received awards in various categories. The Art of Hospitality Award went to NYC’s Atomix, and AM par Alexandre Mazzia received the One To Watch Award.

Other Restaurants to Visit

If you’re looking for other gastronomic delights, there are plenty of other restaurants to explore. The Le Bernardin in New York City, Restaurant Tim Raue in Berlin, The Clove Club in London, Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare New York, and Fyn in Cape Town also make the list of the world’s best restaurants.

Other restaurants have already reached the top spot since The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list’s inception, so they are no longer in contention. Some of these are El Bulli, Noma, Arzak, Mirazur, and Per Se. These restaurants offer a unique experience that will transport you to another world.

Exploring cuisines from different cities and countries is an excellent opportunity to tap into new cultures and take your vacation to the next level. No matter where you go, food gives you a great starting point to experience something new. So don’t hesitate to check out the world’s best restaurants for an unforgettable experience. You’ll be glad you did.