The highly anticipated list of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024, which was revealed on Wednesday, June 5th during a glitzy and glamourous live awards ceremony held at Wynn Las Vegas, boasts some of the most scintillating dining destinations on the planet
Food, glorious food! When it comes to the culinary world, there is no greater recognition than being listed among The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. This prestigious accolade signifies a restaurant’s outstanding quality, creativity, and tremendous impact on the global dining scene. An annual celebration of the who’s who in the culinary world, as we delve into the highlights of this year’s list, let’s explore what it takes to earn your place, get a glimpse of the esteemed judges, and celebrate some of the winning restaurants that have captivated the palates of food enthusiasts worldwide.
The Importance of Being on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants List
Being listed on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants is more than just an honour—it’s a transformative milestone. This recognition catapults restaurants into the international spotlight, elevating their reputation and attracting food lovers from all corners of the globe.
A spot on this list signifies exceptional culinary craftsmanship, innovation, and an unforgettable dining experience. For chefs and their teams, it opens doors to increased patronage, media attention, and numerous opportunities that further their careers. It is a mark of excellence that reassures guests of an extraordinary dining experience, encouraging food enthusiasts from around the world to seek out and savour these top-tier establishments.
The Path to Culinary Stardom: How to Get on the List
Earning a place on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list is no small feat. The selection process is rigorous and multifaceted, involving over 1,000 members of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy. These experts, known for their profound knowledge and experience, vote on their best dining experiences from the past 18 months.
Achieving success requires consistent quality, innovative and memorable dishes, exceptional service, and a unique atmosphere. Embracing sustainability and engaging storytelling can also enhance a restaurant’s appeal. Ultimately, it’s about standing out in a competitive global culinary landscape through creativity, dedication, and excellence.
Meet the Judges: The Pillars of Credibility
The credibility and prestige of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list rest on the shoulders of its esteemed judges. The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy is divided into 27 geographical regions, each led by a chairperson who is a recognised authority in the culinary field. These chairs select a voting panel of 40 members, including chefs, restaurateurs, food journalists, and well-travelled gourmets, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive evaluation of the global restaurant scene.
Spotlight on Some of this Year’s Winners
1st Place - Disfrutar, Barcelona
Disfrutar, led by chefs Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch, and Mateu Casañas, has clinched the title of The World’s Best Restaurant 2024, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna. Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Disfrutar offers imaginative dishes executed with exceptional technical skill and playful presentation. With two parallel 30-course menus, The Classic and The Festival, guests can indulge in creations like Thai-style cuttlefish with coconut multi-spherical and the indulgent caviar-filled Panchino doughnut.
2nd Place - Asador Etxebarri, Atxondo
Nestled in a serene Basque village, Asador Etxebarri, helmed by chef Victor Arguinzoniz, continues to enchant food enthusiasts. Known for its emphasis on natural flavours and grilling techniques, every dish, from anchovy on toast to milk ice cream with beetroot, highlights the finest ingredients. Consistently ranked high on the list, Asador Etxebarri remains a must-visit culinary destination.
3rd Place - Table by Bruno Verjus, Paris
Table, with its unique wave-designed counter and open kitchen, invites diners to witness culinary artistry firsthand. Chef Bruno Verjus serves seasonal dishes like large green asparagus poached with seaweed and lobster with sugar snap peas. The restaurant’s friendly service, stunning wine selection, and incredible food earned it the rare feat of entering the top 10 in its first year on the list in 2023 and rising even higher in 2024.
6th Place - Atomix, New York
Atomix offers the finest in Korean dining, blending heritage and innovation. Run by Ellia Park and her husband, chef Junghyun ‘JP’ Park, Atomix captivates with dishes like lamb with deodeok and sea cucumber with shrimp and egg over rice. Each dish is served with an explanatory card detailing the ingredients and inspiration, which has earned Atomix its place as The Best Restaurant in North America 2024.
13th Place - Trèsind Studio, Dubai
Trèsind Studio, led by Himanshu Saini and the only restaurant in Dubai to feature on the list, is an ode to India’s diverse culinary heritage. This intimate 20-seater restaurant offers a 17-dish exploration, with an open kitchen that resembles a theatre stage. Natural elements play a key role in the presentation, making the dining experience at Trèsind Studio a nuanced yet approachable journey through India’s rich culinary traditions.
49th Place - La Colombe, Cape Town
New to the list, La Colombe in Cape Town combines great food with stunning views. Chef James Gaag and his team create elegant dishes rooted in French technique with Asian accents. The eight or 10-course tasting menus are precise yet playful, offering a memorable dining experience in a breathtaking setting.
Judged by a team of professionals who boast diverse expertise and unique perspectives, allows for a fair and insightful ranking that celebrates the very best in dining around the world. The judges’ meticulous attention to detail and collective effort ensures that The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list remains a trusted guide for gastronomes everywhere.
Each of the destinations featured on this list is a culinary pioneer, who has not only set new standards of excellence but has also inspired food lovers around the world. Here’s to the extraordinary talent that continues to shape the global culinary landscape, one innovative dish at a time.
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