The Oscars of fine dining were just awarded in Las Vegas, a culmination of the city's own rise as a global dining destination. But perhaps even more surprising to many keeping an eye on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, is the dominance of Spain, with three of its restaurants securing spots in the top five.
This dominance shouldn’t be entirely surprising, given Spain is the birthplace of the now transformed food lab and museum, El Bulli (and helmed by the incredible chef Ferran Adrià.)
Here are the top ten restaurants in the world right now, according to the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024.
1. Disfrutar (Barcelona, Spain) Disfrutar, which means "to enjoy" in Spanish, has been named the number one restaurant on the planet for 2024. Located in the heart of Barcelona, Disfrutar is the brainchild of chefs Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch, and Mateu Casañas. Perhaps not surprisingly, the trio honed their skills at the legendary El Bulli, and their inventive, playful dishes reflect that heritage. Diners can expect imaginative creations like the caviar-filled Panchino doughnut and the frozen gazpacho sandwich, showcasing technical mastery and culinary artistry.
2. Asador Etxebarri (Atxondo, Spain) Situated in the picturesque village of Atxondo, near Bilbao, Asador Etxebarri is renowned for its exceptional barbecue. Chef Victor Arguinzoniz has mastered the art of grilling, allowing the quality of ingredients to shine through. Signature dishes like the simply grilled red Palamós prawn exemplify the restaurant’s philosophy of letting natural flavors speak for themselves.
3. Table by Bruno Verjus (Paris, France) In third place is Table by Bruno Verjus, located in the heart of Paris. This French gem is known for its refined and elegant cuisine. Chef Bruno Verjus emphasizes the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients, creating dishes that are both visually stunning and delicious. The restaurant’s intimate setting and exceptional service enhance the dining experience, making it a must-visit in the French capital.
4. Diverxo (Madrid, Spain) Madrid’s Diverxo, led by chef Dabiz Muñoz, takes the fourth spot on the list. Diverxo offers a unique and avant-garde dining experience, blending Spanish flavors with international influences. The restaurant is famous for its theatrical presentations and bold, innovative dishes. Muñoz’s creative genius and commitment to pushing culinary boundaries have earned Diverxo a well-deserved place among the world’s best.
5. Maido (Lima, Peru) Maido, located in Lima, is the top restaurant in South America for 2024. Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura, known as Micha, seamlessly blends Japanese and Peruvian cuisines to create a Nikkei dining experience that is both unique and exquisite. Maido’s signature dishes, like the succulent nigiri and the flavorful ceviche, showcase the best of both culinary traditions.
6. Atomix (New York City, USA) Atomix, a standout Korean restaurant in New York City, ranks sixth this year. Chef Junghyun Park offers a modern take on Korean cuisine, with meticulously crafted tasting menus that highlight seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques. Atomix’s elegant and minimalist design, combined with its innovative dishes, make it a top destination for food enthusiasts.
7. Quintonil (Mexico City, Mexico) In seventh place is Quintonil, located in Mexico City. Chef Jorge Vallejo’s commitment to sustainability and his deep appreciation for Mexican ingredients are evident in every dish. Quintonil’s menu celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Mexico with a contemporary twist, offering an unforgettable dining experience.
8. Alchemist (Copenhagen, Denmark) Copenhagen’s Alchemist, led by chef Rasmus Munk, takes the eighth spot. Alchemist is known for its immersive and multi-sensory dining experience, where art, science, and gastronomy converge. The restaurant’s 50-course menu challenges conventional notions of dining, creating a theatrical and thought-provoking journey for guests.
9. Gaggan Anand (Bangkok, Thailand) Gaggan Anand’s eponymous restaurant in Bangkok is ninth on the list. Anand’s progressive Indian cuisine has garnered international acclaim for its creativity and bold flavors. The dining experience at Gaggan Anand is both playful and sophisticated, with dishes that surprise and delight the senses.
10. Don Julio (Buenos Aires, Argentina) Rounding out the top ten is Don Julio in Buenos Aires. Known for its exceptional Argentine beef and warm hospitality, Don Julio is a haven for meat lovers. Chef Pablo Rivero’s dedication to sourcing the finest local ingredients ensures that every steak is cooked to perfection.
In addition to the Spanish and international triumphs, the U.S. made a notable mark with two restaurants in the top 50: New York City's Atomix at number six and SingleThread in California’s Sonoma Valley at 47th. As the excitement of the awards ceremony at the Wynn Las Vegas continues, World’s 50 Best week extends for three more days, featuring an array of culinary events. These include exclusive pop-ups, collaborations at the Indulge festival at Resorts World, and the Icons Dinner at Wynn's Revelry festival, showcasing some of the world's most celebrated chefs. The week culminates on Saturday with The Feast, a grand celebration that unites diverse culinary traditions including Mediterranean cooking, coastal Mexican dishes, Tokyo street food, and wood-fire rotisserie and barbecue.
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