Every year the World’s 50 Best decides on the best restaurants in the world. Along with Michelin’s star rating, this is the mark of a highly acclaimed restaurant. The entries on this list are some of the most exclusive, high-concept eateries you can find anywhere. And it’s been dominated by mostly the same few restaurants.
This list is the first from the organization since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 list includes votes cast as early as March 2020 along with a March 2021 “refresh” vote. And, for the fifth time, Copenhagen’s lauded restaurant Noma has taken the number one spot. The three Michelin starred restaurant has long been considered one of the world’s best so it’s hardly a surprise. But, it does reinforce the idea that a certain homogeneity has settled into this list. Voters continue to prioritize pricey tasting menus, particularly in Europe and the United States. But, that doesn’t take away from the true skill and artistry demonstrated by many of these restaurant’s chefs. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to go to any of these restaurants anytime soon, but I can certainly marvel at them from afar.
The U.S. contributed 6 restaurants to the top 50, the most from any single country. These include Cosme (22), Benu (28), SingleThread (37), Atomix (43), Le Bernardin (No. 44), and Atelier Crenn (48).
Below is the full list. You can read more info about it here.
1. Noma (Copenhagen, Denmark)
2. Geranium (Copenhagen, Denmark)
3. Asador Etxebarri (Atxondo, Spain)
4. Central (Lima, Peru)
5. Disfrutar (Barcelona, Spain)
6. Frantzén (Stockholm, Sweden)
7. Maido (Lima, Peru)
8. Odette (Singapore)
9. Pujol (Mexico City, Mexico)
10. The Chairman (Hong Kong, China)
11. Den (Tokyo, Japan)
12. Steirereck (Vienna, Austria)
13. Don Julio (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
14. Mugaritz (San Sebastian, Spain)
15. Lido 84 (Gardone Riviera, Italy)
16. Elkano (Getaria, Spain)
17. A Casa do Porco (São Paulo, Brazil)
18. Piazza Duomo (Alba, Italy)
19. Narisawa (Tokyo, Japan)
20. Diverxo (Madrid, Spain)
21. Hiša Franko (Kobarid, Slovenia)
22. Cosme (New York City, USA)
23. Arpège (Paris)
24. Septime (Paris, France)
25. White Rabbit (Moscow, Russia)
26. Le Calandre (Rubano, Italy)
27. Quintonil (Mexico City, Mexico)
28. Benu (San Francisco, USA)
29. Reale (Castel di Sangre, Italy)
30. Twins Garden (Moscow, Russia)
31. Restaurant Tim Raue (Berlin, Germany)
32. The Clove Club (London, UK)
33. Lyle’s (London, UK)
34. Burnt Ends (Singapore)
35. Ultraviolet (Shanghai, China)
36. Hof Van Cleve (Belgium)
37. SingleThread (Healdsburg, USA)
38. Borago (Santiago, Chile)
39. Florilège (Tokyo, Japan)
40. Suhring (Bangkok, Thailand)
41. Alléno (Paris, France)
42. Belcanto (Lisbon, Portugal)
43. Atomix (New York City, USA)
44. Le Bernardin (New York City, USA)
45. Nobelhart & Schmutzig (Berlin, Germany)
46. Leo (Bogotá, Colombia)
47. Maaemo (Oslo, Norway)
48. Atelier Crenn (San Francisco, USA)
49. Azurmendi (Larrabetzu, Spain)
50. Wolfgat (Paternoster, South Africa)
