Choosing the best restaurants in the world is no easy task. With so many incredible dining destinations out there, it can be hard to know where to start. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve put together a list of criteria that we think are important when choosing the best restaurants.First and foremost, the food has to be exceptional. This means not only that the ingredients should be of the highest quality, but that the dishes themselves should be creative, innovative, and delicious. A great restaurant will have a unique culinary point of view that sets it apart from the rest.
Service is also a crucial factor when it comes to choosing the best restaurants. Attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly staff can make all the difference in the dining experience, ensuring that you feel welcomed and well taken care of throughout your meal.
Finally, the overall atmosphere of the restaurant should be considered. Is the decor stylish and elegant? Is the ambiance relaxed and comfortable? All of these factors can contribute to the overall dining experience, making it one that you’ll remember for years to come.
Top 10 best restaurants in the world – overview and background
Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at some of the best restaurants in the world. From fine dining institutions to hidden gems, these restaurants are sure to delight even the most discerning foodies.
- Osteria Francescana, Modena, Italy
- El Celler de Can Roca, Girona, Spain
- Mirazur, Menton, France
- Eleven Madison Park, New York City, USA
- Gaggan, Bangkok, Thailand
- Central, Lima, Peru
- Mugaritz, San Sebastian, Spain
- Maido, Lima, Peru
- Arpège, Paris, France
- Disfrutar, Barcelona, Spain
Each of these restaurants has a unique story to tell, from the innovative cuisine of Osteria Francescana to the cutting-edge techniques used at Disfrutar. Let’s dive deeper into each one and discover what makes them so special.
Restaurant #1 – Osteria Francescana, Modena, Italy
Osteria Francescana has consistently been ranked as one of the best restaurants in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. Chef Massimo Bottura’s innovative approach to Italian cuisine has won him countless accolades, including three Michelin stars.
The restaurant’s tasting menu is a true work of art, with dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Standout dishes include the “Oops! I Dropped the Lemon Tart,” a deconstructed dessert that is as playful as it is flavorful, and “The Crunchy Part of the Lasagna,” a reinvention of a classic Italian dish that is both comforting and surprising.
The restaurant’s decor is sleek and modern, with white tablecloths and minimalist decor that allow the food to take center stage. Service is top-notch, with a knowledgeable and friendly staff that is happy to guide you through the menu and wine list.
Overall, Osteria Francescana is a must-visit for anyone who loves Italian cuisine and is looking to experience it in a truly unforgettable way.
Restaurant #2 – El Celler de Can Roca, Girona, Spain
Located in the picturesque city of Girona, El Celler de Can Roca has been wowing diners with its innovative Catalan cuisine since it opened in 1986. The restaurant is run by three brothers: Joan, Jordi, and Josep Roca, who each bring their own unique talents to the table.
The restaurant’s tasting menu is a true journey through the flavors of Catalonia, with dishes that range from traditional to avant-garde. Highlights include the “Oyster with Pickled Seaweed,” a dish that perfectly balances the brininess of the oyster with the tanginess of the seaweed, and the “Charcoal-Grilled King Prawn,” a dish that is both smoky and sweet.
Service at El Celler de Can Roca is impeccable, with a friendly and knowledgeable staff that is happy to answer any questions you may have about the menu or wine list. The decor is modern and stylish, with warm lighting and an open kitchen that allows you to watch the chefs at work.
Overall, El Celler de Can Roca is a must-visit for anyone who loves innovative cuisine and is looking to experience the flavors of Catalonia in a truly unforgettable way.
Restaurant #3 – Mirazur, Menton, France
Nestled in the hills above the French Riviera, Mirazur is a true culinary gem. Chef Mauro Colagreco’s approach to cuisine is rooted in the flavors of the Mediterranean, with dishes that are both simple and refined.
The restaurant’s tasting menu is a true celebration of the region’s flavors, with dishes that showcase the best of the local produce. Standout dishes include the “Oyster with Shallot Cream and Apple,” a dish that perfectly balances the brininess of the oyster with the sweetness of the apple, and the “Red Mullet with Roasted Pepper and Olive Oil,” a dish that is both light and flavorful.
Service at Mirazur is attentive and friendly, with a staff that is happy to guide you through the menu and wine list. The decor is stylish and modern, with warm lighting and a stunning view of the Mediterranean sea.
Overall, Mirazur is a must-visit for anyone who loves Mediterranean cuisine and is looking to experience it in a truly unforgettable way.
Restaurant #4 – Eleven Madison Park, New York City, USA
Located in the heart of New York City, Eleven Madison Park is a true culinary institution. Chef Daniel Humm’s approach to cuisine is rooted in the flavors of New York, with dishes that are both inventive and comforting.
The restaurant’s tasting menu is a true journey through the flavors of the city, with dishes that range from playful to refined. Highlights include the “Honey and Lavender Roasted Duck,” a dish that perfectly balances the sweetness of the honey with the earthiness of the lavender, and the “Foie Gras with Raspberry and Celery,” a dish that is both rich and refreshing.
Service at Eleven Madison Park is top-notch, with a knowledgeable and friendly staff that is happy to guide you through the menu and wine list. The decor is sleek and modern, with warm lighting and a stunning view of Madison Square Park.
Overall, Eleven Madison Park is a must-visit for anyone who loves New York cuisine and is looking to experience it in a truly unforgettable way.
Restaurant #5 – Gaggan, Bangkok, Thailand
When it comes to innovative cuisine, few restaurants can match the creativity of Gaggan in Bangkok. Chef Gaggan Anand’s approach to Indian cuisine is anything but traditional, with dishes that are playful, inventive, and delicious.
The restaurant’s tasting menu is a true journey through the flavors of India, with dishes that range from classic to avant-garde. Highlights include the “Yogurt Explosion,” a dish that is as playful as it is flavorful, and the “Charcoal,” a dish that perfectly balances the smokiness of the charcoal with the sweetness of the tomato.
Service at Gaggan is friendly and attentive, with a staff that is happy to guide you through the menu and wine list. The decor is stylish and modern, with a minimalist design that allows the food to take center stage.
Overall, Gaggan is a must-visit for anyone who loves Indian cuisine and is looking to experience it in a truly unforgettable way.
Restaurant #6 – Central, Lima, Peru
Located in the heart of Lima, Central is a true celebration of Peruvian cuisine. Chef Virgilio Martinez’s approach to cuisine is rooted in the biodiversity of Peru, with dishes that showcase the incredible variety of ingredients that can be found throughout the country.
The restaurant’s tasting menu is a true journey through the flavors of Peru, with dishes that range from traditional to avant-garde. Highlights include the “Amazonian Ceviche,” a dish that perfectly balances the acidity of the lime with the richness of the Amazonian fish, and the “Potato Stairway,” a dish that showcases the incredible variety of potatoes that can be found in Peru.
Service at Central is attentive and friendly, with a staff that is happy to guide you through the menu and wine list. The decor is sleek and modern, with warm lighting and a stunning view of the city.
Overall, Central is a must-visit for anyone who loves Peruvian cuisine and is looking to experience it in a truly unforgettable way.
Restaurant #7 – Mugaritz, San Sebastian, Spain
Located in the Basque country of Spain, Mugaritz is a true culinary adventure. Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz’s approach to cuisine is rooted in experimentation and innovation, with dishes that are both surprising and delicious.
The restaurant’s tasting menu is a true journey through the flavors of the Basque country, with dishes that range from traditional to avant-garde. Highlights include the “Edible Stones,” a dish that is as playful as it is flavorful, and the “Sea Urchin with Spices and Citrus,” a dish that perfectly balances the brininess of the sea urchin with the tanginess of the citrus.
Service at Mugaritz is top-notch, with a knowledgeable and friendly staff that is happy to guide you through the menu and wine list. The decor is modern and stylish, with warm lighting and an open kitchen that allows you to watch the chefs at work.
Overall, Mugaritz is a must-visit for anyone who loves innovative cuisine and is looking to experience it in a truly unforgettable way.
Restaurant #8 – Maido, Lima, Peru
Another Peruvian gem, Maido in Lima is a true celebration of the country’s culinary traditions. Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura’s approach to cuisine is rooted in the fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors, with dishes that are both innovative and comforting.
The restaurant’s tasting menu is a true journey through the flavors of Peru and Japan, with dishes that range from classic to avant-garde. Highlights include the “Nikkei Ceviche,” a dish that perfectly balances the acidity of the lime with the umami of the soy sauce, and the “Amazonian Fish with Andean Herbs,” a dish that showcases the incredible variety of ingredients that can be found in Peru.
Service at Maido is attentive and friendly, with a staff that is happy to guide you through the menu and wine list. The decor is modern and stylish, with warm lighting and an open kitchen that allows you to watch the chefs at work.
Overall, Maido is a must-visit for anyone who loves fusion cuisine and is looking to experience it in a truly unforgettable way.
Restaurant #9 – Arpège, Paris, France
Located in the heart of Paris, Arpège is a true institution when it comes to French cuisine. Chef Alain Passard’s approach to cuisine is simple and elegant, with dishes that showcase the incredible flavors of the local produce.
The restaurant’s tasting menu is a true celebration of the bounty of France, with dishes that range from classic to modern. Highlights include the “Lobster with Vegetable Jus,” a dish that perfectly balances the sweetness of the lobster with the earthiness of the vegetables, and the “Apple Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream,” a classic French dessert that is both comforting and delicious.
Service at Arpège is impeccable, with a knowledgeable and friendly staff that is happy to guide you through the menu and wine list. The decor is stylish and elegant, with warm lighting and a cozy atmosphere.
Overall, Arpège is a must-visit for anyone who loves French cuisine and is looking to experience it in a truly unforgettable way.
Restaurant #10 – Disfrutar, Barcelona, Spain
Last but certainly not least, Disfrutar in Barcelona is a true culinary adventure. Chefs Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch, and Mateu Casañas, who all previously worked at the legendary El Bulli, bring their innovative approach to cuisine to this playful and inventive restaurant.
The restaurant’s tasting menu is a true journey through the flavors of Spain and beyond, with dishes that are as playful as they are flavorful. Highlights include the “Liquid Croquette,” a dish that is both surprising and delicious, and the “Pistachio Sponge Cake,” a dessert that perfectly balances the richness of the pistachio with the lightness of the sponge cake.
Service at Disfrutar is attentive and friendly, with a staff that is happy to guide you through the menu and wine list. The decor is modern and playful, with a colorful design that perfectly matches the playful nature of the food.
Overall, Disfrutar is a must-visit for anyone who loves innovative cuisine and is looking to experience it in a truly unforgettable way.
Honorable mentions – other great restaurants worth visiting
While the above restaurants are certainly some of the best in the world, there are many other great dining destinations out there that are worth visiting. Here are a few honorable mentions that didn’t quite make the top 10 list:
- Pujol, Mexico City, Mexico
- Attica, Melbourne, Australia
- Azurmendi, Larrabetzu, Spain
- Quintonil, Mexico City, Mexico
- Alinea, Chicago, USA
Each of these restaurants has its own unique story to tell, and each is worth visiting for its exceptional cuisine and service.
Conclusion – summary of the best restaurants in the world and final thoughts
In conclusion, the best restaurants in the world are truly a culinary adventure. From the innovative cuisine of Osteria Francescana to the playful dishes at Disfrutar, each of these restaurants offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience.
Whether you’re a foodie looking to try the latest culinary trends or simply someone who appreciates great food and service, these restaurants are sure to delight. So why not plan your next culinary adventure and discover the best restaurants in the world for yourself?
