1. Noma, Copenhagen, Denmark
This two Michellin star restaurant run by chef René Redzepi focuses on reinvented Nordic cuisine and unusual local ingredients including reindeer moss and cod liver. Make a reservation because this 45-seat dockside restaurant is full every evening.
2. El Celler de Can Roca, Girona, Spain
The three Roca brothers (Joan, Jordi, and Juan) have created an amazing restaurant that generally requires a reservation months in advance. It is a freestyle restaurant with a focus on the avant-garde and the traditions from generations past. With three Michelin stars, it is a must visit when you are in the Barcelona area.
3. Osteria Francescana, Modena, Italy
Chef Massimo Bottura creates both avant-garde dishes alongside the traditional Italian staples and modern classics. There is something for everyone whether you want to try a foie gras crunch or tortellini with parmesan sauce. Why choose only one category? Try all three at Osteria Francescana.
4. Eleven Madison Park, New York, USA
Chef Daniel Humm, a three Michellin star and six James Beard Awards winner, brings New York’s local agriculture and mixes it with old-world culinary traditions to bring out his tasting menu at Eleven Madison Park.
5. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, London, UK
Chef Ashley Palmer Watts brings historical British food to life at this two Michelin star restaurant where traditional food gets a new twist to enhance the experience.
6. Mugaritz, San Sebastián, Spain
Mugaritz, a two Michelin star restaurant, is a place where you can let your imagination play. The food is created with the expectation of letting your senses play and the chefs aim to break all conventional culinary norms.
7. D.O.M, Sao Paulo, Brazil
D.O.M. has been ranked as one of the top restaurants in South America. Chef Alex Atala uses Brazilian ingredients to bring his dishes alive, full of creativity, zest, and color.
8. Arzak, San Sebastian, Spain
Chefs Juan Mari Arzak and Elena Arzak Espina, an unmistakable father/ daughter duo, make Arzak soar bringing in traditional elements of the Basque cuisine and reworking the mainstay dishes with their own flair. It is a must stop for both food tourists and locals in San Sebastian.
9. Alinea, Chicago, USA
Chef and owner, Grant Achatz, takes you on a culinary tour as you have the tasting menu at Alinea. Known for the incredible food preparations and deconstruction of food, this meal will be one that you will not forget. Alinea is a three star Michelin restaurant in Chicago, and your taste buds will be jumping around with all of the flavors and sights of the “tour” tasting menu. Be sure to not plan anything else for your evening as your 23 course tasting menu will probably take four and a half hours and will be enough entertainment for the entire night.
10. The Ledbury, London, UK
Chef Brett Graham creates modern Australian cooking and is the first two Michelin star Australian chef. His food warms the palate and focuses on local flavors and baking to bring out its dishes. Have the chef’s tasting menu or order a la carte and try some delicious Aussie inspired creations. The list continues on as these top restaurants make it difficult to choose the best with the top 50. 11. Mirazur, Menton, France 12. Vendome, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany 13. Nahm, Bangkok, Thailand 14. Narisawa, Tokyo, Japan 15. Central, Lima, Peru 16. Steirereck, Vienna, Austria 17. Gaggan, Bangkok, Thailand 18. Astrid y Gastón, Lima, Peru 19. Fäviken Järpen, Sweden 20. Pujol, Mexico City, Mexico 21. Le Bernardin, New York, USA 22. Vila Joya, Albufeira, Portugal 23. Restaurant Frantzén, Stockholm, Sweden 24. Amber, Hong Kong, China 25. L’Arpège, Paris, France 26. Azuermendi, Larrabetzu, Spain 27. Le Chateaubriand, Paris, France 28. Aqua, Wolfsburg, Germany 29. De Libreije, Zwolle, Netherlands 30. Per Se, New York, USA 31. L’Atelier Saint-Germain de Joël Robuchon, Paris, France 32. Attica, Melbourne, Australia 33. Nihonryori RyuGin, Tokyo, Japan 34. Asador Etxebarri, Atxondo, Spain 35. Martin Beragategui, San Sebastian, Spain 36. Mani, Sao Paolo, Brazil 37. Restaurant Andrew, Singapore 38. L’Astrance, Paris, France 39. Piazza Duomo, Alba, Italy 40. Daniel, New York, USA 41. Quique Dacosta, Denia, Spain 42. Geranium, Copenhagen, Denmark 43. Schloss Schauenstein, Furstenau, Switzerland 44. The French Laundry, Yountville, USA 45. Hof Van Cleve, Kruishoutem, Belgium 46. Le Calandre, Rubano, Italy 47. The Fat Duck, Bray, UK 48. The Test Kitchen, Cape Town, South Africa 49. Coi, San Francisco, USA 50. Waku Ghin, Singapore Featured photo credit: Ulterior Epicure via flic.kr
