The World’s 50 Best Restaurants have been announced – here are the top 5

Whether you’re keen to broaden your culinary horizons and experience some of the world’s most exciting and innovative dining destinations, or simply enjoy admiring photos of beautifully presented, five-star cuisine, the wait is over: The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list has officially been revealed.

Unveiled at a prestigious awards ceremony in Peru, this year’s rankings saw a wood-fired grill restaurant in Atxondo, in Spain’s Basque Country, take home the coveted top spot.

For those seeking inspiration for their next gastronomic getaway, here are the top five restaurants to know about…

1. Asador Etxebarri, Atxondo, Spain

Asador Etxebarri in Atxondo ascended to the peak of the global restaurant rankings this year, succeeding 2025 winner Maido in Lima.

Foodies from all over the world travel to the 18th-century stone farmhouse, which is tucked away among lush green mountains in a quiet Basque village, to experience chef Bittor Arguinzoniz’s legendary grilled cuisine.

For Arguinzoniz, simplicity is key. His food philosophy is to let the high-quality produce and natural flavours do all the talking.

Every dish served at this small, intimate restaurant is touched by the chef’s custom-made grills, even the milk ice cream.

The 14-course wood-fire tasting menu offers guests the full experience of what Asador Etxebarri has to offer, or you could opt for the local-favourite a la carte menu. Just make sure you don’t leave before tasting the succulent red Palamós prawns.

2. Gaggan, Bangkok, Thailand

Gaggan in Bangkok secured second place for its playful presentation and theatrical cuisine.

Celebrity chef Gaggan Anand designed this multi-course progressive Indian menu to elevate all the senses and take guests on a culinary adventure, infusing French, Thai, and Japanese influences.

Expect neon lights, music, yogurt explosions and a flamboyant finale.

Diners are encouraged to eat with their hands and lick the plate at this high-energy dining experience. But don’t even think about taking a snap of the masterpieces for your Instagram, as phones and cameras have been banned to help you remain present during the whole meal.

3. Alchemist, Copenhagen, Denmark

Do you appreciate an immersive multi-hour gastronomic journey? Then third place Alchemist in Copenhagen could be right up your street.

Alchemist lies behind two bronze doors in the Refshaleøen neighbourhood and guests move through different themed rooms to taste dozens of “impressions” rather courses.

The main dining room features a 360-degree dome ceiling with synchronised sound and video projections.

Chef Rasmus Munk’s menu incorporates a dizzying array of unconventional ingredients such as lamb brain, dried butterflies and jellyfish.

If you like extraordinary food served with a flourish and underlying political messages, Alchemist will not disappoint.

4. Quintonil, Mexico City, Mexico

Family-run restaurant Quintonil in Mexico City’s Polanco district, named after a green Mexican herb that features in some of its dishes and drinks, also made it into the top five.

This modern Mexican fine-dining restaurant is run by husband and wife duo chef Jorge Vallejo, who leads the kitchen, and Alejandra Flores, who manages the front-of-house operations and hospitality.

Many of the ingredients on Quintonil’s seasonal tasting menu travel just 30 meters from their urban garden straight to the plate.

Charred avocado tartare with escamoles, cactus paddle sorbet and Pibil duck are among firm favourites.

Expect refined, award-winning food alongside a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

5. Wing, Hong Kong, China 

Chef-owner Vicky Cheng is at the helm of fine-dining Chinese restaurant Wing in Hong Kong, which climbed up to fifth place from 11th.

Praised for its slick service, the intimate eatery has rich green interiors, marble accents and crisp white linens which makes the restaurant feel both warm and luxurious.

The tasting menu serves homage to the eight great Chinese cuisines, including mouthwatering dishes such as dry-aged crispy Cantonese chicken and crispy sea cucumber spring rolls.

To conclude the meal, guests can pick from an abundance of juicy mangoes, guavas and other tropical delights from the popular fruit trolley service.

Wing also offers a sophisticated tea experience, with each tea meticulously selected to complement the seasonal dishes.

Here are the rest of the top 50:

6. The Chairman, Hong Kong, China
7. Kjolle, Lima, Peru
8. Kadeau, Copenhagen, Denmark
9. Diverxo, Madrid, Spain
10. Plénitude, Paris, France
11. Atomix, New York, US
12. Sorn, Bangkok, Thailand
13. Mérito, Lima, Peru
14. Sühring, Bangkok, Thailand
15. Odette, Singapore
16. Tuju, São Paulo, Brazil
17. Mingles, Seoul, South Korea
18. Nusara, Bangkok, Thailand
19. Jan, Munich, Germany
20. Piazza Duomo, Alba, Italy
21. Meet the Bund, Shanghai, China
22. Boragó, Santiago, Chile
23. Vyn, Skillinge, Sweden
24. Al Gatto Verde, Modena, Italy
25. Lasai, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
26. Masque, Mumbai
27. Reale, Castel di Sangro, Italy
28. Trèsind Studio, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
29. Enigma, Barcelona, Spain
30. Steirereck, Vienna, Austria
31. Celele, Cartagena, Colombia
32. Potong, Bangkok, Thailand
33. Elkano, Getaria, Spain
34. Le Coquillage, Saint-Méloir-des-Ondes, France
35. La Colombe, Cape Town, South Africa
36. Ru Yuan, Hangzhou, China
37. Nuema, Quito, Ecuador
38. Atelier Moessmer Norbert Niederkofler, Brunico, Italy
39. Schloss Schauenstein, Fürstenau, Switzerland
40. Jordnær, Copenhagen, Denmark
41. Onjium, Seoul, South Korea
42. Bozar, Brussels, Belgium
43. Le Calandre, Rubano, Italy
44. Don Julio, Buenos Aires, Argentina
45. Mayta, Lima, Peru
46. El Chato, Bogotá, Colombia
47. Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse, Monte Carlo, Monaco
48. Ikoyi, London, UK
49. Naar, Kasauli, India
50. Saint Peter, Sydney, Australia