#Peru #Lima #The 50 Best #Asador Etxebarri #Victor Arguinzoniz

Asador Etxebarri: The Pinnacle of Culinary Excellence

Asador Etxebarri, nestled in Atxondo, Spain, has been honored as the World's Best Restaurant for 2026 at the S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna sponsored event held in Lima, Peru. This prestigious recognition signifies the restaurant's commitment to culinary artistry and its exemplary representation of Basque cooking.

The Event

On November 4, 2026, the culinary elite gathered at the Teatro Municipal de Lima to witness the unveiling of The 50 Best Restaurants list. This annual event celebrates gastronomy from 28 territories across six continents, bringing together chefs, food enthusiasts, and experts in the culinary domain. Rikki Tidball, the event's managing director, expressed the joy of unveiling the rankings, emphasizing the outstanding hospitality celebrated in this year's selections.

Asador Etxebarri's Culinary Philosophy

Led by Victor Arguinzoniz, the heart and soul of Asador Etxebarri, the restaurant is renowned for its unique technique of grilling over wood fires. Arguinzoniz has perfected the crafting of unforgettable dishes that transform simple ingredients into exquisite masterpieces. This philosophy is exemplified in their remarkable 14-course tasting menu, which showcases the best of local produce and the deep, smoky flavor profile gained from wood grilling.

The menu reflects a deep respect for the ingredients and the environment, thereby exemplifying a sustainable approach to gastronomy. Each dish is meticulously crafted to highlight the flavors and textures inherent to the ingredients, making a dining experience at Asador Etxebarri nothing short of unforgettable.

The Rankings

Following Asador Etxebarri in the prestigious rankings are Bangkok’s Gaggan at No. 2 and the inventive Alchemist in Copenhagen at No. 3. The announcement also saw the recognition of other exceptional restaurants across the globe. A total of 11 establishments made their debut in the top 50 this year, with five returning to the list, ensuring a rich diversity of culinary options celebrated.

Regional Winners

• - Best Restaurant in Europe: Asador Etxebarri (No.1)
• - Best Restaurant in Asia: Gaggan (No.2 in Bangkok)
• - Best Restaurant in Latin America: Quintonil (No.4 in Mexico City)
• - Best Restaurant in North America: Atomix (No.11 in New York)
• - Best Restaurant in the Middle East: Trèsind Studio (No.28 in Dubai)
• - Best Restaurant in Africa: La Colombe (No.35 in Cape Town)
• - Best Restaurant in Oceania: Saint Peter (No.50 in Sydney)

Furthermore, Tuju from São Paulo received the Highest New Entry Award, while Kadeau in Copenhagen was recognized as the Highest Climber in the rankings. Special awards were also presented; including the Best Female Chef Award won by Jessica Rosval of Al Gatto Verde.

Ferran Adrià of El Bulli received the SevenRooms Icon Award, celebrating his lasting impact on culinary innovation. Other notable awards included the Estrella Damm Chefs' Choice Award, awarded to Junghyun Park of Atomix, and the Sustainable Restaurant Award to Naar in Kasauli, reflecting the growing trend towards sustainability in fine dining.

In an inspiring move, Doris Lam was awarded The 50 Best Restaurants Scholarship, while the Ghana Food Movement was honored with the Champions of Change Award, highlighting significant contributions to food culture and sustainability.

Conclusion

With Asador Etxebarri at the forefront, the top 50 list for 2026 continues to push the boundaries of culinary creativity and excellence. This year’s rankings not only highlight individual achievements but also the collective spirit of innovation and hospitality across the global dining scene. The culinary journey at Asador Etxebarri is a celebration of tradition, flavor, and above all, the joy of sharing exquisite food with others.