#Peru #Lima #Alchemist #Asador Etxebarri #Gaggan

Asador Etxebarri Crowned No. 1 at The 50 Best Restaurants 2026

On November 4, 2026, the gastronomic community gathered in Lima, Peru, for the much-anticipated announcement of The 50 Best Restaurants 2026. Sponsored by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, this prestigious event revealed Asador Etxebarri, located in Atxondo, Spain, as the best restaurant worldwide.

A Culinary Masterpiece

Asador Etxebarri, under the expert leadership of Chef Victor Arguinzoniz, has refined the traditional Basque art of cooking over an open flame. The restaurant’s unique 14-course menu transforms the simplest ingredients into culinary masterpieces. This emphasis on fire and authenticity creates a dining experience that is both intimate and extraordinary, showcasing the essence of Basque cuisine in every dish.

Following Asador Etxebarri in the rankings were Gaggan in Bangkok at No.2, known for its adventurous Thai cuisine, and Alchemist in Copenhagen at No.3, recognized for its innovative take on Nordic food.

Celebrating Global Culinary Excellence

Rikki Tidball, the managing director of The 50 Best events, expressed excitement about the event and the awarded restaurants, stating, "The 50 Best Restaurants 2026 celebrates the highest level of hospitality around the globe. We are thrilled to unveil this year’s list.” The awards not only highlight the best culinary talents but also recognize the unique dining experiences offered worldwide.

For the first time, 11 new restaurants entered the prestigious top 50, while five made a triumphant return. Notably, Asador Etxebarri also received the title of Best Restaurant in Europe, affirming its exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

The complete rankings featured a variety of remarkable eateries: Quintonil ranked at No.4 took home the Best Restaurant in Latin America title, while Atomix in New York at No.11 was recognized as the Best Restaurant in North America. In addition, Trèsind Studio ranked No.28 received the accolade for Best Restaurant in the Middle East, La Colombe at No.35 was named the Best Restaurant in Africa, and Saint Peter in Sydney at No.50 was awarded the Best Restaurant in Oceania.

Special Awards and Recognitions

Several other awards were bestowed during the ceremony, reflecting the diverse talent in the culinary industry. Tuju in São Paulo won the Highest New Entry Award, while Kadeau in Copenhagen seized the Highest Climber Award. Jessica Rosval, chef at Al Gatto Verde, won the Best Female Chef Award, showcasing the importance of diversity in gastronomy.

Famed chef Ferran Adrià of El Bulli received the coveted SevenRooms Icon Award, highlighting his lasting impact on the culinary world. Additional notable winners included Junghyun Park of Atomix, recipient of the Estrella Damm Chefs' Choice Award, and Dej Kewkacha, who was honored with the Best Pastry Chef Award.

Lesley Liu, sommelier at Odette in Singapore, won the Best Sommelier Award, highlighting the integral role of pairing wines with exquisite dishes. The Sustainable Restaurant Award went to Naar in Kasauli, showcasing the importance of sustainable practices in dining. Furthermore, the Ghana Food Movement received the Champions of Change Award, recognizing the efforts to promote local food culture and sustainable practices.

Conclusion

The 50 Best Restaurants 2026 served as a brilliant showcase of culinary talent and innovation. Asador Etxebarri, with its unique approach to traditional cooking, leads the charge in pushing gastronomic boundaries, influencing the culinary landscape worldwide. As food lovers eagerly anticipate what next year’s list may hold, this year’s winners set a high bar for excellence that the global culinary community strives to achieve.