Last night, the city of Valencia hosted The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 awards, awarding the title of the best restaurant in the world, as well as in South America, to the Peruvian restaurant Central. The Les Arts Opera Theatre crowned chefs Virgilio Martínez and Pía León, succeeding the last winner, Geranium, from Copenhagen.
Last year, the restaurant ranked second, narrowly missing out on the top prize, but it was in 2023 that it was chosen to reward the work done. Central is a tribute to the roots of its land, with a very varied menu that uses local ingredients, without forgetting Peru’s history. Furthermore, it always aims to promote sustainability.
Spanish restaurants Disfrutar, in Barcelona, and Diverxo, in Madrid, complete the top 3. This result reflects the great success of our gastronomy, with Disfrutar being the best restaurant in Europe, and David Muñoz being the best chef in the world for the second consecutive time. Additionally, in fourth place, the Basque cuisine of Asador Etxaberri is close to the podium, not to mention that the current best cocktail bar in the world is Paradiso, in Barcelona.
Chefs Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch, and Mateu Casañas have managed to bring Barcelona to the second position thanks to the restaurant Disfrutar.
William Drew, content director of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, commented:
“Virgilio Martínez, Pía León, and the entire Central team have paved the way in celebrating indigenous ingredients through their innovative dishes and warm hospitality. Their commitment to research, respect for their country’s heritage, and the promotion of Peru’s unique biodiversity is unparalleled.”
South American gastronomy is present with nine restaurants, reigning with Central. With two new additions: Kjolle by Pía León, at No. 28, and El Chato, at No. 33. Asia follows closely with seven restaurants, along with three new additions: Le Du and Gaggan Anand, from Bangkok. And on the other hand, Sézanne, from Tokyo. As the best restaurant in Asia, Odette, from Singapore, has taken the award. As for the Middle East and Africa, Dubai enters the list for the first time with restaurants Trèsind Studio, named the best restaurant on the continent, and Orfali Bros Bistro.
Seven awards at the 50 World’s Best Restaurants 2023
In addition to the top award as the best restaurant in the world, as well as the winners of each continent, seven awards were also given for different categories. The Danish restaurant, Alchemist, managed to win the Gin Mare Art of Hospitality. Led by chef Rasmus Munk, the gastronomic experience takes diners on a journey through the search for the best ingredients. Ecuadorian chef Pía Salazar has been chosen to win The World’s Best Pastry Chef Award. Recognized as the best pastry chef in Latin America, she elevates Ecuador, experimenting and innovating with her culinary creations.
From left to right: Kjolle restaurant’s Zapallo Macre and Kañihuas de Puno, and its chef Pía León. Cheongukjang, Korean cuisine from the North American restaurant Atomix.
Diverxo restaurant, led by David Muñoz, in addition to being in the top 3, its sommelier, Miguel Ángel Millán, has been recognized with the Beronia World’s Best Sommelier Award. Establishing himself as one of the most important sommeliers internationally thanks to his creativity with pairings. On the other hand, the winner of the Highest New Entry Award was the Parisian establishment Table, by Bruno Verjus. A simple gastronomy that is quickly conquering diners.
From left to right: Odette and the Kombu steamed kinki squid dish. One of the dishes from the best restaurant in the Middle East and Africa is Trèsind Studio. Raw & ripe banana kathi, smoked tomato chutney.
This year, the North American restaurant Atomix has climbed 25 positions. Achieving eighth place, as well as the Villa Massa Highest Climber award, and the best in North America. As well as Odette, in Singapore, in addition to being awarded as the best in Asia, has won the Estrella Damm Chef’s Choice Award. Completing the seven awards, the importance of sustainability is not left behind. The restaurant Fyn, from Cape Town, has won The Flor de Caña Sustainable Restaurant. The complete list from 1 to 100 can be found on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants website.
