Spain Dominates “World’s 50 Best” Restaurants List, With Six Honored
Spain has emerged as the country with the most restaurants on this year’s “World’s 50 Best” list, surpassing Italy and France. The list, released earlier this summer, featured six Spanish restaurants among the top rankings.
The notable culinary heritage of Spain played a significant role in securing these honors. The now-closed El Bulli restaurant, which earned the No. 1 spot a record five times, starting in 2002, contributed to Spain’s reputation as a haven for gastronomy. Several chefs from the awarded Spanish restaurants trained at El Bulli, under the guidance of Ferran Adrià, a pioneer of molecular gastronomy.
One of the notable chefs who trained at El Bulli is José Andrés, who has been instrumental in introducing Spanish cuisine to American diners. Andrés, along with his three American-born daughters, recently returned to Spain for the six-part series “José Andrés and Family in Spain,” which is currently airing on CNN.
Among Spain’s top-ranked restaurants on the “World’s 50 Best” list, Disfrutar in Barcelona stands out. This restaurant, run by three chefs who trained at El Bulli, is currently ranked No. 2 on the list and has been named the Best Restaurant in Europe. Disfrutar offers two tasting menus that reflect its Mediterranean identity and start at 255 euros.
Another renowned restaurant in Madrid, DiverXO, secured the No. 3 spot on the list. Chef Dabiz Muñoz’s creative and hedonistic cuisine captivates diners with dishes like Galician lobster “waking up on the beaches of Goa.” The tasting menu at DiverXO, known as the “flying pigs” menu, costs 365 euros.
Etxebarri, located in Spain’s Basque Country, grabbed the No. 4 ranking on the list. This rustic restaurant specializes in flame-grilled dishes and features a unique cooking process using various types of wood. Bittor Arginzoniz, the owner-chef, earned one Michelin star for his expertise in grilled cuisine.
Quique Dacosta’s eponymous restaurant, located in Valencia, secured the No. 20 spot. Dacosta’s avant-garde cuisine pays homage to local traditions, the sea, and artistic beauty. His recently introduced menu, titled “For the Love of Art,” offers four acts and starts at 275 euros per person.
Elkano, established in 1964 in the Basque Country, earned the No. 22 spot on the list. Known for its grilled whole fish, Elkano sets high standards in grilling techniques and emphasizes the use of local, sustainable ingredients.
Mugaritz, another impressive Spanish restaurant, ranked No. 31 on the list. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Mugaritz presents diners with a unique and thought-provoking experience. The current menu, centered around the concept of “memories of the future,” offers dishes like “Technique: beef contrasts” and “Candy: gluten ball.”
The recognition of these restaurants emphasizes Spain’s position as a global leader in the culinary world. With their innovative techniques and emphasis on local ingredients, these establishments continue to push the boundaries of gastronomy.