“Oscars” of restaurants... revealing the 50 best restaurants in the world for the year 2026

- Asador Echebari restaurant, located in the town of Achundo in the Spanish Basque Country, topped the list of the best restaurants in the world for the year 2026, thanks to its innovative barbecue techniques, which made it a destination that attracts food lovers from all over the world. The 50 Foundation announced the annual list of the 50 best restaurants in the world, during the awards ceremony held on Wednesday evening in the capital of Peru, Lima.

In a speech he delivered in Spanish after announcing his win, Chef Pitor Argenzonez said that the award represents a “great honor,” noting that “our mothers and grandmothers” were his source of inspiration in the world of cooking. In second place was the "Gagan" restaurant, located in the Thai capital, Bangkok, according to the list.

The organizer, formerly known as “Best 50”, is widely known for ranking and honoring the most prominent restaurants globally. The list is based on votes by members of the “Top 50 Restaurants” Academy, which includes more than 1,100 international experts in the restaurant sector, representing 28 regions around the world, including food writers and chefs.

In addition to ranking restaurants, “The 50” lists include the best bars, hotels and vineyards around the world. The Alchemist restaurant, in the Danish capital, Copenhagen, came in third place on the list of the best restaurants in the world for the year 2026, in recognition of the “exceptional craftsmanship” it provides, as it promises its patrons a dining experience different from any other.

The list of top five places was completed by “Quintonil” restaurant in Mexico City, Mexico, which ranked fourth, followed by “Wing” restaurant in Hong Kong, in fifth place, in recognition of its adherence to Chinese heritage. Quintonil also won the title of best restaurant in Latin America.

These awards enjoy a prestigious position in the world of fine dining, and are comparable in importance to the Oscars in the film industry. Under the rules of “The 50,” each restaurant can win first place only once, after which it will move to a separate category called “Best of the Best,” meaning “the best of the best.”

Atomics restaurant, in New York City, came at the top of the American restaurants on the 2026 list, after coming in eleventh place. The Korean restaurant also won the title of Best Restaurant in North America, while Chef Jonghyun Park won the Chef's Choice Award, in recognition of his role in presenting his country's culture.

Last year's awards ceremony was held in the Italian city of Turin, where the "Maido" restaurant in Lima, the capital of Peru, won first place. “The 50” is one of several bodies specialized in classifying luxury restaurants around the world, in addition to the “Michelin” and “La Liste” guides.

Top 50 Restaurants The Academy says its goal is not limited to highlighting fine restaurants, but rather extends to include kitchens that provide truly innovative experiences. For example, Maido, last year's winner, was run by Chef Mitsuharu "Misha" Tsumura, whose dishes are based on Japanese cooking techniques.

The top five places on last year's list included 4 restaurants located in Spanish-speaking countries, in addition to honoring other restaurants, including "Piazza Duomo" in Italy and "Steyrereck" in Austria. This year's list included restaurants from Asia, North America, and Europe in the top five places.

“Over the past 25 years, we have celebrated the people and destinations that help shape the hospitality industry,” said Ricky Tidball, awards program officer at The 50, during her opening remarks.