The World’s 50 Best Restaurants is an annual global ranking produced by UK company William Reed. It is voted on by more than 1,120 food and drink experts from around the world. The most recent global list named Maido in Lima, Peru as the number one restaurant in 2025. In 2026, The Chairman in Hong Kong leads Asia’s regional list. The global 2026 ceremony is scheduled for November 2026 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Something big happened in Hong Kong in March 2026. For the very first time in history, one city took both the number one and number two spots on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The Chairman and Wing, both in Hong Kong, made food award history. Meanwhile, the world’s best restaurant title still belongs to Maido in Lima, Peru, based on the most recent global ranking. And later this year, the biggest night in fine dining heads to Abu Dhabi, UAE, and not everyone is happy about it. This article covers the full 2025 global list, the fresh 2026 regional results, and a look ahead at what the November 2026 ceremony might bring.
Who Is the World’s Best Restaurant Right Now?
As of 2026, Maido in Lima, Peru holds the title of the world’s best restaurant. It earned the top spot on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list. The ceremony was held in Turin, Italy on June 19, 2025.
Maido is run by chef Mitsuharu Tsumura. The restaurant serves Nikkei cuisine, which blends Japanese cooking techniques with Peruvian ingredients and flavors. Lima has a large Japanese immigrant community, and this blending of cultures is what makes Nikkei cuisine so special. The award was sponsored by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, two brands that have long supported the global gastronomy world.
The next global ranking will be announced in November 2026 in Abu Dhabi. Until then, Maido holds the crown.
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants: Current Global Top 10
Here are the top 10 results from the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list. This is the most current global ranking of the best restaurants in the world.
- Maido – Lima, Peru (Nikkei cuisine)
- Asador Etxebarri – Axpe, Basque Country, Spain (live-fire grilling)
- Quintonil – Mexico City, Mexico (modern Mexican)
- DiverXO – Madrid, Spain (avant-garde tasting menu)
- Alchemist – Copenhagen, Denmark (multi-sensory dining)
- Gaggan – Bangkok, Thailand (progressive Indian cuisine)
- Sezanne – Tokyo, Japan (French-Japanese tasting menu)
- Table by Bruno Verjus – Paris, France (market-driven French)
- Septime – Paris, France (modern bistro)
- Atomix – New York, USA (Korean fine dining)
Atomix in New York was the highest-ranked US restaurant overall. Chef Gaggan Anand’s Bangkok restaurant, Gaggan, was also recognized as the top restaurant in Asia on the global list. Lima, Peru had a remarkable showing. Along with Maido at number one, Kjolle also appeared on the list, confirming Lima’s place as one of the world’s great food cities.
The 2024 winner, Disfrutar from Barcelona, was moved to the permanent “Best of the Best” honor list. This is a rule that removes past number one winners from future rankings. That opened the door for Maido to claim the top spot in 2025.
The Complete World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 List
Below is the full ranked list from the most recent global restaurant ranking. Always verify the latest positions on the official World’s 50 Best Restaurants website, as some positions may be updated over time.
| # | Restaurant | City | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maido | Lima | Peru |
| 2 | Asador Etxebarri | Axpe | Spain |
| 3 | Quintonil | Mexico City | Mexico |
| 4 | DiverXO | Madrid | Spain |
| 5 | Alchemist | Copenhagen | Denmark |
| 6 | Gaggan | Bangkok | Thailand |
| 7 | Sezanne | Tokyo | Japan |
| 8 | Table by Bruno Verjus | Paris | France |
| 9 | Septime | Paris | France |
| 10 | Atomix | New York | USA |
| 11 | Reale | Castel di Sangro | Italy |
| 12 | Tresind Studio | Dubai | UAE |
| 13 | Potong | Bangkok | Thailand |
| 14 | Steirereck | Vienna | Austria |
| 15 | Borago | Santiago | Chile |
| 16 | Hisa Franko | Kobarid | Slovenia |
| 17 | Don Julio | Buenos Aires | Argentina |
| 18 | Kjolle | Lima | Peru |
| 19 | Frantzen | Stockholm | Sweden |
| 20 | The Jane | Antwerp | Belgium |
| 21 | Le Du | Bangkok | Thailand |
| 22 | Lido 84 | Gardone Riviera | Italy |
| 23 | Florilege | Tokyo | Japan |
| 24 | Odette | Singapore | Singapore |
| 25 | Quique Dacosta | Denia | Spain |
| 26 | Le Bernardin | New York | USA |
| 27 | Nusara | Bangkok | Thailand |
| 28 | Belcanto | Lisbon | Portugal |
| 29 | Rosetta | Mexico City | Mexico |
| 30 | Nobelhart and Schmutzig | Berlin | Germany |
| 31 | Mingles | Seoul | South Korea |
| 32 | Schloss Schauenstein | Furstenau | Switzerland |
| 33 | Piazza Duomo | Alba | Italy |
| 34 | Ikoyi | London | UK |
| 35 | Restaurant Tim Raue | Berlin | Germany |
| 36 | A Casa do Porco | Sao Paulo | Brazil |
| 37 | Uliassi | Senigallia | Italy |
| 38 | Sorn | Bangkok | Thailand |
| 39 | SingleThread | Healdsburg | USA |
| 40 | Mayta | Lima | Peru |
| 41 | Brat | London | UK |
| 42 | Jordnaer | Copenhagen | Denmark |
| 43 | Narisawa | Tokyo | Japan |
| 44 | Plenitude | Paris | France |
| 45 | Mugaritz | San Sebastian | Spain |
| 46 | Wolfgat | Paternoster | South Africa |
| 47 | Burnt Ends | Singapore | Singapore |
| 48 | Enigma | Barcelona | Spain |
| 49 | Oteque | Rio de Janeiro | Brazil |
| 50 | Pujol | Mexico City | Mexico |
The Extended 51 to 100 List
The extended list features restaurants ranked from number 51 to 100. Notable entries include Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, Labyrinth in Singapore, Neolokal in Istanbul, and Cesar in New York. These chef-driven restaurant experiences did not make the top 50, but they are still recognized among the finest in the world.
Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026: Hong Kong Makes History
The biggest food story in Asia so far in 2026 is from Hong Kong. When Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 was revealed in March 2026, The Chairman rose to the number one spot. Wing, also in Hong Kong, came in at number two. It was the first time ever that one city held both top positions on the list.
The Chairman is owned by Danny Yip. The restaurant is known for its heritage Cantonese fine dining style. It focuses on traditional cooking methods and high-quality local ingredients. The Chairman previously held the number one title in 2021, and this year it reclaimed that honor.
Wing is led by chef Vicky Cheng at The Murray Hotel in Hong Kong. In 2026, Wing reached its highest-ever position on the Asia list.
Asia’s 50 Best 2026: Top 5 at a Glance
| # | Restaurant | City | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Chairman | Hong Kong | China SAR |
| 2 | Wing | Hong Kong | China SAR |
| 3 | Gaggan | Bangkok | Thailand |
| 4 | Mingles | Seoul | South Korea |
| 5 | Nusara | Bangkok | Thailand |
Chef Mingoo Kang’s Seoul restaurant Mingles climbed to number four, showing South Korea’s growing presence in global fine dining. Nusara in Bangkok, led by chef Thitid Tassanakajohn, holds the fifth spot with its elegant take on Thai heritage cuisine.
Mosu was recognized with the One To Watch Award at the 2026 Asia ceremony. San in Seoul also received recognition at the event.
MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026: Cairo Takes the Crown
In February 2026, the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony took place in Abu Dhabi. The top winner was Khufu’s in Cairo, Egypt, which claimed the number one position in the Middle East and North Africa region.
La Grande Table Marocaine in Marrakech, Morocco received the Art of Hospitality Award 2026. This award goes to a restaurant that creates an outstanding guest experience beyond just the food itself.
The Abu Dhabi gastronomy scene has grown quickly over the past two decades. Dubai went from having very little global food recognition to earning multiple Michelin stars. This rapid rise reflects how food tourism is reshaping the world dining map, and it is one reason why this region is now hosting major culinary events.
World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026: When and Where Is the Next Global List?
The World’s 50 Best Abu Dhabi 2026 ceremony will take place in November 2026. This will be the first time the global awards have been hosted in the Middle East. The event is organized by William Reed, the UK media company that has managed the awards since its founding in 2002.
The move to Abu Dhabi has created debate in the culinary world. In February 2026, The New York Times reported that several prominent chefs publicly objected to the UAE venue. Their concerns centered on the country’s human rights record. Some chefs said they would not attend or accept recognition at the ceremony.
Why Are Some Chefs Objecting to Abu Dhabi?
The objections are based on concerns about hosting a high-profile global food event in a country where certain rights and freedoms face restrictions. Many chefs use their platforms to speak on social issues. This situation has sparked a wider conversation about the role of food awards in politics.
William Reed has confirmed the event will still take place in Abu Dhabi as planned. The identity of the next world’s best restaurant will be revealed there in November 2026.
How Does the World’s 50 Best Restaurants Voting Work?
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list is not decided by one judge or one company. It is determined by a voting panel of more than 1,120 independent experts from around the world. This group includes chefs, restaurateurs, food writers, and culinary journalists.
Each voter submits a private ballot. They can only vote for restaurants where they have personally eaten within the past 18 months. This keeps the list based on real experiences rather than reputation alone.
The list began in 2002 when William Reed’s Restaurant magazine ran the very first ranking. It has since grown into one of the most respected restaurant rankings in fine dining history.
What Is the Best of the Best Rule?
Any restaurant that reaches the number one spot is permanently retired to an honor list called the “Best of the Best.” This means they can never appear in future rankings. The rule keeps the list open and gives new restaurants a real chance to rise to the top.
Disfrutar in Barcelona won the global number one in 2024 and was immediately retired. Past members of this honor list include Noma from Copenhagen, El Celler de Can Roca from Spain, and Osteria Francescana from Italy.
World’s 50 Best vs. Michelin Stars: Are They the Same Thing?
Many people mix up Michelin stars and the World’s 50 Best list. They are two completely different systems with different goals.
Michelin stars come from the Michelin Guide, published by the famous French tire company. Anonymous inspectors visit restaurants multiple times. They focus on technical cooking, consistency, and the overall dining experience. A restaurant earns one, two, or three Michelin stars based on these visits.
The World’s 50 Best is a peer-voted list. It reflects the opinions of food experts from around the globe. It tends to reward innovation, cultural storytelling, and culinary excellence that feels exciting right now.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Category | Michelin Stars | World’s 50 Best |
|---|---|---|
| Decided by | Anonymous paid inspectors | 1,120+ peer voters |
| Focus | Consistency and technique | Innovation and cultural impact |
| Award format | 1, 2, or 3 stars | Ranked list 1 to 50 |
| Update frequency | Annual regional guides | Annual global ceremony |
| Geographic scope | Multiple regional guides | One global list |
| Can a restaurant have both? | Yes | Yes |
Some restaurants appear on both lists. Others hold Michelin stars but are not on the 50 Best, and the reverse is also true. In 2026, both the Michelin Guide and the World’s 50 Best have been expanding into the Middle East. This shows that both organizations see Abu Dhabi and Dubai as major emerging markets in global gastronomy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the World’s 50 Best List Accept Public Nominations?
No. The voting process is restricted to an invited panel of more than 1,120 food and drink professionals worldwide. Members include chefs, restaurant owners, food writers, and culinary journalists. Each voter must have personally eaten at the restaurants they nominate within the past 18 months. Regular diners or food fans cannot submit votes, though public interest and food media attention can influence a restaurant’s visibility.
Has Peru Always Been a Top Destination for Fine Dining?
Not always. Peru’s rise in global gastronomy has been dramatic and recent. Lima began gaining international attention in the early 2010s, largely driven by the farm-to-table and indigenous ingredient movement. Central, led by chef Virgilio Martinez, put Lima on the world food map when it reached the global number one spot before Maido. Lima is now widely considered one of the top food cities in the world, with multiple restaurants on both the top 50 and extended 51 to 100 lists.
Do All Top-Ranked Restaurants Serve the Same Type of Cuisine?
Not at all. The list covers a wide range of cuisines and cooking styles. Maido in Lima serves Nikkei cuisine. Gaggan in Bangkok is famous for progressive Indian cuisine. The Chairman in Hong Kong focuses on heritage Cantonese fine dining. Asador Etxebarri in the Basque Country of Spain cooks everything over live fire. The diversity of the list is one of its biggest strengths, as it reflects great cooking from every corner of the world.
What Is the Difference Between the Global List and Regional Lists?
The global World’s 50 Best Restaurants list covers the top 50 restaurants anywhere in the world. It is announced at a single annual ceremony, which in 2026 will be held in Abu Dhabi. The regional lists, including Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants, focus only on restaurants within a specific part of the world. Each regional list has its own ceremony at a different time of year. Asia’s 50 Best 2026 was announced in March, and MENA’s 50 Best 2026 was announced in February.
Can a Restaurant Appear on Both the Global List and a Regional List?
Yes. Many restaurants appear on both their regional list and the global list. Gaggan in Bangkok, for example, is ranked on both Asia’s 50 Best 2026 and the World’s 50 Best global ranking. Nusara and Mingles also appear on both. Regional lists are a strong signal of a restaurant’s quality, and high regional rankings often translate into strong showings on the global list over time.
What Happens to a Restaurant’s Ranking After It Wins Number One Globally?
Any restaurant that wins the global number one position is permanently moved to the “Best of the Best” honor list. It can never be ranked again on the main list. This rule was introduced to keep the rankings fresh and competitive. It is the reason why Disfrutar, the 2024 winner, was removed from the 2025 rankings. This directly gave Maido the opportunity to reach the top spot.
Is the Best Restaurant in Asia the Same as the Best Restaurant in the World?
Not necessarily. The global list and the regional list use the same voting structure, but the panels are different. The Chairman in Hong Kong is the best restaurant in Asia according to Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026. However, on the most recent global list, Gaggan in Bangkok ranked above The Chairman. The global list reflects a worldwide voting panel, so results can differ from regional rankings. The 2026 global list, announced in November, may change these standings.
Last Updated: May 2026 | The global 2026 list is expected at the November 2026 ceremony in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
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