Top 50 best restaurants in the world in 2021

The "World's 50 Best Restaurants" award – considered the Oscars of the fine dining world – was forced to suspend operations last year due to the pandemic. This year, the organizers announced the Top 50 at the Flanders Convention Centre in Antwerp, Belgium, on October 5th.

Accordingly, the US and Spain are the two countries with the most restaurants on the 2021 awards list (6 restaurants in total), with Spain having 2 restaurants in the Top 10; Italy has 4 restaurants; Denmark and Peru each have 2 restaurants, both in the Top 10. And for the first time, a city dominates the top two positions in the ranking: Noma and Geranium restaurants in Copenhagen, Denmark.

NOMA ranks first in the world for the fifth time.

The three-Michelin-star restaurant Noma was founded and has been run by chef René Redzepi since 2003. Noma is located in Copenhagen, Denmark. This is the fifth time Noma has topped the list since 2010 (the restaurant won the "World's Best Restaurant" award in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014).

Noma's accolades are a testament to Chef Redzepi's talent. He and his team of chefs utilize rare, seasonal ingredients. The seasonal menu is strictly adhered to: seafood in winter, vegetables in summer, and game-themed dishes in autumn. All dishes are made from locally sourced ingredients. However, the creativity and complexity of each dish have earned Noma high praise for its quality.

William Drew, Director of Content for The World's 50 Best Restaurants, said: “Noma is one of the most influential restaurants for this generation. It sets a new standard in sourcing and sourcing ingredients, along with culinary development and food presentation. Noma has become one of the most celebrated dining destinations worldwide. And we are delighted to name it at the top of our list.”

Many other award categories

Besides selecting the Top 50, The World's Best Restaurants 2021 also rated upscale restaurants from 26 countries around the world. Candidates for this award were not distinguished by continent or culinary style and restaurant architecture. Among them, 8 restaurants made their first appearance on the list.

Lido 84, located on the Gardone Riviera in Italy, won the "Highest New Entry" award. The restaurant also ranked 15th out of 50 in the list of the world's 50 best restaurants. Boragó, in Santiago, Chile, received the "Flor de Caña Sustainable Restaurant Award," recognizing sustainable development in the food industry.

The candidate from Vienna, Austria - Steirereck - won the "Art of Hospitality Award".

The "Estrella Damm Chefs' Choice Award" is based on the highest number of votes from chefs. The winner is Spanish chef Victor Arguinzoniz of Asador Etxebarri restaurant in Atxondo, a municipality in the province of Biscay, Spain.

Chef Will Goldfarb of Room 4 Dessert restaurant in Bali, Indonesia, won the "World's Best Pastry Chef" award, recognizing the best chef specializing in desserts. Meanwhile, The Chairman restaurant in Hong Kong received the "Highest Climber Award," honoring restaurants with outstanding achievements in 2021.

Furthermore, Odette (Singapore) is ranked 8th in the Top 50 worldwide and has been honored as the best restaurant in Asia. Chef Julien Royer and his team have combined the art and sophistication of the dishes in a warm, luxurious, and elegant setting.

The only Vietnamese restaurant to make it into Asia's top 50.

In the "Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2021" list, there's a name from Vietnam: Anan Saigon, ranked 39th out of 50 of the world's most noteworthy upscale dining establishments. Located in the historic food market at 89 Ton That Dam Street, District 1, the restaurant marks the first time since 2013 that a Vietnamese restaurant has made it onto this prestigious list.

Chef Peter Cuong Franklin's restaurant not only boasts a beautiful ambiance and excellent service, but is also renowned for its innovative twists on traditional dishes. Following the viral $100 sandwich, Anan Saigon continues to introduce Pot au Pho, a fusion of Vietnamese pho and French-style beef stew (pot au feu). With such a unique culinary style, it's no surprise that Anan Saigon, Peter Cuong Franklin's Anan Saigon, secured the 39th position on its first appearance in the Top 50.

Female chefs were honored.

Many female chefs have also won awards. For example, Pía Léon (Peru) holds the "Best Restaurant in South America" ​​award for her restaurant Central and has also been honored as the "World's Best Female Chef". Similarly, Dominique Crenn, born in France, co-owner and chef of Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, won the "Icon Award".

Readers can view the complete list of 50 award-winning restaurants.here.

Huyen Chau - Photo: Internet