World's 50 Best Restaurants

Restaurant magazine has released it's annual list of the World's 50 Best Restaurants. This is one of the more democratic and discerning list compiled, though it is a bit biased towards Europe. Either way, I enjoy it and look forward to it every year. Here's a description of how the list is decided.

We divided the world into regions, with a chairperson in each region appointed for their knowledge of their part of the restaurant world. These chairs each selected a voting panel, who cast a total of 2,800 votes.

There is no list of nominees; each member of our international voting panel votes for their personal choice of five restaurants. They may vote for up to two restaurants in their own region, the remaining votes must be cast outside their home region. Nobody is allowed to vote for their own restaurant and voters must have eaten in the restaurants they nominate within the past 18 months. These rules ensure that the list is as comprehensive as possible.

This year was the year of the holding pattern as the top 6 restaurants remained unchanged. As such, El Bulli has maintained it's crown as the top restaurant in the world. Even more impressive is the fact that's it's held a spot in the top 3 since 2002! The Fat Duck, Pierre Gagnaire, The French Laundry, Tetsuya's, and Bras round out the rest of the top 6 (in that order).

Congratulations to Thomas Keller who not only had the top rated restaurant in the US with The French Laundry (#4), but also was able to (again) claim the second highest spot with Per Se (#9). It's almost cheating though since they are practically the same restaurant in different locations.

Congratulations should also go to chef Grant Achatz, who's restaurant Alinea (#36) was the highest new entry onto the list. However, I think the fact that Charlie Trotter's (#30) beat out Alinea is going to cause some strife on the eGullet forums.

I am a bit surprised to see the absence of Manresa in at least the top 100, but the Zuni Cafe is; I love Zuni, but it seems odd.

Top Restaurants in the US

The French Laundry (#4) - Make a reservation
Per Se (#9) - Make a reservation
Jean Georges (#18) - Make a reservation
Le Bernardin (#26) - Make a reservation
Charlie Trotter's (#30) - Make a reservation
Daniel (#32) - Make a reservation
Alinea (#36) - Make a reservation
Chez Panisse (#40) - Make a reservation
Masa (#56) - Make a reservation
L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon at the Four Seasons (#64) - Make a reservation
Peter Lugar (#69) - Make a reservation
Nobu New York (#89) - Make a reservation
Gramercy Tavern (#90) - Make a reservation
WD~50 (#91) - Make a reservation
Zuni Café (#98) - Make a reservation
Alex at Wynn (#100) - Make a reservation

Special Recognition Awards

Reader's Choice: Pied à Terre, London
Chef's Choice: Heston Blumenthal at the Fat Duck
Breakthrough Restaurant: Maze, London
Lifetime Achievement Award: Alice Waters (details)