Best restaurant in the world? Whose world?
Nobody takes "best" lists seriously, but they are plenty of fun to argue about. And there's plenty of arguing going on right now over the list of 50 best restaurants in the world put together by Restaurant magazine and sponsored by San Pellegrino. Best restaurant in the world? The whole wide world? Noma in Denmark. Wonder how many of the voters have actually eaten there (it has only50 seats and it is, after all, in Denmark -- our Betty Hallock went last year and here's her report). Silver and bronze medals go to two Spanish restaurants: El Celler de Can Roca and Mugaritz. Osteria Francescana in Italy and Fat Duck in England round out the top five.
The top American restaurant is Grant Achatz's Alinea in Chicago at No. 6. In New York, Per Se is No. 10 and Daniel is No. 11. There were no California restaurants in the top 50. (But the Bazaar by Jose Andres in Los Angeles is No. 85.)
-- Russ Parsons
Photo of Noma chef René Redzepi by Christian Charisius / Reuters
Overpriced, terrible service, and pretty much inaccessible for anyone who doesn't meet the snobbish entry requirements. I'm talking about Denmark.
Posted by: Adams | April 26, 2011 at 06:15 AM
Urasawa in Beverly Hills? C'mon. Obvious choice even over Bazaar.
Posted by: david t | April 21, 2011 at 08:52 AM
French Laundry is 56..
Posted by: josh | April 20, 2011 at 03:53 AM
the best restaurant i have ever been to is DRAGO in santa monica!
Posted by: kuruc | April 19, 2011 at 07:25 PM
How did the French Laundry in Napa Valley not make the list?
I've had British influenced cuisine and it is certainly nothing to write home about (greasy and gritty), yet the Fat Duck in England was among the top five restaurants in the world? Whoever compiled this list obviously did not spend time traveling the state of California to find delicious food.
The Bazaar is oddly decorated and exceptionally expensive for Spanish-style fare you can find at the Ole Madrid in Long Beach at a third of the price.
Posted by: The WB | April 19, 2011 at 08:51 AM
Being No. 85 is fine. Jose Andres has a good imagination..but melon foam..just never fills me up.
Posted by: cookie | April 19, 2011 at 06:54 AM
Best restaurant in the world? Hmmmm, KFC.
Best combo? Jack in the Box shakes and McDonald's fries.
Posted by: Olden Atwoody | April 19, 2011 at 04:21 AM
Bitter much, Russ?
Posted by: 405 | April 19, 2011 at 04:02 AM
"It is after all, in Denmark?" What an odd thing to say... Copenhagen is easily accessible - it's not the back end of beyond!! :)
Posted by: Suzanne | April 19, 2011 at 03:32 AM
Should read "Top 50 Restaurants in the world that serve San Pellegrino water, as chosen by a magazine paid for by San Pellegrino water."
Then I'd believe it.
Posted by: pcalvin | April 19, 2011 at 02:26 AM
I don't see how a food review that only involves eating live shrimp with melted butter constitutes having any idea what the place is like. If that's all Noma serves, raw or live food with garnishes, then I just don't get it. That isn't cooking. It's harvesting. At best, sushi.
Posted by: pete | April 18, 2011 at 11:00 PM
USA and California's culinary scenes snubbed again? I'm shocked. SHOCKED I TELL YOU.
/takes tongue out of cheek
Posted by: oakley | April 18, 2011 at 09:04 PM