The culinary world is abuzz with the latest announcement from the World’s 50 Best organization – Disfrutar in Barcelona has been crowned the best restaurant in the world. Tucked behind an unassuming entrance, this inventive dining spot is the brainchild of chefs Oriol Castro, Mateu Casañas, and Eduard Xatruch, all of whom honed their craft at the renowned El Bulli.
What sets Disfrutar apart is its avant-garde menu featuring unique dishes like ‘Fear: The Prawn,’ where diners have to navigate through dry ice to find the hidden seafood. From sandwiches filled with frozen gazpacho ice cream to the signature panchino – a caviar-filled fried doughnut, every bite at Disfrutar is a culinary adventure.
Speaking about their achievement, Chef Casañas expressed his excitement at representing Spanish cuisine on a global stage, emphasizing the pride in showcasing their region’s products, recipes, and traditions.
Spain’s dominance in the culinary scene was further highlighted with three of the top five restaurants on the list hailing from the country. Asador Etxebarri in Axpe claimed the second spot with its charcoal-cooked ingredients, while Diverxo in Madrid, known for its extravagant cuisine, secured the fourth position.
The prestigious awards ceremony took place at the Encore Theatre in Wynn Las Vegas, marking the event’s first appearance on the West Coast of the US. The glitzy affair saw chefs and industry insiders donning bright red scarves, with a Vegas-inspired fashion theme of gold and silver sweeping the audience.
Noteworthy for the US was New York’s Atomix, a dynamic Korean restaurant, making a splash at number six on the list. Chefs Junghyun and Ellia Park’s culinary prowess and cultural representation were lauded, adding a touch of diversity to the global rankings.
