Spain’s Asador Etxebarri Tops World’s 50 Best Restaurants List; U.S. Representation Declines
The World's 50 Best Restaurants list was announced in Lima, Peru. Spain's Asador Etxebarri secured the top spot, and for the first time, only one American restaurant made it into the top 50.
Lima, OH, November 11, 2026 — The highly anticipated annual ranking of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants for this year has been unveiled. The 2024 ceremony took place in Lima, Peru, drawing culinary professionals and enthusiasts from around the globe. In a significant shift for international gastronomy, Spain’s Asador Etxebarri has been awarded the coveted number one position on the list, marking a notable achievement for the Basque Country restaurant.
This year’s announcement also highlights a distinct trend in the representation of American establishments. For the first time in the history of the list, only a single restaurant from the United States has secured a place within the top 50. The specific identity of this sole American restaurant was not detailed in the summary provided, nor were the names of any other U.S. restaurants that may have ranked between 51 and 100, or those that fell off the list entirely.
The selection process for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants involves a panel of over 1,000 international restaurant industry experts, including food critics, chefs, restaurateurs, and gourmands. These voters cast their ballots for restaurants they have visited in the preceding 18 months, with each vote carrying equal weight. The results aim to reflect global dining trends and acknowledge excellence in hospitality and culinary innovation.
Asador Etxebarri, located in the small town of Axpe in Spain’s Basque Country, is renowned for its focus on high-quality ingredients and elemental cooking techniques, particularly its mastery of open-fire grilling. The restaurant’s ascent to the top spot signifies a growing appreciation for rustic yet refined culinary artistry on the global stage. The location of the awards ceremony in Lima, Peru, also underscores the increasing prominence of South American cuisine and its chefs in the international culinary landscape.
The diminishing presence of American restaurants in the upper echelons of this influential list raises questions about current trends and the evolving nature of fine dining. Further analysis would be required to determine the specific factors contributing to this shift, such as changes in culinary focus, economic influences, or evolving voter preferences. The full list, including establishments ranked 51-100, provides a broader overview of the global dining scene.
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