Spain's Asador Etxebarri Tops 2026 Dining List
The Basque grill room claimed the highest honor in the industry's annual rankings, with Atomix representing the United States at number 11.
By James Brooks ·
Diners in Atxondo, Spain, just received the highest accolade in the fine dining world. Asador Etxebarri was named the best restaurant in the world for 2026 by The 50. The award recognizes the establishment's specific approach to grilling. This marks the first time a Spanish venue has held this specific title since the program's inception.
The 50 Best Restaurants Academy compiled the list based on votes from more than 1,100 industry experts. These professionals represent 28 different regions across the globe. The panel includes food writers and chefs who evaluate venues for innovation and craftsmanship. The organization formerly known as 50 Best also ranks bars, hotels, and vineyards.
Chef Bittor Arguinzoniz accepted the award on Wednesday night in Lima, Peru. He delivered his remarks in Spanish. He described the prize as a real honor. Arguinzoniz credited his mothers and grandmothers for his culinary inspiration. He noted that they were accomplished cooks who influenced his technique.
Gaggan in Bangkok held the second position on the 2026 list. Alchemist in Copenhagen took third place. The ranking cited the Danish venue for extraordinary craftsmanship. Diners are told to prepare for a meal unlike anywhere else. Quintonil in Mexico City placed fourth and was also named the Best Restaurant in Latin America. Wing in Hong Kong rounded out the top five with its focus on Chinese culinary history.
The highest-ranked American entry was Atomix in New York City. The Korean restaurant placed eleventh on the global list. It received the title of Best Restaurant in North America. Chef Junghyun Park also won the Chef's Choice Award. The organization praised the chef for providing a window into a culture. This was the highest placement for a U.S. venue in the 2026 rankings.
Restaurants can win the top prize only once. After winning, they enter a separate Best of the Best program. Last year, Maido in Lima won the top honor. That ceremony took place in Turin, Italy. The 2026 gala featured almost as much fanfare as major film industry awards.
Rikki Tidball, who heads the awards program, opened the event. She stated that the organization has celebrated people and places shaping hospitality for 25 years. The academy aims to spotlight cuisine that is truly innovative. Last year's winner used Japanese techniques in a Peruvian context. This year's top five included venues from Asia, North America, and Europe.
The full 2026 list includes 50 establishments. Piazza Duomo in Alba, Italy, ranked 20th. Steirereck in Vienna, Austria, ranked 30th. The Chairman in Hong Kong took sixth place. Kjolle in Lima, Peru, ranked seventh. The list reflects a global mix of culinary traditions. The next ceremony date has not been announced.
