Basque grill house claims top global dining prize in Lima
Asador Etxebarri beats 49 competitors in a list that includes only one American entry, ranking eleventh.
By Talia Bennett ·
A small grill house in the Basque region of Spain has been named the best restaurant in the world.
The 50 announced its 2026 ranking at a ceremony in Lima, Peru, on Wednesday night. Asador Etxebarri, located in Atxondo, took the number one spot. The restaurant is known for its grilling techniques. Chef Bittor Arguinzoniz accepted the award in Spanish. He called the prize a real honor. He credited his inspiration to his mothers and grandmothers, whom he described as accomplished cooks.
The voting panel consists of more than 1,100 industry experts from 28 regions. These experts include food writers and chefs. They evaluate restaurants based on innovation and craftsmanship. The group also ranks top bars, hotels, and vineyards. This year’s top five list shows a geographic shift from previous years. Last year, four of the top five winners were in Spanish-speaking countries. The 2026 top five includes establishments in Asia, North America, and Europe.
Gaggan in Bangkok took the second place spot. Alchemist in Copenhagen, Denmark, placed third. The organization cited the Danish restaurant for extraordinary craftsmanship. It noted that diners should be prepared for a meal unlike anywhere else. Quintonil in Mexico City finished fourth. Wing in Hong Kong took fifth place. The list praised Wing for taking pride in its Chinese heritage. It offered diners the untold stories of Chinese culinary history. Quintonil also received the title for Best Restaurant in Latin America.
The highest-ranked American entry was Atomix in New York City. It placed eleventh on the list. The Korean restaurant was named the Best Restaurant in North America. Chef Junghyun Park received the Chef’s Choice Award. The panel praised him for providing a window into a culture. The award structure prevents a restaurant from winning the top prize more than once. Winners move to a separate Best of the Best program. This rule ensures diversity in the top ranking over time.
Rikki Tidball, who heads the awards program at The 50, opened the gala. He said the organization has celebrated the people and places shaping hospitality for 25 years. The list aims to spotlight cuisine that is truly innovative. Last year’s winner, Maido in Lima, was a Peruvian restaurant run by Mitsuharu Tsumura. Tsumura is a descendant of Japanese immigrants to Peru. He uses Japanese cooking techniques in his Peruvian food. The 50 is one of several organizations that rank high-end restaurants. Other groups include Michelin and LaListe.
The full top ten list includes two restaurants from Copenhagen and one from Paris. Kjolle in Lima placed seventh. Kadeau in Copenhagen took eighth. Diverxo in Madrid, Spain, was ninth. Plénitude in Paris, France, finished tenth. The list extends to 50 entries globally. It includes locations in Sydney, Australia, and Cape Town, South Africa. The ceremony in Lima marked the first time the event was held in Peru. Last year’s ceremony took place in Turin, Italy.
