The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2023
Spain incredibly well-ranked!
When it comes to culinary delights, Spain is undoubtedly a top destination for food lovers around the globe. The country's rich gastronomic heritage, diverse regional flavors, and world-renowned chefs have put it on the map as a must-visit culinary haven.
Disfrutar in Barcelona, Diverxo in Madrid and Etxebarri in Atxondo (Basque country) are respectively second, third and fourth in the ranking! The six Spanish restaurants listed are in the top 31:
#2 Disfrutar, Barcelona
The collective creation of Chefs Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch and Mateu Casañas produces food that surprises and delights in equal measure, using modern techniques and pristine ingredients that challenge traditional preconceptions of fine dining, resulting in one of the world’s most immersive culinary experiences.
#3 Diverxo, Madrid
Chef Dabiz Muñoz enjoys pushing gastronomic boundaries as much as possible and his 12-course menu is a clear demonstration of this. XO tapas of roasted baby octopus with jamón essence start the theatrical journey through the Spanish chef’s creations, which may end with a sweet touch of mochi bonbons with Thai-style dulce de leche and finger lime.
#4 Asador Etxebarri, Atxondo
Set in a quiet Basque village surrounded by mountains and greenery somewhere between Bilbao and San Sebastian, Asador Etxebarri is a true destination restaurant where the ingredient is king and the cooking process is led by the grill. Everything is touched by chef and owner Victor Arguinzoniz’s flames, from anchovy on toast to milk ice cream with beetroot.
#20 Quique Dacosta, Denia
Valencian chef Quique Dacosta is always on the hunt for new dishes that dance along with the seasonality of his ingredients. The most recent menu iteration, launched in April 2023, is called ‘Por Amor al Arte’ (for the love of art) and promises an experience that ‘seeks emotion in the most essential beauty’, embracing the region and celebrating harmony, flavours, fantasy and the avant-garde.
#22 Elkano, Getaria
What started as an innovative solution for a huge turbot that did not fit on the grill became a fundamental element of success for this family business: Elkano’s whole-grilled fish is now iconic. With chef Pedro Arregi at the helm, the restaurant is a voyage around exquisite marine flavours.
#31 Mugaritz, San Sebastián
Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz, winner of the Icon Award 2023, founded Mugaritz in 1998 and his creative and experimental cuisine has become one of the world’s most admired, as well as of the most boundary-pushing. The bold menu won’t leave anyone indifferent.
(We also would like to mention Belcanto in Lisbon, ranked #25!)
From innovative avant-garde cuisine to traditional Spanish fare, these establishments showcase the remarkable diversity and quality of Spanish gastronomy. From the avant-garde creations of Disfrutar to the rustic charm of Asador Etxebarri, these Spanish restaurants offer an unparalleled dining experience.
Spain's presence in "The World's 50 Best Restaurants" list is a testament to the country's gastronomic excellence and the passion of its chefs. Whether you are a devoted foodie or simply curious about exploring new flavors, a culinary journey through Spain's finest establishments is sure to leave a lasting impression on your palate.
