In 2025, the global culinary scene continues to captivate food enthusiasts with innovative dining experiences, cultural authenticity, and sustainable practices. The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, a prestigious ranking based on votes from 1,080 international industry experts, highlights the pinnacle of gastronomy. According to the 2024 rankings, the top 10 restaurants in 2025 are Disfrutar (Barcelona, Spain), Asador Etxebarri (Atxondo, Spain), Table by Bruno Verjus (Paris, France), Diverxo (Madrid, Spain), Maido (Lima, Peru), Atomix (New York, USA), Quintonil (Mexico City, Mexico), Alchemist (Copenhagen, Denmark), Gaggan (Bangkok, Thailand), and Don Julio (Buenos Aires, Argentina). This article explores these culinary giants, their unique offerings, and their influence on global dining trends in 2025.
1. Disfrutar, Barcelona, Spain: Culinary Innovation
Disfrutar, crowned the world’s best restaurant in 2025, is a Barcelona gem led by former elBulli chefs Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch, and Mateu Casañas. Known for its avant-garde cuisine, Disfrutar offers a 30-course tasting menu featuring dishes like tomato polvorón and caviar-filled pancakes. In 2025, its third Michelin star and playful, Mediterranean-inspired dishes solidify its reputation. The restaurant’s modern Eixample setting and focus on creativity make it a must-visit, with bookings often filled months in advance.
2. Asador Etxebarri, Atxondo, Spain: Mastery of Fire
Ranked second in 2025, Asador Etxebarri in Atxondo, Basque Country, redefines live-fire cooking under chef Bittor Arginzoniz. Located in a serene village, the restaurant uses custom grills to elevate ingredients like Palamós shrimp and Basque beef chuleta. In 2025, its minimalist approach and focus on high-quality produce earn global acclaim. Etxebarri’s influence on fire-based cuisine and its rustic charm make it a pilgrimage site for food lovers.
3. Table by Bruno Verjus, Paris, France: Intimate Elegance
Table by Bruno Verjus, third in 2025, offers an intimate dining experience in Paris. Chef Bruno Verjus, a former food critic, crafts seasonal tasting menus with dishes like lobster with rhubarb. The restaurant’s open kitchen and 24-seat setting create a personal ambiance. In 2025, Table’s focus on French terroir and sustainable sourcing resonates with diners, earning it a spot among the world’s elite. Its artistic presentation makes it a standout in Parisian gastronomy.
4. Diverxo, Madrid, Spain: Creative Extravaganza
Diverxo, ranked fourth in 2025, is Madrid’s avant-garde masterpiece led by chef Dabiz Muñoz. Known for its boundary-pushing 12-course menu, Diverxo blends global flavors, like Spanish-Asian fusion, with theatrical presentation. In 2025, Muñoz’s innovative dishes, such as liquid croquettes, captivate diners. The restaurant’s bold aesthetic and three Michelin stars make it a global trendsetter, with its move to a new Madrid location adding to its buzz.
5. Maido, Lima, Peru: Nikkei Excellence
Maido, fifth in 2025, is Lima’s premier destination for Nikkei cuisine, blending Japanese and Peruvian flavors. Chef Mitsuharu ‘Micha’ Tsumura, recipient of the 2024 Chefs’ Choice Award, crafts dishes like guinea pig confit and sushi with Amazonian ingredients. In 2025, Maido’s 15-course tasting menu and vibrant atmosphere draw global foodies. Its role in elevating Peruvian cuisine makes it a cultural beacon in Latin America.
6. Atomix, New York, USA: Korean Sophistication
Atomix, ranked sixth in 2025, is New York’s finest Korean restaurant, earning the title of North America’s best. Chefs Junghyun and Ellia Park offer a 10-course tasting menu featuring modern Korean dishes like seared mackerel with kimchi. In 2025, Atomix’s elegant Manhattan setting and focus on seasonal ingredients captivate diners. Its Michelin-starred status and innovative approach to Korean cuisine make it a global culinary leader.
7. Quintonil, Mexico City, Mexico: Modern Mexican
Quintonil, seventh in 2025, showcases Mexico City’s vibrant culinary scene under chef Jorge Vallejo. Known for its refined Mexican cuisine, the restaurant offers dishes like crab with cactus and mole madre. In 2025, Quintonil’s commitment to local ingredients and sustainability earns international praise. Its sleek Polanco setting and focus on Mexico’s biodiversity make it a must-visit, blending tradition with modern flair.
8. Alchemist, Copenhagen, Denmark: Theatrical Gastronomy
Alchemist, eighth in 2025, is Copenhagen’s avant-garde dining destination led by chef Rasmus Munk. Its 50-course “holistic cuisine” experience, served in a planetarium-like dome, combines food, art, and theater. Dishes like edible “butterfly” wings push culinary boundaries. In 2025, Alchemist’s focus on sustainability and ethical dining, including lab-grown ingredients, sets trends globally. Its immersive experience makes it a bucket-list destination for adventurous diners.
9. Gaggan, Bangkok, Thailand: Playful Indian Fusion
Gaggan, ninth in 2025, is Bangkok’s culinary icon, led by chef Gaggan Anand. Known for its progressive Indian cuisine, the restaurant offers a 25-course menu with dishes like yogurt explosions and charcoal curry. In 2025, Gaggan’s new location and theatrical presentations keep it at the forefront of global dining. Its blend of Indian flavors with molecular gastronomy attracts food enthusiasts worldwide, making it a trendsetter in Asia.
10. Don Julio, Buenos Aires, Argentina: Steakhouse Supreme
Don Julio, tenth in 2025, is Buenos Aires’ premier parrilla, led by chef Pablo Rivero. Specializing in Argentine beef, it serves cuts like bife de lomo alongside an extensive wine list. In 2025, Don Julio’s rustic charm and focus on grass-fed beef earn global acclaim. Rivero’s 2024 Best Sommelier Award adds to its prestige. The restaurant’s warm ambiance and culinary excellence make it a Latin American favorite.
Trends in Global Dining in 2025
In 2025, the world’s best restaurants reflect key culinary trends. Sustainability is paramount, with Disfrutar and Quintonil emphasizing local, eco-friendly ingredients. Avant-garde techniques, as seen at Diverxo and Alchemist, push creative boundaries, while Maido and Atomix highlight fusion cuisines. Fire-based cooking, exemplified by Asador Etxebarri, remains influential. Cultural storytelling through food, evident at Don Julio and Gaggan, resonates with diners. These restaurants also prioritize immersive experiences, blending art, theater, and gastronomy to create memorable dining moments.
Conclusion
The world’s best restaurants in 2025—Disfrutar, Asador Etxebarri, Table by Bruno Verjus, Diverxo, Maido, Atomix, Quintonil, Alchemist, Gaggan, and Don Julio—represent the pinnacle of global gastronomy. Spain dominates with innovative and fire-driven cuisines, while France, Peru, and the U.S. showcase elegance and cultural fusion. Mexico, Denmark, Thailand, and Argentina add diversity and creativity. These restaurants shape dining trends in 2025, blending sustainability, artistry, and bold flavors to offer unforgettable experiences for food lovers worldwide.
