Travelers of today are not merely on the hunt for stunning vistas; they seek out extraordinary culinary experiences that encapsulate the culture and heritage of the regions they visit. Culinary enthusiasts who structure their vacations around food recognize that the best restaurants in the world offer not only meals but memorable encounters, each dish crafted to tell a story and every ingredient transformed into art.
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list serves as a prestigious guide to gastronomic excellence, highlighting innovative chefs and outstanding dining establishments. In 2025, it crowned Maido in Lima, Peru, as the top restaurant, reflecting a diverse array of culinary styles and traditions from around the globe. The top ten best restaurants illustrate an international mosaic of flavors, providing travelers with compelling motivation to explore lesser-known paths away from traditional tourist hotspots.
This piece delves into the top 10 best restaurants in the world for 2025, shedding light on what makes each dining experience special, including their atmospheres, cultural significance, and why food lovers must prioritize them on their travel itineraries. Consider sharing your favorite eating spots in the comments below.
10. Don Julio – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Don Julio stands out as an iconic parrilla that honors Argentine beef. Led by Chef Pablo Rivero, this steakhouse offers meticulously grilled grass-fed beef sourced from local ranches. Patrons can also savor traditional Argentine fare, from homemade empanadas to provoleta, all paired with exceptional Malbec wines. The restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere fosters a sense of community, making it feel less like fine dining and more like a family gathering.
- Website: Don Julio
- Price Range: $60–$100 USD per person (including wine)
- Dress Code: Casual smart
- Booking: Reservations recommended 1–2 months in advance
- Travel Tip: Experience dinner during traditional parrilla hours (9–10 PM) and consider a tango show nearby.
9. Kjolle – Lima, Peru
Under the adept stewardship of Chef Pía León, Kjolle celebrates Peru’s culinary diversity through innovative dishes that feature Amazonian fruits and coastal seafood. The ambiance reflects creativity with its colorful design and natural textures, making it a counterpart to the more structured Central, inviting diners to explore Lima’s gastronomic riches.
- Website: Kjolle
- Price Range: $100–$150 USD
- Dress Code: Smart casual
- Booking: Reservations advisable 1–2 months in advance
- Travel Tip: Explore the artistic Barranco district, famous for its galleries and coastal views.
8. Table by Bruno Verjus – Paris, France
Table by Bruno Verjus offers an intimate dining experience that lets seasonal produce shine. Chef Bruno curates a daily changing menu, sourced from local farmers and artisans. The cozy atmosphere, complete with an open kitchen, allows guests to engage with authentic French cuisine.
- Website: Table by Bruno Verjus
- Price Range: $200–$250 USD
- Dress Code: Chic casual
- Booking: Recommended 2–3 months in advance
- Travel Tip: Pair your meal with a scenic Seine walk or local market visits.
7. Sézanne – Tokyo, Japan
Located in the luxurious Four Seasons Tokyo, Sézanne combines French culinary techniques with Japan’s exceptional ingredients. Chef Daniel Calvert’s menu offers exquisite seafood and rich pastries, all within a serene environment that emphasizes Japanese aesthetics.
- Website: Sézanne
- Price Range: $250–$350 USD
- Dress Code: Elegant
- Booking: Reservations advisable up to 3 months in advance
- Travel Tip: Best enjoyed during cherry blossom season (March–April) or autumn foliage (November).
6. Gaggan – Bangkok, Thailand
Gaggan is renowned for its fusion of Indian flavors with molecular gastronomy. Chef Gaggan Anand’s menu features whimsical dishes like yogurt explosions, inviting diners to engage with a playful and multifaceted culinary experience.
- Website: Gaggan
- Price Range: $200–$250 USD
- Dress Code: Smart casual
- Booking: Reservations needed 2–3 months in advance
- Travel Tip: Explore Bangkok’s vibrant night markets to complement your fine dining experience.
5. Alchemist – Copenhagen, Denmark
Alchemist offers a revolutionary dining adventure that transcends traditional dining experiences. Chef Rasmus Munk blends culinary artistry with a sensory journey featuring a transformative tasting menu of up to 50 courses, focusing on food as storytelling.
- Website: Alchemist
- Price Range: $500+ USD
- Dress Code: Formal
- Booking: Reservations recommended up to a year in advance
- Travel Tip: Dedicate 4–6 hours for the full experience and consider a pre-dinner stroll at nearby Nyhavn.
4. DiverXO – Madrid, Spain
DiverXO introduces diners to a mesmerizing world of flavor and artistic expression. Chef Dabiz Muñoz crafts a multi-sensory experience where each dish challenges culinary norms, encouraging diners to embrace adventure and creativity.
- Website: DiverXO
- Price Range: $300+ USD
- Dress Code: Smart elegant
- Booking: Reservations should be made 6–8 months in advance
- Travel Tip: Complement your culinary journey with visits to Madrid’s renowned cultural hotspots, like the Prado Museum.
3. Quintonil – Mexico City, Mexico
Quintonil offers a fresh take on traditional Mexican cuisine, artfully presenting local ingredients through modern techniques. Chef Jorge Vallejo emphasizes sustainability, allowing diners to appreciate the relationship between food culture and the environment.
- Website: Quintonil
- Price Range: $120–$150 USD
- Dress Code: Smart casual
- Booking: Reserve at least 2–3 months in advance
- Travel Tip: Explore the vibrant Roma and Condesa neighborhoods for street food and nightlife.
2. Asador Etxebarri – Atxondo, Spain
Asador Etxebarri is synonymous with masterful wood-fired cooking. Chef Victor Arguinzoniz focuses on elevating simple ingredients like seafood and meats through the mastery of flame, creating an unforgettable culinary encounter for diners.
- Website: Asador Etxebarri
- Price Range: $250–$300 USD
- Dress Code: Smart casual
- Booking: Recommended 3–6 months in advance
- Travel Tip: Consider an overnight stay in Bilbao to explore Basque pintxos.
1. Maido – Lima, Peru
Maido combines Japanese and Peruvian culinary traditions through the innovative Nikkei cuisine conceptualized by Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura. The dishes tell a compelling story of cultural fusion, inviting diners to experience Peru’s rich gastronomic landscape through artful presentations.
- Website: Maido
- Price Range: $150–$250 USD
- Dress Code: Smart casual
- Booking: Reservations should be made 3–4 months in advance
- Travel Tip: Enjoy a meal after visiting Lima’s Mercado Surquillo for a full cultural immersion.
These ten exceptional restaurants go beyond being mere dining establishments; they are experiences that reshape our understanding of food and culture. Each restaurant has earned its reputation by providing something distinct—from the elemental cooking at Asador Etxebarri to the immersive artistry at Alchemist. As food enthusiasts embark on their culinary adventures, these must-visit dining spots promise both unforgettable meals and a deeper appreciation of their respective cultures. Always plan ahead, relish each bite, and embrace the sensory journey of fine dining.
