In the realm of the world’s best restaurants, there is often a singular standout. Yet, La Liste challenges this convention by recognizing nine different restaurants this year through a process grounded in algorithmic analysis.
The top honorees this year include: Le Bernardin in the US; SingleThread in the US; L’Enclume in the UK; Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl in Switzerland; La Vague d’Or in France; Guy Savoy in France; Schwarzwaldstube in Germany; Matsukawa in Japan; and Lung King Heen in Hong Kong, all of which earned a stellar score of 99.5.
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“It’s significant to showcase British culinary talent on a global platform,” remarks Simon Rogan, chef-owner of L’Enclume in the Lake District, which has held its No. 1 position from last year, alongside five other distinguished dining locations.
Now in its ninth year, La Liste employs a unique approach compared to other rankings. Rather than depending on anonymous critics like Michelin or individual votes as seen in the World’s 50 Best, this Paris-based organization compiles information from around 1,100 sources, including newspaper critiques, magazine articles, guidebooks, and blogs. Utilizing an algorithm, it ranks 1,000 restaurants from 79 different countries. (Their app features an extensive 35,000 restaurants across 200 countries.) The founders argue this method results in a more impartial assessment of top eateries.
The results are largely anticipated; the list resembles a showcase of the most famous restaurants worldwide, akin to the most popular students in a yearbook.
Nonetheless, La Liste also uses its data to highlight countries with emerging culinary scenes. This year’s distinction goes to England. While established British chefs may view this as a double-edged compliment, co-founder and editor-in-chief Joerg Zipprick asserts it signifies ongoing growth. He notes that the UK has experienced a remarkable transformation over the past 20-30 years.
Clare Smyth agrees, stating, “We have seen significant gastronomic evolution across the country in the last decade.” Her London-based establishment, Core by Clare Smyth, ranks among 28 restaurants sharing the No. 5 position this year.
Zipprick emphasizes that La Liste also examines long-term trends. One such trend indicates a widening gap between fine diners’ expectations and chefs’ current priorities. This concern has been apparent for years, and La Liste’s data now corroborates this. In response, La Liste has introduced a “Show to Table” category, celebrating venues that focus on guest experience. Notable winners in this category include the Paris cabaret Bœuf sur le toit from the MOMA Group and the immersive gastronomic theater Krasota in Dubai.
However, challenges persist. “The previous year has seen an extraordinary number of closures. This trend is reflected in our Top 1000,” notes Zipprick, citing notable restaurants like Tetsuya in Sydney and Pollen Street Social in London that have dropped off the list due to rising rents, pandemic-era debts, and escalating food and labor costs.
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On a positive note, while some iconic restaurants face difficulties, others are reshaping the culinary landscape, which Zipprick describes as “the most diverse dining scene in history.” The evolving gastronomic world has opened doors for new global destinations, including Kazakhstan, which is gaining recognition in fine dining.
15 Other Restaurants That Are Top Ranked in Their Country
Australia: Vue de Monde
Belgium: Boury
Denmark: Geranium
Italy: Atelier Moessmer Norbert Niederkofler
Mexico: Quintonil
Monaco: Le Louis XV by Alain Ducasse
The Netherlands: De Librije
Peru: Maido
Portugal: Ocean
Singapore: Odette
South Korea (tie): Mingles and La Yeon
Spain: Martín Berasategui
Sweden: Frantzén
Thailand: Baan Tepa Culinary Space
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