The World’s 50 Best is the most prestigious award in the culinary world, and this year I finally had the chance to attend for the very first time. If you’re just here for the list, you can find it here www.theworlds50best.com , but if you’re curious what it’s like to actually be part of all the fun, keep reading.
The Build-Up
Unlike the Oscars, which is a single-night affair, the World’s 50 Best unfolds over several days—from the opening dinner to a day of talks and presentations—before culminating in the big award ceremony. In between, chefs, influencers, PR professionals, and other invitees join collaborative dinners or explore local restaurants.
Naturally, this makes W50B more than an award show—it’s also one of the best networking events in the industry. No matter where the ceremony is held, everyone ends up flocking to the same restaurants. That effect is even more pronounced when the location is a smaller city like Torino, where you might randomly bump into famous chefs on the street or spot them grabbing a morning coffee. I can only imagine how surreal it must feel for the regular guests who suddenly find themselves surrounded by some of the best chefs in the world.
The Talks
That feeling was even stronger at the W50B Talks, which took place in a more intimate venue. As a first-timer, it was a surreal experience. Every few minutes I’d bump into another chef I’d only ever seen in their restaurant, or meet influencers I’d previously known only online.
Among the presentations, the one that stood out most was the Connaught Bar’s talk about service. I was fascinated to learn that they keep bartenders up to date on topics like watches, financial news, and the latest fashion trends—so they always have something meaningful to discuss with high-end guests. Similarly, I loved hearing Virgilio Martínez speak about cacao, especially his dedication to using every part of it in wildly different preparations—each with its own textures and flavors, yet all tied together by the single ingredient.
The Award Ceremony
Then came the big night. The dress code is black tie, just in case anyone forgets how important this event is. Of course, many chefs don’t care about that and show up however they like—but for the rest of us hangarounds, dressing up is half the fun.
And what do you talk about at these events? The obvious question: Who will win? Would Asador Etxebarri finally take the top spot, or would Maido’s big push—including a massive 500-person birthday party—pay off? As you know by now, it was the latter.
My wife always tells me to be more diplomatic, but my heart belongs to Asador Etxebarri. In my view, it’s the best restaurant in the world—not because of PR campaigns or strategy, but because they focus solely on cooking the best food possible. That said, having visited Maido three times, I can safely say it’s a world-class restaurant, even if it’s not my personal favorite.
Denmark’s Place in the Rankings
Naturally, I was also curious about Denmark’s standing. With Noma having won five times (and no longer eligible) and Geranium also at the top, Denmark’s best bet for a third winner is Alchemist. Calling it the most ambitious restaurant in the world is fair, and at number five it has a real chance at reaching the coveted number one spot.
On a personal note, I was thrilled to see Kadeau come in at number 41. Having been three times in the past year, I can say it’s richly deserved—and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it climb even higher in the years to come.
Closing Thoughts
Experiencing W50B from the inside was surreal: the mix of world-class talks, chance encounters, and, of course, the drama of the award night itself. It’s so much more than just a ranking—it’s a celebration of the people, places, and ideas shaping the food world today making it the most important foodevent in the World.
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