Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: Top 10 Best Restaurants in the World (2025)
Travelers today are not just seeking destinations to explore—they are also searching for extraordinary dining experiences that embody the culture, creativity, and traditions of each place they visit. For those who plan their journeys around food, knowing where to find the best restaurants in the world is essential. These are not simply places to eat; they are temples of gastronomy where every dish tells a story, every ingredient is elevated to art, and every visit becomes a memory worth savoring.
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list has become a global benchmark for fine dining, shining a spotlight on chefs who push culinary boundaries and restaurants that define excellence. In 2025, the rankings highlighted a remarkable mix of innovation and tradition, with Maido in Lima, Peru, taking the crown as the number one restaurant in the world. From Latin America to Europe and Asia, the top ten reflect a truly international spread, giving travelers compelling reasons to explore far beyond the usual tourist routes.
This article takes you through the top 10 best restaurants in the world for 2025, exploring not only what makes their food special but also the atmosphere, the cultural connections, and the reasons why every food lover should add them to their travel bucket list. What’s your favorite restaurant in the world? Leave a comment.
10. Don Julio – Buenos Aires, Argentina
No list of the best restaurants in the world would be complete without a proper parrilla, and Don Julio in Buenos Aires stands as the ultimate celebration of Argentine beef. Chef Pablo Rivero has elevated the traditional steakhouse into a world-class dining experience while preserving its authenticity. The restaurant is famous for its perfectly grilled cuts of grass-fed beef, sourced from local ranches and cooked over open flames. Beyond the steaks, Don Julio offers a range of Argentine classics, from handmade empanadas to provoleta (grilled provolone cheese), all paired with exceptional Malbec wines from Mendoza. The lively, welcoming atmosphere makes it feel more like a community gathering than a formal fine-dining venue, which is precisely its charm. For travelers, Don Julio provides not just a taste of Argentina’s food culture but also a window into its soul, where hospitality, tradition, and passion come together around the table.
- Restaurant website: Don Julio
- Price Range: $$–$$$ (steak dinners around $60–$100 USD per person with wine).
- Dress Code: Casual smart; jeans and shirts are common, but polished attire is welcomed.
- Booking: Book 1–2 months in advance, or line up early for a chance at walk-in seating.
- Travel Tip: Visit during Argentina’s parrilla tradition hours (late dinners around 9–10 PM) and pair the experience with a tango show in Palermo or San Telmo.
9. Kjolle – Lima, Peru
Led by chef Pía León, Kjolle is another gem from Lima that showcases why Peru has become one of the world’s most exciting food destinations. Unlike her work at Central, where menus are carefully structured around ecosystems and altitudes, Kjolle offers more freedom and spontaneity, highlighting Peru’s rich biodiversity in bold and colorful ways. Expect dishes featuring Amazonian fruits, Andean tubers, and coastal seafood, all arranged with artistic flair. The restaurant’s design mirrors this philosophy, with bright colors, natural textures, and a lively yet refined atmosphere. For travelers, Kjolle offers an approachable but no less impressive counterpart to Central, making Lima a city where one could spend days simply exploring its best restaurants.
- Restaurant website: Kjolle
- Price Range: $$$ (menus around $100–$150 USD).
- Dress Code: Smart casual; relaxed yet polished.
- Booking: Reserve 1–2 months in advance; slightly easier to book than Central.
- Travel Tip: Explore Lima’s Barranco district nearby, known for its bohemian vibe, art galleries, and coastal views.
8. Table by Bruno Verjus – Paris, France
In a city already overflowing with culinary icons, Table by Bruno Verjus has distinguished itself as a haven of simplicity, authenticity, and elegance. Chef Bruno Verjus focuses on letting the finest seasonal produce speak for itself, often sourcing directly from farmers, fishermen, and artisans he knows personally. The result is a menu that changes daily, reflecting the natural rhythm of the seasons. Dishes are deceptively straightforward, such as ripe tomatoes drizzled with olive oil or langoustines grilled to perfection. Yet behind that simplicity lies incredible skill and attention to detail. The intimate setting, with its open kitchen and warm atmosphere, creates the sense of dining in a chef’s private home rather than a Michelin-starred restaurant. For travelers, Table offers not just refined French cuisine but also a chance to connect with the heart of Parisian hospitality.
- Restaurant website: Table by Bruno Verjus
- Price Range: $$$$ (menus range $200–$250 USD).
- Dress Code: Chic Parisian casual; stylish attire fits the intimate ambiance.
- Booking: 2–3 months in advance; smaller restaurant, so seats go quickly.
- Travel Tip: Combine your visit with a stroll along the Seine or a stop at local markets like Marché d’Aligre for a Parisian food-lover’s day.
7. Sézanne – Tokyo, Japan
Located inside the Four Seasons Tokyo, Sézanne offers a seamless blend of French refinement and Japanese elegance. Chef Daniel Calvert draws upon his experience in Michelin-starred kitchens around the world to create a menu that highlights French technique while celebrating Japan’s exceptional ingredients. Expect delicate seafood preparations, rich foie gras terrines, and perfectly executed pastries, all paired with an extensive champagne collection that adds a touch of luxury. The dining room exudes calm sophistication, with minimalist design and soft lighting that reflect Japanese aesthetics. Sézanne offers a quieter, more contemplative fine dining experience compared to some of the more theatrical restaurants on this list. For travelers to Tokyo, it represents an opportunity to enjoy world-class cuisine while experiencing the city’s devotion to precision, beauty, and detail in every aspect of life.
- Restaurant website: Sézanne
- Price Range: $$$$ (tasting menu approx. $250–$350 USD).
- Dress Code: Elegant and refined; jackets or dresses recommended in line with Tokyo’s fine dining culture.
- Booking: 2–3 months in advance; easier for weekday lunches.
- Travel Tip: Time your visit with cherry blossom season (March–April) or autumn foliage (November) for a magical Tokyo experience.
6. Gaggan – Bangkok, Thailand
Gaggan has become a global icon by showing that Indian food can be both deeply traditional and boldly futuristic. Chef Gaggan Anand has carved out his own niche in the culinary world by combining India’s vibrant spices with molecular gastronomy and playful creativity. His menus often use emojis instead of dish names, challenging diners to guess what they are eating until the flavors reveal themselves. Signature experiences include yogurt explosions, curry bombs, and whimsical desserts shaped like chili peppers. Yet beyond the showmanship, what keeps Gaggan among the best restaurants in the world is the undeniable depth of flavor. Each dish pays homage to the richness of India’s culinary heritage while taking it to new frontiers. The lively atmosphere of Bangkok adds to the adventure, making this a destination that blends fun, artistry, and unforgettable food.
- Restaurant website: Gaggan
- Price Range: $$$ (tasting menu around $200–$250 USD).
- Dress Code: Smart casual; tropical weather means lightweight attire is acceptable.
- Booking: Reserve 2–3 months ahead.
- Travel Tip: Explore Bangkok’s bustling night markets or river cruises to balance Gaggan’s avant-garde dining with street food adventures.
5. Alchemist – Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s Alchemist is redefining what it means to dine at the best restaurants in the world by creating an experience that transcends food. Chef Rasmus Munk describes his approach as “holistic cuisine,” blending gastronomy, science, art, and social commentary. Guests enter a vast dome where immersive visuals, sounds, and lighting accompany a tasting menu that can extend over 50 courses. The result is a sensory journey unlike anything else on the planet. Each dish is designed to provoke thought as much as pleasure. Some highlight environmental concerns or social issues, while others dazzle with technical brilliance and creative flair. Imagine edible balloons that float to your table or dishes inspired by bioluminescence. Dining at Alchemist is not simply about taste—it is about experiencing food as a medium for storytelling and transformation. The exclusivity of the restaurant, with limited seating and long waiting lists, makes it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for travelers willing to seek out the extraordinary.
- Restaurant website: Alchemist
- Price Range: $$$$$ (50-course experience around $500+ USD per person).
- Dress Code: Formal or smart elegant; it matches the immersive theater-like setting.
- Booking: Reserve up to a year in advance; cancellations are rare.
- Travel Tip: Dedicate your entire evening—dining here often lasts 4–6 hours. Nearby Nyhavn harbor is perfect for a pre-dinner stroll.
4. Diverxo – Madrid, Spain
Madrid’s Diverxo is unlike any other restaurant in the world. Chef Dabiz Muñoz has created a dining experience that is as much performance art as it is fine dining. From the moment you step inside, you are transported into a surreal world filled with butterflies, dragons, and whimsical designs that reflect the boldness of the menu. The tasting experience is adventurous and theatrical, featuring unexpected pairings such as Iberian pork dumplings with chili crab sauce or dishes inspired by Muñoz’s travels across Asia and Latin America. What makes Diverxo unforgettable is the sense of unpredictability. Guests never quite know what will arrive at the table, and that is the point. Muñoz challenges conventions of what food should look and taste like, inviting diners into a playful yet deeply thoughtful culinary dialogue. A visit here requires both time and curiosity, as the meal unfolds in multiple acts, much like a theatrical performance. For adventurous foodies, Diverxo is a must—not just a dinner, but an artistic and cultural event.
- Restaurant website: Diverxo
- Price Range: $$$$ (tasting menus $300+ USD).
- Dress Code: Smart elegant; many diners dress formally given the theatrical atmosphere.
- Booking: Reserve 6–8 months in advance; one of the toughest reservations in Europe.
- Travel Tip: Pair your visit with Madrid’s cultural highlights like the Prado Museum or Reina Sofía before indulging in DiverXO’s artistry.
3. Quintonil – Mexico City, Mexico
Quintonil represents the vibrant spirit of modern Mexican cuisine, where ancient traditions are reimagined through contemporary techniques and sustainable practices. Chef Jorge Vallejo draws from Mexico’s immense biodiversity to craft a menu that showcases the country’s unique ingredients in fresh and exciting ways. Dishes such as cactus sorbet, spider-crab mole, and guacamole made with escamoles (ant larvae) highlight how deep culinary creativity can emerge from indigenous food culture. The restaurant’s name itself comes from a native herb used in Mexican kitchens, symbolizing its deep roots in authenticity. Quintonil is not just a restaurant—it is a movement toward conscious dining, where small farmers and urban gardens play a central role in bringing food from soil to table. The intimate setting of the restaurant allows guests to feel connected to both the chef’s philosophy and the country’s culinary heritage. For travelers, a meal here offers not only extraordinary flavors but also an education in the beauty and resilience of Mexican gastronomy.
- Restaurant website: Quintonil
- Price Range: $$$ (tasting menu around $120–$150 USD).
- Dress Code: Smart casual; relaxed atmosphere but stylish attire suits the setting.
- Booking: Reserve 2–3 months in advance; easier for weekday lunches.
- Travel Tip: Explore the Roma and Condesa neighborhoods nearby for street food, art, and nightlife.
2. Asador Etxebarri – Atxondo, Spain
Nestled in the green valleys of Spain’s Basque Country, Asador Etxebarri is the kind of restaurant that makes food lovers travel thousands of miles just to experience the magic of fire. Chef Victor Arguinzoniz has built a culinary philosophy around wood, smoke, and flame, creating dishes that are both rustic and profoundly refined. The restaurant’s menu is deceptively simple, featuring ingredients like fresh prawns, homemade chorizo, and aged beef. Yet when kissed by the chef’s custom-made grills, they take on a depth of flavor that is impossible to replicate elsewhere. Dining at Asador Etxebarri feels like a return to the roots of cooking, where mastery lies not in elaborate techniques but in allowing nature and fire to speak for themselves. The surrounding village of Atxondo enhances the experience, offering breathtaking views of the Basque landscape that match the purity of the cuisine. A visit here is more than just a meal—it is a pilgrimage for anyone who believes in the power of simplicity done perfectly. Pairing a trip with local vineyard tours or a stay in Bilbao makes the journey even more rewarding.
- Restaurant website: Asador Etxebarri
- Price Range: $$$$ (tasting menu approx. $250–$300 USD).
- Dress Code: Smart casual; comfortable shoes are helpful if you explore the village.
- Booking: Book at least 3–6 months ahead; limited seating and remote location.
- Travel Tip: Stay overnight in Bilbao or San Sebastián to combine with Basque pintxos tours.
1. Maido – Lima, Peru
Lima has long been considered the culinary capital of South America, and Maido has cemented that reputation by combining two rich culinary traditions: Japanese precision and Peruvian passion. Chef Mitsuharu “Micha” Tsumura has perfected Nikkei cuisine, a fusion born from Japanese immigration to Peru, and transformed it into one of the most celebrated dining experiences on the planet. At Maido, the menu is a celebration of contrasts: delicate sashimi paired with tropical fruits, Amazonian fish infused with Japanese dashi, and rice dishes elevated with Peruvian chilies and herbs. What sets Maido apart is not only the ingenuity of its dishes but also the seamless way it tells the story of cultural blending. Each plate embodies centuries of history, yet the presentations are modern and refined. The minimalist décor, with clean lines and warm tones, creates a calm backdrop that lets the food shine. For travelers, Maido is more than a meal—it is a deep dive into Peru’s identity, expressed through flavor and creativity. Given its global acclaim, reservations are essential, often months in advance, so those planning a trip to Lima should make Maido a cornerstone of their itinerary.
- Restaurant website: Maido
- Price Range: $$$$ (tasting menu around $150–$250 USD per person).
- Dress Code: Smart casual; jackets not required but polished attire recommended.
- Booking: Reserve at least 3–4 months in advance.
- Travel Tip: Plan your meal after visiting Lima’s Mercado Surquillo or take a Nikkei cooking class for added context.
Final Thoughts
These ten restaurants are more than just places to eat—they are experiences that shape the way we think about food, culture, and travel. Each of them has earned its place among the best restaurants in the world by offering something unique, whether it is the fire-grilled mastery of Asador Etxebarri, the immersive artistry of Alchemist, or the heartfelt simplicity of Table in Paris. For travelers who view food as a central part of their adventures, planning a journey around these destinations will ensure not only unforgettable meals but also a deeper connection to the places they represent. Whether you are drawn to Peru’s culinary revolution, Europe’s avant-garde experiments, or Asia’s refined elegance, the world’s top restaurants offer endless opportunities to taste, learn, and be amazed. Just remember to book well in advance, savor every bite, and approach each experience with curiosity. After all, dining at the best restaurants in the world is not just about eating—it is about embarking on a journey of the senses.
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