The 2026 list of the world’s best restaurants has been announced, with a Bangkok-based restaurant led by Kolkata-born chef Gaggan Anand securing the second position globally. The rankings were revealed at an awards ceremony in Lima, Peru, with Spain’s Asador Etxebarri taking the top spot.
A Brief History of The 50 Best Restaurants
The list first appeared in British magazine Restaurant in 2002, based on the recommendations of 150 experts. The brand is now owned and managed by UK-based media company William Reed. Over the years, the rankings have grown in international recognition, with restaurants such as Noma in Copenhagen, El Celler de Can Roca in Girona and Osteria Francescana in Modena among the previous No. 1 establishments.
In 2019, the organisation introduced the “Best of the Best” category for restaurants that had previously topped the global ranking. These establishments are no longer eligible for the annual list, allowing other restaurants to compete for the top position.
The rankings have also expanded beyond the global list, with regional editions such as Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants and Middle East and North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants. The wider 50 Best brand also includes rankings and awards covering bars, hotels and vineyards. In September 2026, the organisation brought its portfolio together under the unified name The 50.
Top 5 Restaurants in the World in 2026
Asador Etxebarri – Atxondo, Spain
Set as an 18th-century farmhouse in the mountains of Atxondo, Spain by chief Bittor Arginzoniz
Gaggan – Bangkok, Thailand
Gaggan, led by Kolkata-born chef Gaggan Anand, secured the second position and was also named the Best Restaurant in Asia 2026, featuring progressive Indian cuisine
Alchemist – Copenhagen, Denmark
A one-of-a-kind restaurant under a planetarium dome located in Copenhagen's famous former shipyard is an exquisite experience in itself by chef Rasmus Munk
Quintonil – Mexico City, Mexico
Named best restaurant in Latin America, expressing Mexican flavors, named after a Mexican herb that the restaurant features across the menu
Wing – Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, China, showcasing the chef's expertise in seafood and Chinese cuisine by Chef Vicky Cheng. It is a refined fine dining experience
Indian Restaurants in the 2026 Rankings
India also secured two places in this year’s top 50, with Mumbai’s Masque and NAAR in Kasauli making it to the global list. According to the published rankings, this is the first time since 2007 that restaurants based in India have featured in the top 50.
26th place – Masque, Mumbai, India
Located in a former textile mill in Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi area, Masque was founded by entrepreneur Aditi Dugar, with chef Varun Totlani leading its kitchen.
The restaurant is known for its ingredient-driven approach and seasonal tasting menus, which combine traditional Indian culinary influences with contemporary techniques. Its menus draw on ingredients sourced from local farmers, producers and foraging trips, with an emphasis on highlighting the variety of Indian produce.
Masque also established Masque Lab in 2020 as its research and development kitchen, focusing on experimenting with ingredients, techniques and new dishes.
49th place – NAAR, Kasauli, India
NAAR is a restaurant in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, founded by chef Prateek Sadhu. Its name comes from the Kashmiri word for fire, reflecting the restaurant’s focus on Himalayan food traditions and cooking.
NAAR describes its approach as Himalayan-forward cuisine, bringing together ingredients, culinary practices and food cultures from across the mountain region. The restaurant works with local producers and communities to highlight regional ingredients and indigenous food knowledge.
Along with its 49th-place ranking, NAAR also received the 2026 Sustainable Restaurant Award from The 50 Best Restaurants.
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