With El Bulli gone which resturant will be crowned the new king?
This week saw the closure of El Bulli, a restaurant in Spain which was regarded as the very best in the world.
Foodies around the globe are mourning the loss of this exclusive eatery, and with a waiting list of more than 3000 people, many never even got the chance to try it.
Despite a meal costing an average of 250 euros, tables were always in high demand, but for a chance to taste cuisine in a restaurant described as ‘the most imaginative generator of haute cuisine on the planet’, it seemed a small price to pay.
Mary Porter, Skyscanner PR Manager and one half of Edinburgh’s most exclusive pop-up restaurant Kitchen Portercommented:
“Like many foodies, I’d been trying to get a coveted table for years, and now sadly I’ll never get the chance to experience Ferran’s almost mythical menu. It is of course a great loss, but I am hopeful that his cuisine academy will produce many more talented chefs keen to take over El Bulli’s crown.”
With El Bulli gone, flight comparison website Skyscanner reveals which restaurants are now waiting in the wings to take the title of world’s best.
1. Noma, Copenhagen, Denmark
According to Restaurant Magazine’s ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ award, Noma, a Copenhagen based bistro has already taken the crown of the best restaurant on earth. Offering a ‘personal rendition of Nordic gourmet’, Noma serves outstanding Scandinavian cuisine such as Icelandic skyr curd and Greenland musk ox, from its 18th century warehouse location in the old Christianshavn district of town.
2. The Fat Duck, Maidenhead, UK
Run by celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal,The Fat Duck promises to please more than just your taste buds. Taking the food experience one sensory step further, Blumenthal specialises in eating experiences that include stimulation of your sight, smell and sound senses, as well as taste and texture.
3. Mugaritz, Otazulueta Baserria, Spain
Like the now departed El Bulli, Mugartizuses the appliance of science to create – as their chef puts it – a ‘techno-emotional’ approach to eating. Located in a beautiful, chalet-style building, Mugaritz food is all based on seasonal produce and a specialised, personalised menu which is so exclusive that the details are not revealed until you get there.
4. Nihonryori Ryugin, Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan
This Tokyo based restaurant is the highest climber in the ‘World’s Best’ list and delights in Avant-garde techniques, serving a selection of dishes built entirely around the seasons. Taking great care to preserve the integrity of traditional Japanese cooking techniques and ingredients, Nihonryori Ryugin asks guests to avoid wearing strong perfumes which may compromise the exquisite eating experience.
5. In De Wulf, Dranouter, Belgium
In De Wulf goes for a seasonal menu that changes each month. Run by chef Kobe Desramaults, the menus are a ‘sophisticated synthesis of flavours’ influenced by Flemish roots and the sea. Giving earthy ingredients a prominent position, guests can expect to dine on dishes such as Beef ‘West-Vlaamsrood’ aged 5 years, turbot and razor clams, or ‘Oosterschelde’ lobster.
6. D.O.M, Sao Paulo, Brazil
D.O.M. has been deemed the best restaurant in South America and a must-visit on the global foodie circuit. Alex Atala scours the country to pepper his menus with unusual, indigenous ingredients from the Amazon basin, including tucupi, a plant extract that must be boiled for at least 20 minutes to remove the cyanide, and jambu, a local herb that delivers an electrical sensation through the body when chewed.
7. Varvary, Moscow, Russia
Blending traditional Russian food with new and exciting cuisine, Varvary in Moscow is one Restaurant that gastro-experts are watching closely. With typical Muscovite extravagance, Chef Antaoly Komm offers a 12 course ‘Gastronomic Show’ or mains such as Borscht with Foie Gras, and Turkey Heart Kebab.
8. Vistas, Monre-Rei Golf and Country Club, Vila Nova de Cacela, Portugal
Run by Jamie Perez who previously chefed at El Bulli, Vistas certainly has the right pedigree to be amongst the world’s best restaurants. Sourcing only the freshest local ingredients for his Mediterranean menu, guests can choose from such culinary delights such as pear purée, spiced bread, lamb sweetbreads or cuttlefish tagliatelle.
9. Quay, Sydney, Australia
Keeping hold of it’s coveted ‘Three Hats’ from Australia’s Good Food Guide for nine years in a row, Sydney’s Quayrestaurant is the best in Australia. Sat on the harbour, diners enjoy Sydney’s most spectacular views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge whilst enjoying the food created by head chef Peter Gilmore. Choose from delights such as sashimi scallops, poached squid noodles, and Berkshire pig jowl, on a menu that ‘celebrates the diversity of nature’.
10. The Ledbury, Notting Hill, London
The highest new entry on the ‘World’s Best’ list, The Ledbury is ‘small but perfectly formed’. Having already gained many accolades including a coveted second Michelin Star, Australian chef Brett Graham (who won the Catey 2011 chef award) takes elements of French cuisine and uses traditional British ingredients to create his award-winning menu. Dishes include Hampshire Buffalo Milk Curd, Roast John Dory and Confit leg of Pigeon.
