When it comes to naming the finest dining establishments globally, there is usually one standout champion. Yet, La Liste deviates from this tradition by awarding the top spot to nine different restaurants this year, thanks to its algorithm-based selection process.

The esteemed recipients include: Le Bernardin in the US; SingleThread in the US; L’Enclume in the United Kingdom; 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 achieving an impressive rating of 99.5.

“It’s a significant moment to showcase British culinary talent on such an esteemed platform,” remarks Simon Rogan, chef-owner of L’Enclume located in the Lake District of the UK, which has retained its No. 1 spot from last year alongside five other prestigious restaurants.

Now in its ninth year, La Liste adopts a distinctive approach that differs from other rankings. Rather than depending on anonymous judges like the Michelin Guide or individual voters as seen with the World’s 50 Best, this Paris-based organization compiles data from approximately 1,100 sources, including reviews from newspapers, magazines, guidebooks, and blogs. An algorithm is then used to create its rankings of 1,000 restaurants across 79 countries. (Their app features 35,000 restaurants from 200 countries.) The founders assert that this method offers a more objective evaluation of top rankings.

The results are largely unsurprising; the list closely mirrors a selection of the most celebrated dining venues worldwide, similar to the most popular students featured in a yearbook.

Nonetheless, La Liste also utilizes its data to highlight nations with emerging culinary scenes, with this year’s focus on England. While established British chefs may view this as a mixed accolade, co-founder and editor-in-chief Joerg Zipprick argues that it signifies long-term progress. He emphasizes that the UK’s development over the last two to three decades has been remarkably noteworthy.

Clare Smyth agrees, stating, “We’ve observed substantial culinary growth throughout the country over the past ten years.” Her London restaurant, Core by Clare Smyth, ranks alongside 28 other venues sharing the No. 5 position this year.

Zipprick notes that La Liste also examines long-term trends using its data. One trend reveals a growing disconnect between the preferences of fine diners and the current focus of chefs. This concern has been highlighted for years, and La Liste’s data now corroborates it. In response, La Liste has introduced a “Show to Table” category to recognize establishments prioritizing guest experience. Winners in this category include the Paris cabaret Bœuf sur le toit from the MOMA Group and the immersive gastro-theater Krasota in Dubai.

However, challenges persist. “This past year has experienced an unprecedented wave of closures, which is clearly reflected in our Top 1000,” states Zipprick, referring to restaurants that have dropped from the list, such as Tetsuya in Sydney and Pollen Street Social in London, due to factors like rising rents, debts from the Covid era, and increasing costs of ingredients and labor.

On a brighter note, while some iconic venues are facing difficulties, others are transforming the culinary landscape in what Zipprick describes as “the most diverse dining scene in history.” This expanding gastronomic arena has opened doors for new global hotspots, such as Kazakhstan, to gain prominence in the fine dining sector.

15 Additional 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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