What’s the best restaurant in the world? It’s a great dinner party question, and one that might provoke much discussion – everyone has an opinion on their favorite. But if you want to know what the critics think (and get a decisive answer) then look no further than the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, which has just been released for 2024.  

Introducing the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 

Founded in 2002, the World’s 50 Best Restaurants aims to celebrated the richness and diversity of the world’s culinary landscape. Each year a snapshot of global gastronomy is curated by a panel of 1,080 culinary experts. those on the panel can’t vote for any restaurant they have an economic interest in, and they must have eaten at restaurants that won their votes in the previous 19 months. As a go-to for the best culinary destinations as well as the latest gastronomic trends across the globe, the World’s 50 Best Restauratns is one of the best. 

The highest ranking restaurants in each continent were given a special mention. The best restaurant in Africa was La Colombe. Atomix was the highest ranking restaurant in North America, and the highest ranking restaurant in Asia was Gaggan. The best restaurant in South America for 2024 is Maido. And the best restaurant in Europe, and the winner of The World’s Best Restaurant in 2024, is Disfrutar in Barcelona.  

Below, we’ve chosen five restaurants in countries you can travel to with Luxury Gold. If gastronomic experiences are at the top of your travel list, consider extending your stay in these countries on your Luxury Gold journey – though, needless to say, with an accolade like this make sure you reserve a table well in advance!  

Disfruta 

Barcelona, Spain

 

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Taking the top spot and now the best restaurant in the world is Barcelona’s Disfrutar. It seems as though its fate was always intertwined with the award, as its three owners, Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch and Mateu Casañas, met at the legendary El Bulli which reached No.1 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants five times. Disfrutar opened in 2014 in the Eixample district of Barcelona, serving food in a light-drenched, white-washed dining room and sun-dappled terrace at the rear. 

Choose from two parallel menus on offer, both with around 30 courses. The Classic option is a greatest hits album featuring the chefs’ favorite dishes from the last decade, where you can catch the famously indulgent caviar-filled Panchino doughnut, or the brilliant frozen gazpacho sandwich. On the other hand, the Festival menu is the latest manifestation of the team’s unbounded creativity, always backed with meticulous culinary research. 

What did the judges say? 

“The combination of brilliantly imaginative dishes, unsurpassed technical mastery and playful presentation results in the dining experience of a lifetime, as full of surprises as it is memories. Table theatre and interaction are frequent, executed with a blend of professionalism and humour. Disfrutar remains at the forefront of gastronomic thinking, creating an experience as fun as it is inspired.” 

Our 13-day Spain & Portugal in Style journey embarks from Barcelona. Why not arrive a day early and experience one of the world’s best restaurants for yourself on a luxury Spain vacation? 

Table by Bruno Verjus 

Paris, France 

 

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Taking third place is Table (pronounced a la Française), opened by Bruno Verjus 10 years ago following a career as a journalist, food writer and blogger. The space features a wave-designed counter with private nooks and an open kitchen, allowing guests to follow every gesture and plating, including the “Colours of the Day” – a daily dish of seasonal herbs and vegetables. With an ever-changing seasonal menu, diners can watch as founder Verjus serves green asparagus poached with seaweed or prepares lobster with sugar snap peas, nettle, and caper remoulade. Friendly service and fabulous wine support the incredible food, and Table achieved the rare feat of entering the top 10 on its first appearance in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2023, climbing even higher in 2024. 

Our Luxury France guided tours end in Paris, so you can catch Verjus working his magic at Table on your Luxury Gold journey. 

Maido 

Lima, Peru 

 

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Maido is an elegant restaurant found in Lima’s trendy Miraflores neighborhood. It’s been making waves since respected chef Mitsuharu ‘Micha’ Tsumura opened it in 2009, combining Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients into Nikkei cuisine. Guests can choose from either a tasting or à la carte menu. Make sure to look our for delicacies like The Triple, a combination of avocado, eggs, tomato and chashu (braised pork belly); and caracoles al sillao (soy sauce), sea snails, with yellow chili foam and Nikkei sauce. Not only has the restaurant scooped up 5th place, but chef Micha also took home the Estrella Damm Chefs’ Choice Award, a peer-voted accolade honoring chefs who make a positive contribution to the global culinary scene each year. 

Our Luxury Treasures of the Incas tour starts and ends in Lima, so why not visit Maido on your trip with Luxury Gold? 

Alchemist 

Copenhagen, Denmark 

 

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Taking 8th place on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants is Alchemist, a completely immersive and thoroughly unusual restaurant found in Refshaleøen, a relatively remote part of Copenhagen. Enter through two-tonne-heavy bronze doors which automatically swing open, signalling the beginning of what can only be called a show. The theatrical and immersive dining experience, led by Rasmus Munk, takes place under a domed roof with various graphics which change according to the dishes. Expect flavorful food made with exceptional produce, with a side of environmental awareness 

Our 12-day Luxury Scandinavia guided tour begins in Copenhagen, where you can experience this other-worldly restaurant for yourself. 

Don Julio 

Buenos Aires, Argentina 

 

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Taking 10th place is Pablo Rivero’s Don Julio, which he opened during his early 20s in 1999. After 25 years it’s still a family-run affair, showcasing Argentinian cuisine to the world through Rivero’s dedication to organic agriculture and local produce. As it originally opened as a neighborhood parrilla (an Argentinian steakhouse), it’s no surprise that specialty steak is highly prized here, meanwhile executive chef Guido Tassi designs the menu ‘around the seed,’ focusing on seasonal crops. Pair your meal with one of the 14,000 Argentine wine labels in the restaurant’s cellar –  Rivero also took home the Beronia World’s Best Sommelier Award 2024 at The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.  

Our 12-day luxury South America tour spends three nights in Buenos Aires – why not book ahead and secure Don Julio for one of your evenings? 

Lido 84 

Gardone Riviera, Italy 

Coming in 12th place on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants is Lido 84, serving quintessentially Italian food with a twist. Years of research into local ingredients, old recipe books, and international cooking techniques, combined with a love for art and a customer-first philosophy, have turned Riccardo and Giancarlo Camanini’s restaurant into a masterpiece. Housed in a former lido, the building was bought and transformed by the Camaninis in 2013 with unparalleled views of Lake Garda. The dining room is decorated with eclectic art pieces, and when the weather is good guests can dine out on the terrace overlooking the lake. Expect to be warmly welcomed by Giancarlo’s exceptional service, and enjoy Riccardo’s exquisite culinary creations. 

Our Luxury Italy guided tour finishes in Venice, just an hour or so from Lake Garda. Why not extend your stay and try this award-winning Italian food for yourself? 

What are the World’s 50 Best Restaurants? 

Find the full list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants below. 

1. Disfrutar, Barcelona
2. Asador Etxebarri, Atxondo, Spain
3. Table by Bruno Verjus, Paris
4. Diverxo, Madrid
5. Maido, Lima
6. Atomix, New York
7. Quintonil, Mexico City
8. Alchemist, Copenhagen
9. Gaggan, Bangkok
10. Don Julio, Buenos Aires
11. Septime, Paris
12. Lido 84, Gardone Riviera
13. Trèsind Studio, Dubai
14. Quique Dacosta, Dénia
15. Sézanne, Tokyo
16. Kjolle, Lima
17. Kol, London
18. Plénitude, Paris
19. Reale, Castel di Sangro
20. Wing, Hong Kong
21. Florilège, Tokyo
22. Steirereck, Vienna
23. Sühring, Bangkok
24. Odette, Singapore
25. El Chato, Bogotá
26. The Chairman, Hong Kong
27. A Casa do Porco, São Paulo
28. Elkano, Getaria
29. Boragó, Santiago
30. Restaurant Tim Raue, Berlin
31. Belcanto, Lisbon
32. Den, Tokyo
33. Pujol, Mexico City
34. Rosetta, Mexico City
35. Frantzen, Stockholm
36. The Jane, Antwerp
37. Oteque, Rio
38. Sorn, Bangkok
39. Piazza Duomo, Alba
40. Le Du, Bangkok
41. Mayta, Lima
42. Ikoyi, London
43. Nobelhart & Schmutzig, Berlin
44. Mingles, Seoul
45. Arpege, Paris
46. Single Thread, Healdsburg
47. Schloss Schauenstein, Fürstenau
48. Hisa Franko, Kobarid
49. La Colombe, Cape Town
50. Uliassi, Senigallia

For wine lovers, tasting wine isn’t just about sipping and swallowing; it’s an art form that engages all your senses. Whether you’re a novice wine enthusiast or a seasoned connoisseur, understanding the fundamentals of how to taste wine can enrich your appreciation of this ancient libation. From holding the glass to swirling the wine, there’s something deeply engaging about the experience. So, if you’re ready to elevate your wine-tasting experience to the level of a sommelier, we’ve put together a guide to help you get started.

Discover more about Luxury Gold’s Exceptional Dining offering.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the intricacies of how to taste wine, it’s essential to grasp the basics. Wine tasting involves observing the wine’s appearance, assessing its aroma, savoring its flavor, and evaluating its finish. Each step provides valuable insights into the wine’s character and quality.

1. Visual Examination

Begin by pouring a small amount of wine into a clear glass. Take your glass by the stem and hold it against a white background. Observe the wine’s color, clarity and viscosity. White wines range from pale straw to golden yellow, while red wines can vary from light ruby to deep purple. Swirl the wine gently to release its aromas and observe any legs or tears that form on the glass.

2. Aromatic Assessment

Next, bring the wine in your glass to your nose and inhale deeply. Take note of the bouquet, the wine’s smell, which encompasses its various aromas. Swirl the wine again to intensify the aromas before smelling it once more. Pay attention to fruit, floral, herbal and spice notes, as well as any oak or earthy undertones. Wine aromoas can also provide clues about its grape varietal, age and winemaking techniques.

3. Palate Pleasure

Now it’s time to taste the wine. Take a small sip and let it coat your entire palate. Notice the wine’s texture, acidity, sweetness and tannins. Is it light-bodied or full-bodied? Crisp and refreshing or smooth and velvety? Identify the primary flavors and secondary characteristics, such as minerality or oak influence. Consider the wine’s balance, complexity and length on the palate

4. Evaluating the Finish

Finally, assess the wine’s finish, also known as its aftertaste. Paying attention to how long the flavor lingers on your palate, is it pleasant and lingering or abrupt and short-lived? A wine’s finish can reveal additional nuances and insights into its overall quality and aging potential.

In Chile, visit Kingston Family Winery, a small boutique winery located in Casablanca Valley for an introduction to and tasting of their exquisite wines. on Classic South America.

For the ultimate wine tasting experience in Italy, ready about our Founder’s Collection: An exclusive invitation from La Famiglia Mazzei, a Tuscan wine dynasty

Developing Your Wine Palate

Becoming proficient at wine tasting takes time and practice. Key to the tasting experience is development of the pallette. For most people, chances are you’ve never really considered your palate. Our tongues hold up to 4,000 taste buds in five regions, but that is not the only place we taste. Here are some tips to help you hone your palate and refine your sensory skills:

Taste Widely: Explore a diverse range of wines from different regions, grape varieties, and styles. Experiment with both red and white wines to exoercise your tatse buds, as well as sparkling and dessert wines, to expand your tastepalate. Older wines often taste smoother and richer.

Take Notes: Keep a wine journal to record tasting notes of your experiences, including the wines you’ve tried, your observations and your preferences. Documenting your impressions can help you identify patterns and enhance your abilities of how to taste wine over time.

Seek Guidance: Attend wine tastings, classes, and workshops led by knowledgeable sommeliers and wine professionals. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance from experts who can offer valuable insights and recommendations.

Trust Your Senses: While tasting wine like a sommelier involves analyzing its various components, it’s also important to trust your instincts and enjoy the experience.

In Tuscany, take a private tour of the Guardastelle estate with a wine expert to learn about the various grape varieties and visit the ancient cellars on Ultimate Italy, 

Bookmark for later: What to look for in a top-quality Pinot Noir, by wine expert Courtney Kingston

What to expect from some popular wines

Chardonnay is known for its versatility, offering a range of flavors from crisp green apple and citrus to creamy vanilla and buttery notes. Depending on the winemaking style, you may encounter oak influences such as toastiness and caramel. Coming from a cool climate wine region, expect a medium to full-bodied wine with moderate acidity.

A Cabernet Sauvignon typically features bold flavors of blackcurrant, black cherry and plum, complemented by hints of cedar and tobacco. It often has firm tannins and a full-bodied structure, with a long, satisfying finish. Look for wines with good acidity and aging potential.

Pinot Noir is renowned for its elegant and delicate profile, offering aromas of red fruits along with earthy and floral undertones. On the palate, expect a medium-bodied wine with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a smooth, lingering finish.

Last but not least, Sauvignon Blanc is known for its bright and zesty character, featuring aromas of citrus, green apple and tropical fruits like passion fruit and pineapple. It often exhibits herbal notes of grass, green bell pepper and gooseberry, with refreshing acidity and a crisp, clean finish.

Enjoy wine tastings with Luxury Gold in some of the world’s most iconic wine producing countries, including Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Chile, South Africa and Australia, with our worldwide collection of small group journeys.

To whet the palate: Exceptional Dining with Luxury Gold

Where do truffles grow?

One reason truffles are so expensive is that they don’t grow in every part of the world. Historically speaking, truffles were largely only found naturally in European countries like Italy, France, Spain and Slovenia. In recent years, some other countries in North America, South America and Asia have successfully started growing their own.  

You may also enjoy reading: 7 ways you’ll celebrate Tuscan food when you travel with Luxury Gold

How do truffles grow?

Truffles grow beneath trees in a symbiotic relationship by attaching their spores to the tree roots. The transfer of nutrients enables them both to grow. Most truffles grow beneath specific tree species, including hazelnut and poplar, which influence their taste and scent. 

Why are truffles expensive?

Truffles are expensive because they’re so rare to harvest. Grown naturally only in a few European countries, truffle hunting is a centuries-old practice in which truffle hunters rarely share their hunting grounds with anyone else. The most expensive truffles are white truffles found in Italy’s Piedmont region. The International Alba White Truffle Fair is the preeminent truffle fair where you’ll find the largest, most expensive truffles for sale.

Bookmark for later: Where to find the most rare and expensive food in the world  

Where can I hunt for truffles with truffle hunters? 

Luxury Gold’s Croatia & the Dalmatian Coast tour is a two week itinerary filled with unforgettable activities, including hunting for truffles with a local farmer in Istria. You can also hunt for truffles on our Ultimate Italy tour in Florence. Keep in mind that the best time to harvest white truffles is typically between September and November, though peak season may alter based on the summer season’s temperatures, spring’s rainfall, and if the holes where the prior year’s truffles were found were filled properly. Black truffle harvest is between April and October in some areas like Slovenia, and their bounty is also impacted by seasonal climate fluctuations.

Read more about truffle hunting: A day in the life of one of Croatia’s top truffle hunters

Where can I taste a truffle?

Although only found in select countries, you can taste truffles at restaurants across the world. Casa di Langa, a hotel just outside of Alba, Italy, has a restaurant with a case of fresh truffles you can choose from. Restaurant Zigante in Livade, Croatia, is another fantastic dining destination where truffles are blended in delicious ways, including in truffle ice cream.

You may also enjoy: Indulge your inner gourmet with these luxury food experiences

Italy

Italy is the epicenter for truffles. When the most expensive truffles are up for auction, it’s likely that they were found in the Italian countryside. Truffle hunters stay silent about where they find these fungi in Le Marche, Tuscany, Piedmont, and Umbria, but the restaurants in these regions aren’t shy about featuring them in both fine and rustic dishes. 

Truffle hunting on the Ultimate Italy tour is the ultimate way to find and taste fresh Italian truffles.

Croatia

Italy may stay in the limelight for having the most expensive truffles, but Croatia’s Istria region has a bounty of its own worthy of your attention. The truffle capital of Croatia wasn’t lauded as such pre-1999, until a hunter and his dog dug up what became the largest white truffle in the world. Now, the Istrian Peninsula is regarded as a popular destination for truffle hunting and sampling.

Get off the beaten path and uncover gems like fresh truffles on the Croatia & the Dalmatian Coast tour.

Spain

The majority of Spain’s truffles are black truffles and its black winter truffles are especially popular, but that wasn’t always the case. In fact, it was until the mid-1900s that truffle hunters from France started seeking out the black diamond truffles they knew in the hills of Spain. When Spanish farmers realized how valuable these truffles were, they seized the opportunity and have since become the world’s largest producer of black winter truffles. 

Discover Iberia on: Spain & Portugal in Style

You may also enjoy: For Fine Dining in Spain, This City Sets the Gold Standard

France 

It should be no surprise that anything grown in French soil is delectable; that includes truffles. France produces nearly one-third of the world’s truffles. The “black diamond” is a popular truffle found in Provence and Southwest France. Also known as the Périgord truffle, black diamond truffles are known for their strong scent and distinctive taste.

Sample truffle-infused dishes as you explore the French countryside on our Ultimate Southern France tour.  

Bookmark for later: Sophisticated and Stylish: why Southern France is Unmissable

Slovenia

Slovenia shares a small piece of the Istrian Peninsula with Croatia. With Italy as its adjacent neighbor, one shouldn’t be shocked to learn that Slovenia is an underrated destination for truffle hunting and dining. One of the unique experiences you can have in Slovenia that you seldom can elsewhere is hunting for the rare spring white bianchetti truffle which is harvested around March each year. 

With Exceptional Dining a hallmark of every Luxury Gold journey, see how you can enjoy a truffle-infused vacation, or other gastronomical pleasures with our worldwide collection of luxury tours.