El Celler de Can Roca of Girona, north-east Spain, has regained its title as the world’s best restaurant.
Known around the world for its “free-style cooking” and cutting edge techniques, the iconic restaurant won the coveted title back in 2013 but dropped to second place last year.
The cuisine served by the restaurant is what they define as “traditional Catalan”, but with twists to the extent that the Michelin Guide describes it as “creative”. The restaurant has a large wine cellar with more than 60,000 bottles. Dishes served at El Celler de Can Roca of Girona include those based on perfumes, and with unusual presentations such as caramelised olives served on a bonsai tree.
The results were announced at The World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards, which were held in London. They are organised by the legendary magazine Restaurant.
Massimo Bottura’s Osteria Francescana in Modena, northern Italy, moved up to number two from third spot.
Last year’s number one restaurant, two Michelin star Danish eatery Noma, slipped to third place.
The annual awards ceremony is considered a highlight of the global gastronomic calendar.
William Drew, group editor of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, said: “It has been a hugely exciting year with such a variety of culinary talents celebrated here tonight.
“As the appetite for reaching new gastronomic heights continues to grow we feel privileged to play a part in this journey of discovery and are proud to bring together this unique community of extraordinary talent within the industry.”
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in London was the UK’s top entrant, taking seventh spot in the global rankings. This two Michelin-starred restaurant offers diners historically inspired British dishes.
The prestigious list is made up of votes of more than 900 international leaders in the restaurant industry, who each cast seven votes.
