Mirazur crowned the winner at World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards 2019

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony was held at the Marina Bay Sands Theatre in Singapore today. The much-awaited list was decided by a panel of 1,000 chefs, restaurateurs and food critics.

Mauro Colagreco's Mirazur made it to number 1 on its tenth year of figuring on the list, starting off in 35th in 2009 - on the same year it received its third Michelin star. 

Upon receiving the award, the chef said in a speech: "This recognition from my esteemed colleagues and peers is a great honour.  It recognises the trajectory of my life from Argentina to the Riviera that welcomed me so warmly 19 years ago. I am overjoyed to bring this award back to France."

“I am from so many influences but above everything, I am a cook and I love to cook.  My food is just from my heart, and I love to share it with my guests. From all of us at Mirazur, thank you - we are all celebrating tonight".

The top 10 list is as follows:

1 Mirazur, Menton, France

2 Noma, Copenhagen, Denmark 

3 Asador Etxebarri, Atxondo, Spain

4 Gaggan, Bangkok, Thailand 

5 Geranium, Copenhagen, Denmark

6 Central, Lima, Peru

7 Mugaritz, San Sebastian, Spain

8 Arpège, Paris, France

9 Disfrutar, Barcelona, Spain

10 Maido, Lima, Peru

And here's a link to the full list

The announcements kicked off with Schloss Schauensten, which ranked 50^th  and was also the winner of The Sustainable Restaurant Award.

Following on criticism that the same restaurants kept returning to top the list (just seven restaurants have been given the title since the list was launched in 2002) of this year, former number 1 winners are no longer able to top the list, but will be put on a separate “Best of the Best” list. Nonetheless, it didn't stop four-times winner Noma from coming second.

There were a few pleasant surprises for those who took part: Arzurmendi climbed an astronomical 29 positions up from 43^rd to 14^th position; The Test Kitchen, which ranked number 50 on last year’s list, was named Best Restaurant in Africa; Benu made it to the Top 50 this year, up from the 53rd position last year, Hiša Franko rose by ten spots from 48th to 38^th. 

Some names were more familiar than others: Alain Ducasse's Plaza Athénée made it to 16th position, Blue Hill at Stone Barns came 28th and The White Rabbit in Moscow ranked 13th on the list.

Having faced criticism for rewarding very few female chefs, this year’s panel promised a more gender-balanced representation, but female chefs were still sparse.

Atelier Crenn, Dominique Crenn’s three Michelin-starred flagship in San Francisco – which was notably absent from last year’s list, made it to 35th position; Jessica Préalpato collected The World’s Best Pastry Chef Award 2019, and, though it was already announced earlier this year, chef partner of modern Mexican restaurants Cosme and Atla Daniela Soto-Innes received the controversial award for the best female chef 2019.

Only two London restaurants made it to the final cut: Lyle’s, in 33^rd position - from 38th last year - and The Clove Club in 27^th up from 33rd.

In other awards, Lido 84, with brothers Riccardo and Giancarlo Camanini at the helm, won the Miele One to Watch Award, Alain Passard was voted Chef’s Choice Award by other chefs, as well as ranking 9th in the list. Pujol in Mexico City was named Best Restaurant in North America and Gaggan was named best Restaurant in Asia.  Tokyo's Den was given the Art of Hospitality Award.