Europe-based Restaurant Magazine recently revealed the 50 Best Restaurants in the World for 2005, chosen by an international panel of more than 600 impossible-to-please restaurateurs, chefs, food critics and industry experts.

The winner of the coveted number one spot was The Fat Duck in Bray, Berkshire, Britain. The pioneering restaurant is famed for introducing the world to delicacies such as snail porridge, mussels in popcorn sauce, and bacon and egg ice cream. The bizarre-sounding dishes are part of The Fat Duck’s bid to create food that is both delicious and fun. In addition to “Best Restaurant in the World,” the Fat Duck also picked up an award for the second year in a row for “Best Restaurant in Europe.”

Of the top 50, 14 of the restaurants are in Britain. According to Restaurant Magazine, “There will be some who feel this year’s list is too London-centric, with 26 percent of the list given over to restaurants in and around the English capital.”


50 Best Restaurants in the World 2005

1. The Fat Duck, Bray, Berkshire, Britain
2. El Bulli, Montjoi, Spain
3. French Laundry, California
4. Tetsuya’s, Sydney, Australia
5. Gordon Ramsay, London, Britain
6. Pierre Gagnaire, Paris, France
7. Per Se, New York, New York
8. Tom Aikens, London, Britain
9. Jean Georges, New York, New York
10. St John, London, Britain
11. Michel Bras, Laguiole, France
12. Louis XV, Monaco
13. Chez Panisse, California
14. Charlie Trotter, Chicago, Illinois
15. Gramercy Tavern, New York, New York
16. Guy Savoy, Paris, France
17. Alain Ducasse, Paris, France
18. Sketch (Gallery), London, Britain
19. The Waterside Inn, Bray, Britain
20. Nobu, London, Britain
21. Arzak, San Sebastian, Spain
22. El Raco de can Fabes, Spain
23. Checcino dal 1887, Rome, Italy
24. Le Meurice, Paris, France
25. L’Hotel de Ville, Crissier, Switzerland
26. Arpege, Paris, France
27. The Connaught, London, Britain
28. Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Oxford, Britain
29. Le Cinq, Paris, France
30. Hakkasan, London, Britain
31. Cal Pep, Barcelona, Spain
32. Masa, New York, New York
33. Flower Drum, Melbourne, Australia
34. WD50, New York, New York
35. Le Quartier Francais, South Africa
36. Spice Market, New York, New York
37. Auberge d’Ill, Illhauseern-Alsace, France
38. Manresa, California
39. Dieter Muller, Germany
40. Trois Gros, Roanne, France
41. The Wolseley, London, Britain
42. Rockpool, Sydney, Australia
43. Yauatcha, London, Britain
44. The Ivy, London, Britain
45. Gambero Rosso, Italy
46. The Cliff, St. James, Barbados
47. Le Gavroche, London, Britain
48. Enoteca Pinchiorri, Florence, Italy
49. Felix, Hong Kong
50. La Tupina, Bordeaux, France


CATEGORY AWARDS:

Best Restaurant in the World: The Fat Duck - Bray, Berks, England.

Chef’s Choice: El Bulli - Montjoi, Spain.

Best Restaurant in Europe: The Fat Duck - Bray, Berks, England.

Best in The Americas: The French Laundry - Yountville, California, USA.

Best in Australia: Tetsuya's - Sydney, Australia.

Best in Middle East & Africa: Le Quartier Francais - Franschhoek, South Africa

Best in Asia: Felix, Hong Kong

Highest New Entry: Per Se - New York, USA.

Highest Climber: Chez Panisse - Berkeley, California, USA.

Outstanding Value: Cal Pep - Barcelona, Spain.

Editor’s Choice: Enoteca Pinchiorri - Florence, Italy.

American Express Lifetime Achievement Award: Paul Bocuse

This message was edited by Mr Griffiths on 07/05/05 11:13 ET.