Worlds 50 Best announces 51–100 place-getters

Ahead of its gala awards night in Melbourne next week, the World’s 50 Best has named the restaurants ranked between 51 and 100.

The 51–100 list originates from the votes of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy as part of the same process that creates the 1–50 ranking. For 2017, the Academy was expanded to include 1,040 voters worldwide, with each member casting 10 votes for their best restaurants (up from seven in 2016). Of these 10 choices, at least four must be for restaurants outside of the voter’s home region. This expansion increased the number of overall voters by some 52 percent.

The 51–100 list comprises restaurants from 24 countries and includes 11 new additions. The USA is most strongly represented, with nine inclusions, while Spain and France have four each.

The highest new entry is Barcelona’s Disfrutar – fronted by three former El Bulli chefs – which was recently presented with the Miele One to Watch Award. It’s listed in 55th place.

Another impressive entry is Odette, Singapore – which won this year’s Highest New Entry Award at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants – debuting on the global list in 86th place.

Overall, the 2017 list includes debuts from Mexico (Sud 777, No.75), USA (Atelier Crenn, No.83), Russia (Selfie, No.88), South Korea (Mingles, No.89), Denmark (Kadeau, No.94), Japan (Sushi Saito, No. 97 and Florilge, No.99) and Brazil (Olympe, No.100).

Hia Franko in Kobarid, Slovenia, is also among the first-time entries. Fronted by Ana Ro, named The World’s Best Female Chef 2017, Hia Franko emerges at number 69.

New York’s Momofuku Ko made the most significant climb, rising 39 places. Among the nine USA restaurants in the 51–100 list, Momofuku Ko claims the highest ranking at number 58.

Tokyo’s Nihonryori RyuGin (No.52) claims the top ranking among Asia’s entries, and 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana in Hong Kong rose 26 places to number 60.

Nihonryori RyuGin is one place ahead of Singapore’s Burnt Ends (No.53), which is operated by Australian chef Dave Pynt. Burnt Ends was last year ranked 70th, and its rise this year follows Pynt’s presentation with the Chef’s Choice Award at the 2017 Asia’s 50 Best, where his restaurant claimed the 10th spot on the list, up from 14 in 2016.

The only Australian restaurant on the 51–100 list is the Fink Group’s Quay restaurant, fronted by chef Peter Gilmore. Quay has been ranked in 95th place, up from 98th last year.  

William Drew, group editor of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, said “As well as showcasing emerging talent and highlighting new culinary trends, this group also features perennial favourites that demonstrate enduring quality. Overall, the list reflects of the diversity, promise and excitement surrounding global gastronomy.”