Desfrutar Named Best Restaurant in the World
The renowned Desfrutar restaurant in Barcelona has been awarded the title of Best Restaurant in the World by the famous Fifty Best list, published on Thursday. The restaurant, which opened in December 2014, is known for its avant-garde cuisine and pioneering flavours, situated near the Ninot Market in the city's central Eixample neighborhood. Desfrutar's innovative culinary techniques and groundbreaking dishes have earned it the top spot on the prestigious list dominated this year by Spanish and Latin American establishments.
Recognition and Awards
The Fifty Best listing, managed by British magazine Restaurant, praised Desfrutar for its 'far-reaching technology, original thinking, and pioneering flavours.' The establishment is helmed by chefs Mateo Casanas, Eduard Xatruch, and Oriol Castro, who honed their skills at the legendary El Bulli restaurant which itself topped the list five times. Desfrutar took over the top spot from last year's winner, Peruvian restaurant Central by Virgilio Martínez and Pía León. This global recognition is just one of many accolades Desfrutar has received, including a three-star Michelin rating and the National Gastronomy Award.
Top Contenders and Gala Event
Following closely in the rankings, Asador Etxebarri of Axpe, Spain, secured the second spot, moving up from fourth place, while Parisian restaurant Table by Bruno Verjus took third. DiverXO in Madrid and Maido in Lima completed the top five. This year's awards ceremony was held at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, where the chefs of Desfrutar expressed their profound gratitude to their families and supportive teams. Oriol Castro noted, 'Everything that we haven't been home has been worth it,' signifying the relentless effort required to achieve such acclaim.
A Culinary Journey Rooted in Tradition
Desfrutar's culinary journey is rooted deeply in tradition but looks ahead with innovative approaches. The restaurant's aesthetic pays homage to Mediterranean heritage and Barcelona's rich cultural tapestry, while its menu offers a blend of classic and contemporary creations. The Enjoy Classic menu features staples such as panchino stuffed with caviar and sour cream, while the Enjoy Festival menu showcases seasonal innovations. Both menus are designed to deliver a gastronomic experience that stays true to the restaurant's name, which means 'enjoy' in Spanish.
The restaurant's R&D kitchen also offers a unique dining experience called The Living Table, designed for up to six people, where a special menu curated by the chefs is presented on a table conceived by interior designer Merche Alcalà. This exclusive experience ranges in price and provides an in-depth look at Desfrutar's culinary excellence.
The chefs' journey began under familial influences, and their shared history at El Bulli set the foundation for their collaborative work at Desfrutar. Their expertise and dedication have propelled Desfrutar to an emblematic status in the world of gastronomy, encapsulating the spirit of innovation and excellence.
- Desfrutar’s achievement this year adds to the city of Barcelona's growing reputation as a global gastronomic hub. The restaurant's success has also uplifted Spain’s culinary scene, which had other notable entries in the Fifty Best list such as DiverXO and Asador Etxebarri.
- Chef Oriol Castro highlighted their journey, saying that none of their achievements would be possible without the unwavering support of their families and teams. The chefs’ shared history at El Bulli imbued them with a spirit of collaboration and creativity that they continue to bring to Desfrutar.