Spain is home to the world's best restaurant – and its gastronomy is worth the journey!

From traditional Basque grilling to modern culinary experimentation, Spain is once again reinforcing its position as one of the world's leading food destinations. At this year's prestigious World's 50 Best Restaurants awards, a Spanish restaurant claimed the top spot, while three other Spanish restaurants also secured places among the world's 50 best.

Spain is renowned for its sunny beaches, historic cities, excellent wines and, not least, a cuisine deeply rooted in the country's culture and traditions. But Spanish food is about much more than tapas, paella and fresh fish. The country is also home to some of the world's most innovative restaurants and extraordinary culinary experiences.

This was once again highlighted on 5 November 2026, when the latest edition of The World's 50 Best Restaurants was announced at a major awards ceremony in Lima, Peru. Spain had a remarkable victory to celebrate: Asador Etxebarri in the Basque Country was named the world's best restaurant.

A Triumph of Simple Ingredients and Exceptional Craftsmanship

Asador Etxebarri is located in the small Basque village of Axpe in northern Spain and is run by chef Bittor Arginzoniz. In many ways, the restaurant demonstrates that culinary excellence does not necessarily depend on complicated techniques or sophisticated kitchen equipment.

Instead, fire, smoke and the natural flavours of the ingredients take centre stage. Over many years, Arginzoniz has perfected the art of cooking over an open fire, and the restaurant is particularly renowned for its impressive mastery of different types of wood, temperatures and grilling techniques.

The result is a remarkable dining experience in which even seemingly simple ingredients are transformed into something extraordinary. The restaurant has previously ranked among the very best internationally, taking second place in 2025. This year, it reached the very top and was also named Europe's best restaurant.

Four Spanish Restaurants Among the World's 50 Best

Spain was not represented by the winner alone. A total of four Spanish restaurants made this year's list of the world's 50 best.

In ninth place is DiverXO in Madrid, run by the colourful and experimental chef Dabiz Muñoz. The restaurant is known for its creative and almost theatrical cuisine, where international influences, surprising combinations and advanced culinary techniques come together.

Barcelona is also represented, with Enigma ranking 29th. Led by Albert Adrià, the restaurant offers a modern and experimental gastronomic experience, inviting guests on a surprising culinary journey.

In 33rd place is Elkano, located in the Basque coastal town of Getaria. The restaurant is particularly famous for its preparation of freshly caught fish over an open fire. Here, seafood, local fishing traditions and traditional grilling techniques are at the heart of the experience.

These four rankings clearly demonstrate the diversity of Spanish cuisine – from traditional, ingredient-focused cooking to experimental and innovative gastronomy.

Gastronomy as a Travel Experience

One of the great pleasures of spending time in Spain is the opportunity to discover its many regional cuisines. Every part of the country has its own specialities, traditions and local ingredients.

In the Basque Country, pintxos, fish and seafood are an integral part of the food culture. In Catalonia, traditional Mediterranean ingredients meet modern gastronomy, while Andalusia offers everything from freshly caught fish and seafood to local cheeses, Iberian ham and traditional tapas.

And you certainly don't need to visit the world's most expensive gourmet restaurants to enjoy an exceptional meal. Some of the best dining experiences can be found in small local restaurants, family-run bodegas and charming beachfront restaurants, where fresh ingredients and proud culinary traditions matter more than prestigious awards and stars.

For many people, this is precisely one of the things that makes Spain such an attractive country in which to spend holidays – or perhaps even settle down permanently.

A Country with a Taste for Life

This international recognition is further evidence of Spain's strong position on the global gastronomic map. The country manages to preserve its culinary traditions while continuing to develop a modern cuisine that attracts food lovers from all over the world.

Whether you choose a world-class gourmet restaurant, a small tapas bar in a historic town or a local seafood restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean, gastronomy is an important part of the Spanish way of life.

And perhaps it is precisely the combination of the climate, the ingredients, the culture and the pleasure of gathering around a good meal that makes Spain so special.