In a significant departure from traditional culinary rankings, La Liste has crowned not one but seven restaurants as the world’s best, reflecting a more inclusive approach to evaluating global culinary excellence. La Liste’s methodology, which integrates a vast array of sources including online reviews, established food guides, and influencer opinions, provides a comprehensive view of the restaurant landscape.
A Diverse Set of Winners: The top honor of a 99.5 score was shared among seven esteemed restaurants, showcasing diverse culinary traditions. The list includes repeat winners Le Bernardin in New York and Guy Savoy in Paris, along with Sushi Saito in Tokyo, La Vague d’Or in Saint-Tropez, L’Enclume in the UK, Schwarzwaldstube in Germany, and Lung King Heen in Hong Kong.
Methodology and Trends: La Liste compiles scores in half-point increments up to 99.5, resulting in many restaurants sharing the same rank. This year, 17 restaurants received a score of 99, 26 scored 98.5, and 31 achieved 98. La Liste’s approach underscores the complexity of defining the “best” restaurant and acknowledges multiple top contenders in the culinary world.
Asia’s Rising Presence: Reflecting a post-pandemic resurgence, Asia has a strong showing in this year’s list. Japan and mainland China lead with significant numbers, followed by Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. This trend highlights the region’s rich culinary heritage and its growing influence on the global dining scene.
Challenges in the Restaurant Industry: The list also sheds light on the struggles faced by the restaurant industry, with high-profile closures like Le Gavroche in London, Deanes Eipic in Belfast, and Noma. The impact of inflation and rising costs is evident, with a noticeable shift towards traditional, comfort-oriented cuisine.
La Liste’s Expanding Influence: Since its first publication in 2015, La Liste has grown to become a respected voice in restaurant rankings. In 2022, the company expanded its scope to include hotel rankings, naming the Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Italy as the best in the world.
Comparison with Other Ranking Systems: La Liste’s comprehensive approach contrasts with the more focused methodologies of Michelin, which started awarding stars in 1926, and the World’s 50 Best Restaurants by William Reed, active since 2002. These differences highlight the varied perspectives and criteria used in evaluating culinary excellence.
La Liste’s announcement of seven best restaurants for 2022 illustrates a shift towards a more nuanced understanding of what makes a restaurant outstanding. This inclusive approach recognizes the diversity of culinary experiences and the multitude of factors that contribute to a restaurant’s acclaim, offering diners a broader spectrum of world-class dining options to explore.
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