Celebrating Culinary Excellence in Las Vegas
The 2024 World’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony took place in Las Vegas on Wednesday night, marking a significant moment for the global culinary community. This annual event, established in 2002, highlights the world’s finest dining experiences as chosen by over 1,080 esteemed voters, including chefs, restaurateurs, journalists, and gourmet enthusiasts.
France Shines with Four Restaurants in the Top 50
This year, four French restaurants made the prestigious list, with Table de Bruno Verjus in Paris claiming the third spot—the highest rank for a French establishment since Mirazur’s win in 2019.
Bruno Verjus: From Diverse Careers to Culinary Mastery
Bruno Verjus, who opened Table in 2013, is a self-taught chef who has had a diverse career path. Before becoming a celebrated chef, he explored various fields, including medicine, entrepreneurship in China, photography, food journalism, and writing. At nearly 65 years old, his restaurant has evolved from a bistro to a Michelin-starred venue known for its focus on exceptional ingredients. Signature dishes like the almost-raw lobster from Île d’Yeu and the decadent chocolate-caviar tartlet have brought tears of joy to many diners.
Septime, Plénitude, and L’Arpège Join the Elite
Table de Bruno Verjus isn’t the only French restaurant to receive accolades. Septime, located in Paris, achieved its highest ranking ever at 11th place. Chef Bertrand Grébaut, who opened the restaurant in 2011, is renowned for his modern and relaxed approach to haute cuisine.
Plénitude, the restaurant at Cheval Blanc hotel in Paris, secured the 18th spot. Chef Arnaud Donckele, known for his poetic and virtuoso culinary style, earned three Michelin stars just six months after the restaurant’s opening in 2022. The impeccable service, led by Alexandre Larvoir, was honored with the 2024 Art of Hospitality Award.
Alain Passard’s L’Arpège, famed for its vegetable-centric cuisine, re-entered the list at 45th place. Passard, who has remained devoted to his restaurant, commands a loyal following, including Bruno Verjus himself.
France’s Strong Showing in the Top 100
France’s culinary prowess extends beyond the top 50, with five other restaurants featuring in the top 100:
- Le Doyenné (Saint-Vrain) at 70th place
- Flocons de Sel by Emmanuel Renaut (Megève) at 76th place
- La Grenouillère by Alexandre Gauthier (La Madelaine-sous-Montreuil) at 77th place
- Alléno Paris au Pavillon Ledoyen (Paris) at 79th place
- Ceto (Roquebrune-Cap-Martin) at 85th place
A Sweet Victory for Nina Métayer
Adding to the celebrations, pastry chef Nina Métayer, already named the world’s best pastry chef by the International Union of Bakers and Confectioners in 2023, was crowned the World’s Best Pastry Chef by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
France’s impressive showing at the 2024 World’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony underscores its continued excellence and innovation in the culinary world.
