(NITN): The culinary world converged in Valencia as the city played host to The World’s 50 Best Restaurants gala, showcasing a vibrant gastronomic scene that captivated the globe.
With internationally renowned chefs and restaurants from across the world gathering for this prestigious event, Valencia proved to be the perfect backdrop for one of the most significant culinary spectacles on the planet.
From its iconic paella and rice dishes to its tantalizing citrus fruits, Valencia showcased a rich tapestry of local produce, culinary mastery, and boundless creativity.
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The highly-anticipated gala, held at the breathtaking Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències on June 20, served as the epicenter of international haute cuisine. It brought together the crème de la crème of chefs, vying for top honors and celebrating the best of global gastronomy.
The event featured a myriad of exclusive and unforgettable gastronomic experiences, including the illustrious 50 Best Signature Sessions, where renowned chefs collaborated in creating extraordinary culinary creations.
Moreover, it provided a platform for influential chefs to engage in educational meetings with aspiring culinary students, fostering knowledge exchange and innovation.
Among the esteemed personalities gracing the gala were culinary luminaries such as Joan Roca, hailing from El Celler de Can Roca, and Jeremy Chan, the talented chef and co-founder of London’s Ikoy.
Also in attendance were award-winning chefs Elena Reygadas of Mexico’s Rosetta Restaurant, who received recognition from The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2022, and Pía León from Peru’s Central & Kjolle.Pía León made history by clinching the titles of Best Female Chef in Latin America in 2018 and Best Female Chef in the World in 2021, both awarded by The World’s 50 Best.
In a nail-biting countdown, the prestigious list of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 was unveiled, showcasing the crème de la crème of global culinary excellence. Taking the coveted first place was Central, a culinary gem in Lima, Peru, known for its innovative and authentic approach to gastronomy.
Two Spanish restaurants secured the next top spots, with Barcelona’s Disfrutar and Madrid’s Diverxo claiming second and third place, respectively.
The rankings were determined through a meticulous voting process involving 1,080 international experts who form The World’s Best Restaurants Academy.