The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards Heads to Las Vegas

Last year’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants awarded the number-one spot to Central in Lima, a triumph for the humble and incredibly talented chef Virgilio Martínez and his equally accomplished wife, Pía León. After first appearing on the list at number 50 in 2013, Central is now a global ambassador of Peruvian cuisine, with a menu that takes diners through all the country’s ecosystems, from below sea level to the peaks of the Andes cordillera. Second on the list was one of my favorites, Disfrutar, a labor of love from former El Bulli chefs Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch and Mateu Casañas, which entered the list in 2018 at number 18, the year’s highest new entry. Crowned as the best restaurant in Europe, Barcelona’s Disfrutar is the logical contender to take the top position this year.

Chefs Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch and Mateu Casañas from Disfrutar, Barcelona, Spain, last year’s number two / Photo: Courtesy of Joan Valera

Occurring in Las Vegas, the 2024 awards will mark the first time this world-renowned celebration will be held in the neon-lit resort city. Backed by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the extensive program will include key events such as the #50BestTalks, which explores current topics affecting the hospitality industry; the 50 Best Signature Sessions, collaborative dining events open to the public; and a Chefs’ Feast showcasing the fine cooking and lavish entertainment Las Vegas is known for. Everything will culminate with the anticipated awards ceremony on June 5 at the venue partner, Wynn Las Vegas.

Black Rocks from Central, Lima, Peru, last year’s number one / Photo: Courtesy of Ken Motohasi

Brian Gullbrants, chief operating officer of Wynn Resorts North America, says, “It is our sincere privilege to be the host resort for the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024. For nearly two decades, Wynn Las Vegas has been the epicenter of this city’s gastronomic community with our uniquely curated restaurant portfolio. Now we set the stage to celebrate the very best chefs, restaurateurs and culinary enthusiasts from around the world.” One way or another, Spain has the highest chance to be the country that takes the top spot, if not by Disfrutar, then either by last year’s number three, DiverXO, featuring David Muñoz’s always unpredictable, creative and extravagant menu, or last year’s number four, Asador Etxebarri, which for 30 years has delighted gastronomes who travel from all over the world to experience the best ingredients—milk, homegrown vegetables, unforgettable shellfish and meat—all masterfully cooked by owner-chef Victor Arguinzoniz.