Las Vegas, Where Flavors Become Global: An Exclusive Report from The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024
By: Special Correspondent of GourMeta Journal – Las Vegas
In the heart of the Nevada desert, where lights, speed, and spectacle usually take center stage, the majestic Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas hosted one of the culinary world’s most prestigious events last night: The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024.
For only the second time in its history, the ceremony was held in the United States — this time not in the conventional culinary capital of New York, but in Las Vegas, a city more often associated with casinos and showmanship. Yet last night, it transformed into a powerful stage for the art of gastronomy.
Chefs, critics, food scientists, gastronomic investors, and cultural icons from across the globe gathered not just to witness a ranking, but to celebrate genius, innovation, and diversity on the plate.
Event Details
Disfrutar: Barcelona at the Top of the World
The crown for this year went to Disfrutar in Barcelona, a creative masterpiece led by three culinary visionaries — Eduard Xatruch, Oriol Castro, and Mateu Casañas — all alumni of the legendary elBulli.
Disfrutar, which means "to enjoy" in Spanish, lives up to its name by delivering delight not just to the palate but to the eyes, the mind, and the soul.
In a brief but powerful speech, Oriol Castro remarked:
"We don’t just want to serve food; we want to craft dreams, spark the mind, and show our guests that dining can be a poetic adventure."
Rising Stars, Surprises & Defining Moments
Second place was awarded to Asador Etxebarri in the Basque Country — a sanctuary of fire and flavor where the essence of nature is celebrated through smoke and simplicity.
Third place went to Table by Bruno Verjus in Paris, a minimalist gem where every plate pays homage to pristine ingredients and mindful cooking.
In Asia, Gaggan Anand of Bangkok continued to astonish with his bold narrative cuisine, while Atomix of New York remained the top-ranking American restaurant on the list.
Beyond Rankings: A Cultural Statement Through Food
This year’s event went far beyond celebrating individual restaurants. It focused deeply on the social, environmental, and emotional role of food. From panels on food and cultural identity to discussions about AI in hospitality and sustainability in fine dining, the ceremony illustrated that culinary creativity today walks hand in hand with responsibility.
As the lights dimmed in the Encore Theater and the winners' list spread across social media, one message was loud and clear:
Restaurants are no longer just places to eat — they are temples of human experience.
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