This is the best restaurant on earth

Every year, the website The World’s 50 Best publishes a top 50 of the best restaurants in the world. Where restaurants such as Noma and Osteria Francescana previously held first place, it is now time for a new number one.

For all of 2017, Eleven Madison Park*** in New York may call itself the best restaurant in the world. The restaurant owned by Will Guidara and Daniel Humm, the latter of whom is also the chef, had already been high on the list for several years, but has now finally taken home the grand prize.

Phenomenal
Besides the fact that the food here is phenomenal—think roasted duck with honey and lavender or celery cooked in a pig’s bladder—they go a step further here. The owners try to break down the barriers between the dining room and kitchen, giving guests a truly unique evening.

Magic
Camille Oostwegel Jr.  (who is behind the iconic Maastricht restaurant Château Neercanne) called his dining experience at Eleven Madison Park the most memorable of his life. At the table, magic tricks were performed with playing cards that predicted what would appear on the plates. It may sound a little strange, but at this restaurant they know how to combine food with a touch of magic. We’re going to start saving now.

Dutch pride
The Dutch are also represented on the prestigious list. At number 34 is Jonnie Boer with De Librije*** in Zwolle. At number 24 is Amber** in Hong Kong. Not exactly nearby, you may be thinking. But Richard Ekkebus is at the helm here, and he really is Dutch.

Australian chef Dan Hunter of Brae (number 44) will be a guest at Rijks* on May 28 to prepare lunch and dinner. If you can’t be there, you can always travel to The Jane in Antwerp, by Sergio Herman (number 74). Try getting a reservation sometime, though—that isn’t very easy at any of the restaurants in the top 100.