Mirazur, on the French Riviera, has been voted the best restaurant in the world.

Every year, the coveted San Pelligrino 50 Best Restaurants list is revealed. Restaurants and kitchens around the globe down their frying pans and knives and wait in anticipation to see who sits atop of the list. For those who aren’t in the know, San Pelligrino sums up what both food and this particular organisation aims to achieve every year: “It is more than just a list. It is a celebration of the universality of cuisines,” San Pelligrino.

And it’s true, this years list and the requirements to be considered for the top spot have become more diverse than ever. To name a few, it includes restaurants from *deep breath* France, Spain, Peru, Denmark, Thailand, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Singapore, Austria, all of which now hold places in the top twenty.

One thousand culinary experts and a structured audited voting system make what is truly a subjective matter, the most objective perspective in the world of fine dining. It’s the ultimate taste test. But who came top?

Why Mirazur Menton?

Firstly, it’s worth mentioning that in the award’s illustrious 18-year history. Mirazur Menton is the first ever French restaurant to win the top spot. And what a location to do it from. Perched high above the French Riviera, the menu is said to be inspired by the mountains, the sea and the fruits and vegetables grown in their own gardens.

Sitting moments from the border of Italy, it’s what you could call a culinary paradise. The biggest foreign influence on the cuisine here, however, is not Italian, but Argentinian. Chef Mauro Colagreco has been a resident of France for 20 years, before this he was learning his trade out of Buenos Aires.

Having worked with both Alain Passard at L’Arpege and Alain Ducasse at Le Plaza Athenee, his experience and continual learning has seen Mirazur jump from no.35 in 2009 on his debut to no.3 last year, until claiming the top spot in the same year he achieved 3 Michelin stars. It’s safe to say it’s good.

What’s on the menu?

One of the most popular dishes on the menu: Salt-crusted red beetroot from the garden with caviar cream.

Want to learn more?

Take a look inside the restaurant with Mauro himself.

The rest of the top 10

#2 Noma, Denmark
#3 Asador Etxebarri, Spain
#4 Gaggan, Thailand
#5 Geranium, Denmark
#6 Central, Peru – Huge congratulations to Virgilio Martinez, have a look at our amazing tasting notes experience with Virgilio himself.
#7 Mugaritz, Spain
#8 Arpege, France
#9 Disfrutar, Spain
#10 Maido, Peru

See the rest of the list here.

*Image Credit: Mirazur Menton Facebook Page