World's 50 Best Restaurants announces major changes for 2019

Instead, all restaurants that have been voted No.1 in the event’s 17-year history will join a new ‘Best of the Best’ category.

The restaurant which takes the top spot in 2019 will retain the position for a year, before joining the ‘Best of’ group.

The chefs and restaurateurs behind these winners are to take part in new projects designed to ‘give back’ to the industry. These will include #50BestTalks across the world, masterclasses, and helping to shape a new prize: the American Express Icon Award.

The voting academy for the 2019 list, which is comprised of 1,040 restaurants experts from across the world, will also have a 50:50 gender split for the first time.

“These changes offer more brilliant restaurants, and the talent behind them, the chance to step on to the global gastronomic stage,” says William Drew, spokesperson for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

“We believe this will result in a more diverse and inclusive list in the long-term. At the same time, the Best of the Best initiative creates a platform for the best chefs in the world to share their incredible knowledge and passion, and use their status for positive change.”

This year 50 Best will also launch a location-based guide to restaurants and bars around the world, as recommended by the experts who make up its various academies.

Further details on the new project, and of future ‘Best of’ initiatives will be announced this year.

Just seven restaurants have taken the top spot since the awards’ inception in 2002 - The Fat Duck (2005), Noma (2010-12, 2014), Osteria Francescana (2016, 20018), Eleven Madison Park (2017), El Celler de Can Roca (2013, 2015), El Bulli (2002, 2006-09), and The French Laundry (2003-04).

This year’s World's 50 Best Restaurants list will be announced at a ceremony in Singapore in June.​​