Barcelona's Disfrutar has been named the best restaurant in Europe - and the second best in the world. The World's 50 Best Restaurants gala held in the City of Arts and Sciences, in Valencia, has once again recognized the Barcelona restaurant (Carrer Villarroel, 163) for the fourth consecutive edition, after the Catalan proposal came in third position overall in 2022 and in fifth place in 2021. Meanwhile, the best restaurant in the world for 2023 is the Central, in the Peruvian capital Lima, while Madrid's DiverXO was placed third.
Disfrutar: a 'gastro' experience that exceeds limits
The Disfrutar restaurant is one of the most delicious, surprising and limitless gastronomic experiences in the world. It debuted at number 18 on the World's 50 Best Restaurants in 2018, picking up the highest award for new entry, and has since then only climbed, reaching the podium last year. It is a space described as a testament to a constantly mind-blowing nature with its gastronomic offer: "An exciting fast-paced, roller-coaster ride of a culinary experience at the highest level", according to the judges of the world's most important gastronomic awards.
Located in Barcelona's Eixample, right opposite the Mercat del Ninot, the establishment also surprises with its design. Respect for the history and heritage of the Mediterranean is the inspiration and ceramics the common thread in the interior space. The entry area is inspired by Barcelona, the wrought iron of the Mercat del Ninot and the colours of Joan Miró's ceramics.
The central corridor, made from ceramic with the colours and textures of clay, passes through the kitchen which is completely visible to guests and leads to the main dining space. This is inspired by small fishing villages and stands out as a bright, white space, that transports one outside of the city and connects with the terrace; a nod to the Compartir restaurant in Cadaques which the same three chefs run.
The legacy of El Bulli
Who are the faces hiding behind this work of art? Chefs Oriol Castro, Mateu Casañas and Eduard Xatruch started working at the legendary El Bulli (now a member of the Best of the Best restaurant group) a year apart, between 1996 and 1998. After the restaurant closed in 2011, they join forces to open Compartir in Cadaqués in 2012 and, subsequently, the award-winning Disfrutar, which represents their most ambitious project, in 2014.
Contemporary techniques, daring combinations and the desire to surprise diners are some of the culinary lines adopted by Castro, Casañas and Xatruch at Disfrutar, just as at El Bulli. Dishes like the panchino stuffed with caviar and sour cream, or the multi-spherical pesto with tender pistachios and eel. All the dishes are designed to please, surprise and, above all and especially, excite. In 2021, the team unveiled a new type of table: during the dining experience the humble piece of furniture before you comes to life, revealing secret compartments, delicious treats hidden in its cavities. In short, we are talking about a surprisingly unique and Mediterranean place, with close and welcoming service, and creative cuisine designed to be enjoyed.