With the announcement of The 50 Best Restaurants 2026 just weeks away, organisers have released the extended ranking for positions 51 to 100, and Europe emerges as the most represented region. Twenty restaurants from 11 European countries feature on the list, which was compiled from the votes of more than 1,100 international culinary experts, including chefs, food writers, and gastronomic specialists.
The extended list spans 36 cities across six continents, but Europe's strong showing underscores the continent's continued dominance in global fine dining. Asia follows with 17 entries, while North America has six, South America three, and Africa and the Middle East two each.
European highlights on the extended list
Italy's Uliassi, located in the Adriatic coastal town of Senigallia, takes the highest European position at No.51. The restaurant, known for its inventive seafood cuisine, sits just outside the top 50 but remains a benchmark for Italian dining.
Belgium, France, Germany, and Spain each contribute three restaurants, tying for the largest European representation. In Belgium, The Jane in Antwerp ranks No.63, followed by Willem Hiele in Oudenburg at No.66 and Eliane in Brussels at No.86. France's entries include Arpège (No.67) and Septime (No.81) in Paris, alongside Le Doyenné in Saint-Vrain (No.84). Germany's three representatives are all in Berlin: Nobelhart & Schmutzig (No.76), Coda (No.82), and Tim Raue (No.85). Spain's trio comprises Cocina Hermanos Torres in Barcelona (No.69), Txispa in Atxondo (No.80), and Aponiente in El Puerto de Santa María (No.100).
The United Kingdom fields two London restaurants: Kol (No.70) and The Ledbury (No.83), the latter returning to the extended list for the first time since 2019. Elsewhere in Europe, Denmark's Koan in Copenhagen takes No.57, Sweden's Frantzén in Stockholm No.58, Slovenia's Hiša Franko in Kobarid No.60, Portugal's Belcanto in Lisbon No.75, and Türkiye's Neolokal in Istanbul No.94.
The inclusion of Hiša Franko, run by chef Ana Roš, highlights the growing recognition of Central and Eastern European gastronomy. Similarly, Neolokal's presence reflects the vibrant culinary scene in Istanbul, a city that bridges Europe and Asia.
The full 50 Best Restaurants 2026 ranking will be unveiled on 4 November at a gala ceremony in Lima, Peru. Until then, the extended list offers a preview of the trends and talents shaping the continent's dining landscape. As European restaurants continue to push boundaries, the region's culinary influence shows no signs of waning.
For those planning culinary travels, the list serves as a guide to some of the continent's most exciting tables, from the Belgian coast to the Basque countryside. Whether it's the innovative tasting menus of Copenhagen or the traditional yet modernised flavours of Andalusia, Europe's dining scene remains as diverse as its cultures.
