What if the best restaurant in the world were just a few hours’ drive from Bordeaux? That’s what the prestigious 2026 World’s 50 Best Restaurants ranking claims. Asador Etxebarri, recently crowned the top winner, is a restaurant nestled in the heart of the Spanish Basque Country. Its specialty is sure to appeal to lovers of fine meat: grilled rib of beef!
Exceptional cuisine in a picturesque setting
Head to Atxondo, in Biscay, between Bilbao and San Sebastián. It is in this small village that Asador Etxebarri is tucked away—a restaurant that has become a global benchmark in gastronomy. Indeed, far from the hustle and bustle of big cities, the restaurant has made its home in a particularly peaceful setting. Surrounded by mountains and lush green landscapes, the restaurant is nestled in a rustic setting that contrasts with its immense international reputation.
Also awarded a Michelin star, the restaurant now attracts food lovers from all over the world. And behind this apparent simplicity lies cuisine of great precision, which has won over even the most discerning palates.
The world’s best restaurant and its art of wood-fired cooking
Already ranked second in 2025, Asador Etxebarri has claimed the top spot this year on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. This is a major achievement for Bittor Arginzoniz and his team, who were honored at a ceremony held in Lima, Peru, on November 4.
At the helm since 1990, Chef Bittor Arginzoniz has cultivated a very special craft here: the art of cooking over a wood fire. Here, fire is not merely a means of cooking. Treating it as an art form, the chef works the embers with remarkable precision. He selects specific types of wood (oak, grapevines, apple trees) depending on the ingredient being prepared to bring out its full flavors. Among the restaurant’s must-try dishes are the artisanal chorizo, glass eels, and, above all, the famous txuleta—a generous grilled ribeye steak.
The perfect excuse to cross the border
It’s about a 3.5-hour drive from Bordeaux to reach this exceptional restaurant. An ideal trip for a gourmet weekend and a getaway to the Spanish Basque Country.
Be warned, however: while the restaurant was already fully booked months in advance, this “Best Restaurant in the World” title will make reservations even more difficult to secure. You’ll need patience and foresight if you hope to dine in front of Bittor Arginzoniz’s open fire.
