Discover the fascinating voting process behind The World's 50 Best Restaurants list.

The World's 50 Best Restaurants list is not just a mere collection of outstanding dining establishments; it is a result of a meticulous and transparent voting process. Today, we delve into the inner workings of The World's 50 Best Restaurants Academy, offering you a glimpse into the fascinating journey of how the prestigious list comes to life.

• Academy Composition: The foundation of the Academy lies in its carefully selected panel of 1,080 international restaurant industry experts. This diverse group ensures balanced representation, with a commitment to maintaining a 50/50 gender ratio. Their expertise and discerning palates play a crucial role in shaping the list.
• Rotating Panel: Change is essential for progress, and The World's 50 Best Restaurants Academy embraces this philosophy. Each year, at least 25% of the panelists from each region step aside to make room for new voices and fresh perspectives. This rotation ensures continuous diversity and relevance in the voting process.
• Confidentiality: The anticipation and excitement surrounding the announcement of the awards remain intact, thanks to the strict adherence to confidentiality. The voting process is shrouded in secrecy, allowing for unbiased judgment and maintaining the element of surprise.
• Selection Criteria: Academy members have the privilege of voting for 6 to 10 restaurants, depending on their ability to travel internationally. This flexibility ensures that each member's choices reflect their firsthand dining experiences and highlights the global nature of the list.
• Order of Preference: Academy members take great care in ranking their choices in order of preference. This ranking system allows them to express their personal dining experiences and preferences, further enriching the evaluation process.
• Recent Visits: Nominees must have been visited by Academy members within the last 18 months, ensuring that their opinions are based on recent and relevant experiences. This stipulation guarantees that the list accurately represents the current culinary landscape.
• Anonymity: Integrity and impartiality are of utmost importance in the voting process. Academy members maintain strict anonymity regarding their participation in The World's 50 Best Restaurants Academy. This anonymity ensures that their judgments are solely based on the dining experiences and eliminates any external influences.
• Authentic Dining Experiences: The voting process revolves around the core principle of authentic dining experiences. Academy members base their evaluations solely on their personal encounters with the restaurants, ensuring that the focus remains on the culinary excellence offered within the establishments.
• Ongoing Operations: To maintain the list's relevance, restaurants that are closed or set to close within three months are not eligible for nominations. This criterion ensures that the list represents establishments that are actively contributing to the gastronomic scene.
• Restaurant Focus: The essence of The World's 50 Best Restaurants lies in recognizing culinary excellence. Therefore, nominations are made for the restaurant itself, acknowledging the collective efforts of the entire team rather than solely focusing on the restaurateur or chef.

The World's 50 Best Restaurants list stands as a testament to the dedication, expertise, and passion of The World's 50 Best Restaurants Academy. Through a rigorous and inclusive voting process, this esteemed list celebrates the finest dining establishments across the globe. Behind the scenes, Academy members carefully evaluate their personal dining experiences to honor the culinary excellence that shapes our gastronomic world.

At Placement International, we applaud the transparency and commitment to quality that The World's 50 Best Restaurants embodies. It is a true testament to the transformative power of exceptional dining experiences and the global impact of the restaurant industry.