The World's Best Restaurant Is in New York

For years, fans of fine dining have had to venture outside of the United States to experience many of what reviewers have dubbed the best eateries in the world. For the first time since 2004, foodies won’t have to look any further than New York for the world’s best meal: The city’s Eleven Madison Park has been named the top restaurant on the globe by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants guide.

The tasting menu hot spot, located at 11 Madison Avenue, was number three last year and ascended to the top of the rankings because of voters' affinity for their eight- to 10-course presentation, including their signature honey lavender roasted duck and celery root cooked in a pig’s bladder. Diners leave with a complimentary granola jar. A check for two, including wine, averages $1000.

Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy, grabbed the number two spot, and Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Le Bernardin, both in New York, were the only other America-based locations in the top 20.

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants organization, operated by William Read Business Media, utilizes a voting panel of over 1000 chefs, industry professionals, and food writers to make its rankings. If you want to see what the hype is all about, you probably should make it quick: Eleven Madison Park is due to close in June for renovations and will reopen in September.