El Bulli: Arguably One of the Best Restaurants in the World

While the true title of “best restaurant in the world” will never really be obtained, El Bulli is arguably one of the top restaurants world wide. It has placed #1 in Restaurant Magazine’s list of the Top 50 Restaurants in the World a record 5 times – in 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, and finally 2009. It’s also considered to be a shoo-in for next years list.

Located in Catalonia, El Bulli is owned and run by legendary chef Ferran Adria, and employs a total of 42 expert chefs. While meals at El Bulli cost an average of €250, or about $375, the restaurant has run at a loss for the past several years. Their main source of profit is book sales (cookbooks and guides) and lectures from head chef Ferran Adria.

El Bulli is known not only for its delicous food, but its odd combinations of flavors. For instance, El Bulli has been known to serve pine nut marshmallows, melon with ham, and other extremely different combinations. While these meals may not sound good, there is rarely an unsatisfied customer at El Bulli. And, for people who prefer not to be adventurous when it comes to food, there are other more “normal” foods offered regularly.

The bad news is that it is extremely hard to get a reservation at El Bulli. Since it is widely considered the best restaurant in the world, there are always people wanting to get in. The restaurant is only open from April to October, and only during certain hours. There are about 8000 spots to get during the year at El Bulli, and generally about 1-2 million people compete for those spots. Yes, you read right – 2 million people. In fact, when reservations open for the following year, which happens on the last day of the season, it would not be odd if they sold out in a day. So, if you want to visit what might well be the best restaurant in the world, be sure to make reservations early – about a year early!