Danish restaurant Noma has been named S. Pellegrino’s World’s
Best Restaurant 2011 in its list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Widely
considered to be the ‘Oscars’ of the culinary world, René Redzepi’s restaurant
topped the voting in this year’s annual awards for the second consecutive year,
reflecting the continued excitement around its unique treatment of local and
regional ingredients.

Commenting on Noma’s win, William Drew, editor of Restaurant
magazine, said: “We heartily congratulate René Redzepi for the difficult task
of maintaining his position as the number one restaurant on our list, which
underscores his commitment to redefining Nordic cuisine.”

One of the most coveted awards, the Chefs’ Choice award, was given to Massimo
Bottura of Osteria Francescana fame. Voted for by his peers, Massimo Bottura
has gained an international reputation for his deft flair in avant-garde
Italian cuisine.

Asian restaurants were also well represented this year, with
Japanese restaurant Les Creations De Narisawa, number 12 on the list, claiming
the Best in Asia award for the third consecutive year.
Its unorthodox French cuisine has been heralded for the inventive use of
organic soil and charcoal.

Hong Kong made her debut on the list at number 37, with the
Mandarin Oriental-based Amber Restaurant. This French-influenced restaurant is fronted by chef
Dutchman Richard Ekkebus. Other Hong
Kong restaurants making the extended list include Bo
Innovation and Caprice, at 63 and 77 respectively.

For the full list of winners, click here.