World's best restaurant

It's official: The best restaurant in the world is in Copenhagen. Late last night, Danish restaurant Noma won a sensational first place at the San Pellegrino Awards, which each year publish a list of the 50 best restaurants in the world.

Not content with being the only restaurant in Denmark with two sought-after Michelin stars, Noma has now gained the ultimate accolade: the Best Restaurant in the World, jumping from third place last year onto the winning podium this year.

"It's absolutely insane to get to number one. It's surreal", said co-owner Claus Meyer to Metroexpress newspaper. He believes that Noma's success is due to its no-compromise focus on Nordic ingredients as well as chef René Redzepi's exceptional talent. The name Noma comes from the Danish words "Nordisk Mad", meaning "Nordic Food".

Reservations months ahead

The award is the equivalent of an Oscar for restaurants, and will be a boost for the already highly sought-after and high-profile restaurant, meaning diners will have to book even longer ahead to get a table - something which is definitely the only negative aspect to the win.

Top judges

The judges who made the award are the very top people in their field. Their votes rank Noma above legends such as El Bullis in Spain and the Fat Duck in the UK. The World's 50 Best Restaurants are awarded by the British magazine "Restaurant" every April.

Please read more: "Cooking Without Rules", article in The New York Times, july 2010.