Córdoba: Home to the best restaurant in the world

It takes a lot for a place to be crowned the best restaurant in the world. But that’s exactly what’s just happened to a little tapas restaurant in Spain.

Every year, the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards highlight the most-loved places, sights, and eateries across the globe. Voted on by TripAdvisor users, the winners represent thousands of satisfied customers from every corner of the world.

This year, a brand-new accolade was introduced to mark TripAdvisor’s 25th anniversary: the “All Time Best” restaurant award. The title goes to those venues that have consistently wowed diners with outstanding food, hospitality, and atmosphere throughout the 21st century.

Best restaurant in the world: And the winner is……..

And the inaugural winner? Bodegas Mezquita Céspedes, a tapas restaurant in the Spanish city of Córdoba. With a 4.6-star rating from more than 13,000 reviews, including an incredible 9,500 five-star ratings, it’s fair to say this little spot has won hearts around the world.

Reviewers rave about its “fantastic tapas, cozy ambiance, and central location”, as well as the staff’s warmth and their knack for recommending just the right wine.

Córdoba’s gem wasn’t the only restaurant to impress. The runner-up spot for the best restaurant in the world went to Floresta Das Escadinhas in Lisbon. Set inside a former church and celebrated for its exceptional fish dishes and friendly service.

Third place took us across the Atlantic to The Balkan Mediterranean Restaurant in Banff, Canada, known not just for hearty Greek fare but also for weekly plate smashing and traditional dancing.