Chefs from all over the planet are loading their suitcases with tuxedos, food writers are sharpening their pencils and foodies are holding their breath for the big revelation. There is no mistaking it: The World’s 50 Best Restaurants is back and, between 3rd and 5th October, it is taking over the city of Antwerp in Flanders with a series of culinary escapades. Discover what they are and how you can tune in below, then explore the digital programme for all the key information

Throughout the three days of events, make sure you follow the #Worlds50Best hashtag and keep an eye on 50 Best’s Instagram Stories for LIVE behind-the-scenes access, exclusive interviews and more.

Sunday 3rd October

#50BestTalks: Aftershock
Featuring: Daniel Humm, Selassie Atadika, Junghyun Park

The tide-turning events, enforced closures and changes to daily life that characterised much of 2020 and 2021 didn’t just challenge hospitality businesses to reinvent themselves, but also led many chefs and restaurateurs to reassess their practices and seek new, progressive paths. From sustainability and the impact that our eating habits have on the planet to topical questions of authenticity and the amplification of diverse cuisines, and finally the examination of accountability and wellbeing in an industry suffering from a labour shortage – many issues came to the fore on a global level, challenging the industry to improve and change. It is these pressing issues that will be the focus of #50BestTalks: Aftershock.

Watch #50BestTalks live from 15:00 CET on Facebook and YouTube:

Monday 4th October

Press Conference

Media interested in finding out more about how The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021 list was created can tune in to the press conference, which will feature Charles Reed (CEO of William Reed, the company that owns and runs the 50 Best brand and events); Mauro and Julia Colagreco of restaurant Mirazur in Menton, France; local chef Sepideh Sedaghatnia of Divin by Sepeh in Antwerp; Koen Kennis, vice mayor of the City of Antwerp; and Peter de Wilde, CEO of Visit Flanders. The press conference will be hosted by William Drew, 50 Best’s director of content.

Watch the press conference live from 10:00 CET on YouTube:

Food Meets Talent by S.Pellegrino
Featuring: Heston Blumenthal, Clare Smyth, Mitsuharu Tsumura, Ana Roš and more

The ‘Food Meets’ event series – pioneered by S.Pellegrino as a means of connecting contemporary restaurant trends with the assembled gastronomic experts when The World’s 50 Best Restaurants comes to town – returns this year for its fourth instalment. Talent in all its forms will be in the spotlight at the event, which will take guests on a journey through the past, present and future.

Live highlights will be available on Instagram Stories from 11:30 CET. Catch up on all the action after the event on YouTube, where Heston Blumenthal’s TED Talk-style address and other presentations will be released

Tuesday 5th October

Join us as we reveal The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna. Chef Massimo Bottura of Osteria Francescana – No.1 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2016 and 2018 – will greet guests and give you behind-the-scenes access to the red carpet. Next, the gala awards will include a countdown from No.50 to No.1, the announcement of several special awards and appearances from some of the best-known chefs and restaurateurs on the planet. The show will culminate in the reveal of The World’s Best Restaurant 2021, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna. Immediately after it has been announced, head to Instagram and YouTube for an exclusive interview with the restaurant revealed as No.1.

Watch the red carpet show with Massimo Bottura and The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021 awards from 16:30 CET on Facebook and YouTube

Watch the exclusive interview with the restaurant revealed as No.1 from around 18:30 CET on Instagram Stories and YouTube

We look forward to seeing you online from 3-5 October for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021 event programme. To be the first to hear about the latest news and announcements, join the community on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.