If asked to describe their idea of the ‘best restaurant in the world’ many people would perhaps suggest a location along the French Riviera, where diners could be as captivated by the spectacular Mediteranean views as they would be by the exquisite dishes that were presented to them. Where superbly talented chefs use only the finest ingredients, many of which are grown in the tumbling gardens of the restaurant itself, to cleverly combine flavours that capture the true spirit of the beautiful location. Perhaps unknowingly, one would have just described Mirazur Restaurant, the 2019 winner of this most prestigious title.

Located at the foot of the mountains just a whisper from the Italian border, Mirazur Restaurant is, in fact, no stranger to the awards board and has been steadily accumulating them since its first year of opening. So, where did it all begin? Argentinian chef Mauro Colagreco arrived in France back in 2001 and over the next five years worked with esteemed chefs Bernard Loiseau, Alain Passard, Alain Ducasse and Guy Martin.

In 2006, aged 29, Colagreco opened Mirazur Restaurant and just six months later he received the ‘Revelation of the Year’ award from Gault & Millau, who created the brand new category especially to recognise his talents. Before the restaurant had even celebrated its first birthday Colagreco had his first Michelin star under his apron belt. Two more followed; the second in 2012 and the third was awarded earlier this year, making him the first non-French chef to be awarded 3 stars in the French edition of the Michelin Guide, and one of only 133 restaurants worldwide to achieve such status.

What can one expect when dining at Mirazur? That appears to be a good question. With no specific menu to guide you, diners are instead greeted with an offer that changes daily. Dishes will vary depending on what the local fishermen in the Port of Garavan bring back each morning, ensuring that only the freshest seafood will be served alongside the seasonal organic home-grown produce.    

Mauro Colagreco also owns other restaurants in France, China, the USA, and the gourmet burger chain Carne in his homeland of Argentina. Perhaps soon we will be seeing the award for the World’s Best Burger going his way too.