The Prix Versailles has unveiled its 2026 selection of the world's most beautiful restaurants. From Monaco to Hong Kong, via India, Egypt and Dubai, these 16 spectacular venues elevate the dining experience to new heights.
A meal is about far more than what is on the plate. The atmosphere, décor and architecture all play a vital role in shaping the overall experience. This is precisely what the Prix Versailles celebrates, honouring the most remarkable architectural achievements around the world each year. For its 2026 edition, the institution has revealed a selection of sixteen restaurants that elegantly combine design, heritage and gastronomy. Together, they showcase the diversity and creativity of contemporary architecture in the service of hospitality.
The Prix Versailles celebrates architectural excellence
While the Michelin Guide remains the benchmark for culinary excellence, the Prix Versailles focuses on another essential aspect of the dining experience: the setting. Established under the patronage of UNESCO, this international award highlights contemporary architectural projects that successfully combine aesthetics, innovation, heritage and sustainability.
For its 2026 selection, the jury chose sixteen restaurants spread across several continents. In a statement, Jérôme Gouadain, Secretary General of the Prix Versailles, explained: 'These sixteen establishments infuse their interiors with a palette of styles and colours in perfect harmony with both their surroundings and the cuisine they offer. In this context, the art of hospitality becomes inseparable from the art of creating unforgettable memories.'
Asia takes centre stage, led by Hong Kong
This year, Asia stands out particularly strongly, with several of the selected restaurants located in Hong Kong and mainland China. Their presence reflects the region's architectural dynamism, where restaurateurs are increasingly investing in spectacular interiors to enhance the dining experience and reinforce the identity of renowned chefs.
By contrast, no French restaurant features in the 2026 list, despite France having two representatives last year: Ladurée Royale and Ducasse Baccarat. However, two leading figures of French gastronomy abroad have secured places in the selection: Monsieur Dior by Anne-Sophie Pic in Beijing and Monsieur Dior by Dominique Crenn in Beverly Hills.
The remainder of the list is evenly distributed across the globe, featuring outstanding establishments from South Africa to Finland, as well as Switzerland and beyond.
The world's most beautiful restaurants of 2026
From spectacular rooftop venues to intimate dining rooms housed within historic buildings, these are the sixteen restaurants recognised this year by the Prix Versailles:
- Nobu One Za'abeel, Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
- Le Fou, Vienna (Austria)
- Monti, Gstaad (Switzerland)
- Akira Back, Hong Kong (China)
- Hana no Kumo, Hong Kong (China)
- Monsieur Dior by Anne-Sophie Pic, Beijing (China)
- Peridot, Hong Kong (China)
- Escā Playa, Ras El Hekma (Egypt)
- Finlandia Bistro, Helsinki (Finland)
- Carbone, London (United Kingdom)
- Rosso, Hinganigada (India)
- Marlow, Monaco
- Lucia, Los Angeles (United States)
- Monsieur Dior by Dominique Crenn, Beverly Hills (United States)
- Mottai, Coral Gables (United States)
- Amura by Ángel León, Cape Town (South Africa)
Among these establishments, the Prix Versailles will soon announce the winners of the Prix Versailles, Interior of the Year, and Exterior of the Year awards, which will recognise the most outstanding achievements of the 2026 selection.
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