For the first time, a Dutch restaurant topped the rankings Ranking the Best of the Best from Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards. Each year, restaurants are awarded based on reviews on Tripadvisor that are in the top 1 percent. Reviews between June 1, 2022 and May 31, 2023 were used for this awards ceremony.
Bougainville Restaurant is located in the luxurious Hotel TwentySeven, on Dam Square, and opened in 2017. At the end of 2018, the restaurant received a Michelin star.
In the Best of the Best ranking, Bougainville shot from 13th in Europe to 1st in the world this year. “We think 13th is great,” said owner Eric Toren. When the staff heard about the award, it didn’t take long for the champagne to be opened.
“This is a unique achievement and we should be proud and grateful. From the kitchen and bar teams to the cleaners and receptionists, we are all in this together.”
Unrealistic expectations
“It’s true that some guests now may have unrealistic expectations,” Toren thinks. “And it’s difficult: it’s a great recognition, but in culinary terms, there are better restaurants at a higher level. Take, for example, the three-star restaurant De Librije in Zwolle. After all, we are a one-star business, we don’t have three stars.”
The taste can vary, explains Toren, every mouth is different. The owner thinks there are always guests who don’t like something. “For example, because they come from different parts of the world and the food they prepare is very different.”
Finish the night out
In fact, according to Toren, it’s about the combination of a group and good food. “These things cannot be separated from each other. Every day we ensure that people enjoy a complete evening. That means: good food, delicious drinks, but also atmospheric music in the background and the right lighting.”
Toren believes his performance will have a positive impact on his personnel. “They can now put this well on their CV. The best restaurant in the world is a great recognition.”
Test work
Bougainville received an 8- in Proefwerk in 2018 from our then food critic, Hiske Versprille: ‘Fantastic poached sea bass on a savory toasted risotto biscuit, with roasted piquillo (small pepper) cream and langoustine foam. Very tasty and complete.’ Read the review here.
Eating in Amsterdam? According to culinary critic Mara Grimm, this is the best restaurant in town.
These are the Top 10 Best of the Best worldwide
1. Bougainville Restaurant – Amsterdam, Netherlands
2. Ise Sueyoshi – Nishiazabu, Japan
3. Old Stamp House Restaurant – Ambleside, England
4. Maison Medard – Boulleret, France
5. Ristorante Villa Crespi – Orta San Giulio, Italy
6. Avartana – Chennai (Madras), India
7. Akira Returns – Bangkok, Thailand
8. Paul Ainsworth at No. 6 – Padstow, United Kingdom
9. PIC – Valence, France
10. Sachi Heliopolis – Cairo, Egypt
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