October 2023
The star restaurant Bougainville in Amsterdam the Netherlands has been named the best restaurant in the world by Tripadvisor. Owner Eric Toren is proud and grateful: "Place 13 was already quite something."
Restaurant Bougainville is located in the luxurious Hotel TwentySeven on Dam Square. © Dingena Mol
For the first time, a Dutch restaurant has topped the Best of the Best ranking of Tripadvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards. Each year, restaurants are awarded this prize, based on reviews on Tripadvisor that rank among the top 1 percent. Reviews between June 1, 2022 and May 31, 2023 were used for this award.
On this year's Best of the Best ranking, Bougainville shot from No. 13 in Europe to No. 1 in the world. "Place 13 was already quite something for us," says owner Eric Toren. When the staff heard of the award, it didn't take long for the champagne to open.
"It is a unique achievement, of which we can be terribly proud and grateful. From the team in the kitchen and bar to the cleaners and reception staff: we all did this together."
"It is true, however, that some guests may now have unrealistic expectations," Toren thinks. ,,And that is difficult: it is a great recognition, but in terms of food, there are still better restaurants with higher levels. Take three-star restaurant De Librije in Zwolle, for example. After all, we are a one-star establishment, we don't have three."
Tastes can differ, Toren explains, every mouth is different. The owner thinks there will always be guests who don't like something. "For example, because they come from another continent where very different food is prepared."
Still, according to Toren, it's all about the combination of entourage and good food. ,,That cannot be separated. Every day we make sure that people have a complete evening out. That includes good food, great drinks, but also atmospheric music in the background and the right lighting."
Toren is confident that the achievement will be positive for the staff. "They can now put this nicely on their resumes. Best restaurant in the world is quite a recognition after all."
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