Brussels restaurant ranked among the 50 best in the world

Bozar restaurant in Brussels has scored an impressive ranking of 42nd in the prestigious ’50 Best’ listing of the finest dining establishments in the world.

Helmed by chef Karen Torosyan, the two-Michelin star restaurant climbed 21 spots from last year’s ranking of 63 to achieve the new milestone, reports SoSoir.

Three other Belgian restaurants were included in the list of the world’s 100 best: The Jane** in Antwerp (63rd), Willem Hiele* in Oudenburg (66th) and Eliane* in Brussels (86th).

The 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list is created from the votes of The 50 Best Restaurants Academy. It comprises more than 1,100 international restaurant industry experts, with a 50/50 gender balance, of which at least 25 per cent are refreshed annually.

Following the award ceremony in Lima, Peru, Torosyan thanked all his team, including his wife and business partner, Nani Lee Torosyan, as well as  “everyone who has passed through our establishment over the last 15 years."

In an Instagram post, the 46-year-old of Armenian origin also wrote: “It’s a great victory for Belgium — whether we are from Brussels, Flanders or Wallonia; we are strong together, not as individuals.”

Torosyan has been at the helm of the establishment, housed within the Bozar arts centre, for some 15 years. He was also named Chef of the Year 2026 by Gault&Millau.

His signature cuisine is praised for being both accessible and contemporary. Among the dishes that have forged his reputation are his pigeon with foie gras and smoked eel, a masterful duck pithiviers and a refined and delicate marbled Bresse chicken with artichokes and pickles.

Photos: 'main image) Karen Toroysan (far right) and his team; Group shot winners; Bozar restaurant interior; signature dish  ©50 Best Restaurants 2026; signature dish Granivore ©Pieter D'Hopp