Every year “Restaurant” magazine brings out a list of the Top-50 restaurants in the world, based on a poll conducted by them among renowned chefs and food critics. Here are the Top 10 among them.

1.     The Bulli, Spain
This small restaurant in Catalonia in Spain, is open only from April to October, and takes bookings only on a single day in October for the next season. A pioneer in Haute Cuisine, it specializes in imaginative and experimental cuisine. It has topped the list for the best restaurants in the world 4 years in succession

2.     The Fat Duck, England
This is considered by many to be England’s finest restaurant. Here Chef Heston Blumenthal creates dishes which combine science and research with psychology and diners choices. Not quite traditional English cuisine, nevertheless it is only one of 3 restaurants which have been awarded 3 stars by Michelin Guide.

3.    Noma, Denmark
A restaurant that specializes in Nordic cuisine, this renowned restaurant is run in an old warehouse on the waterfront in Copenhagen. Chef Rene Redzipi have adapted upon classical Scandinavian/Nordic cuisines and produced some great dishes.

4.    Mugaritz, Spain
Another Spanish restaurant specializing in Haute Cuisine which has consistently been in the Top 10 list. Here chef Andoni Luiz Aduriz  is less flamboyant than most other renowned chefs, but has moved away from traditional, dull and orthodox food.

5.    El Celler De can Roca, Spain
Run by three brothers in Catalonia in Spain, it boasts of a state-of-the-art kitchen, an astounding wine cellar, a new dining space built with organic natural materials and of course, superb food.

6.    Per Se, New York, USA
Considered by many to be the best restaurant in New York, it is situated in the 4th Floor of the Times Warner building. The diners are given the options of two price-fixed menus – either a nine-course chef’s tasting menu, or a nine course vegetable – tasting menu. Chef Keller’s focus on details is evident in the choice of decor, the menu and the presentation.

7.    Bras,  France
Bras is situated on top of a hilltop in Aubrec in France, and boasts of an extensive wine-cellar, and a menu based on local produce and history. Chef Bras and his son have produced a superb blend of traditional French and Japanese cuisines.

8.    Arzak, Spain
Even though it has been situated in same site since 1897, Arzak serves a modern version of traditional Basque cuisine. Termed a ‘delectable symphony of flavours’ by some, today it is being served by the fourth generation of the family – Juan Ramon Arzak and his daughter Elena.

9.    Pierre Gagnaire, France
Considered to be the finest French restaurant in France, this fabulous restaurant in Paris, serves what can really be termed as ‘modern French cuisine, where Chef Gagnaire produces delectable dishes with a combination of tastes, textures and flavours.

10.    Alinea , Chicago, USA
Opened in 2005, by 2006 it was being voted as the best restaurant in the United States. Chef Grant Achatz is renowned for his inventive dishes, and constantly changing menu. Unique and delicious food is the hallmark of this restaurant.

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Top 10 List has no position about whether or not these are really greatest or most influential religious leaders of the 20th/21st Century List. If you have an alternative list of religious leaders which you would like included here, please feel free to comment below.

1.    Dalai Lama – He is the spiritual head of over 80,000 Tibetans living in exile, but he has influenced many more people all over the world. He spreads a message of non-violence, peaceful co-existence and humility based on his religion. His renowned charisma and oratorical skills have made him one of the world’s best known religious heads.

2.    Mother Teresa – Though she cannot really be termed as a religious leader but her iconic image of a nun working for the poorest of the poor, has done more for the Catholic Church than anyone else. Her simplicity and hard work and firm belief in her role as a missionary of Jesus made her into a reluctant world-wide religious figure.

3.    Pope John Paul II – His was the second-longest pontificate, and one of the most influential. He strengthened ties with Judaism, Anglican Communion, and with the Eastern Orthodox Church. He also beatified 1340 people from all over the world and was the most traveled Pope of all times.

4.    Billy Graham – America’s greatest revivalist, Billy Graham has preached to over 2.2 billion people. Anointed as “America’s Pastor”, he has influenced Presidents and common citizens alike. His sincerity and integrity are unquestionable and he is one of the most admired men of America.

5.    Mary Baker Eddy – Best known as the founder of the Christian Science Movement, her legacy continue 100 years after her death in the writings and in the magazine “Christian Science Monitor”. A spiritual teacher and a healer, she is believed to have influenced the social and religious movements of the early 20th century.

6.    Bishop Desmond Tutu – the emeritus Archbishop of Cape Town, he used his pre-eminent status to oppose Apartheid and help South Africa stand up as a unified nation after Mandela came into power. Even after retirement he works on issues concerning democracy and human rights.

7.    Master Li Hongzhi – He founded the spiritual discipline Falun Gong in China in 1992. Today it is believed that he has over 70 million followers. Presently based in the US, his “heavy emphasis on morality makes it appear to be a religion”.

8.    Archbishop Makarios – One of the few religious leaders who played dual roles as a religious leader and as an elected head of the Government. He was the Archbishop of the Cypriot Orthodox Church and also as the President of the Republic of Cyprus. Even though his reign was full of controversies, yet he remained one of the most notable religious and political figures of his time.

9.    Louis Farrakhan – A controversial religious leader, he commands a large following in the “Nation of Islam” and he is one Black America’s strongest advocates. His influence extends more due to his standing as an African American, rather than as a religious leader.

10.    Ayatullah Khomeini – Believed by many to be the greatest Islamic leader of the 20th Century, his defiance of the West, and his ability to preside over the overthrow of a brutal regime in Iran, made him a figure to revered and feared. A religious leader who was also a master strategist, he led a revolution and changed the course of history in the Middle East.

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