This year, we are taking a small yet decisive step towards opening a window onto the international culinary scene. A new special award will recognise the chef who currently stands out as one of Greece’s foremost ambassadors abroad. However, this is merely a precursor to a far more significant expansion into the global arena in the years to come.
What truly matters is that this year we are laying the foundations for increased international engagement by strengthening the FNL Best Restaurant Awards jury with the addition of five new members from abroad. These individuals are experienced, well-travelled, and frequently visit Greece; they will contribute to the diversity and credibility of the panel.
Allow me to introduce them to you:
Malgozrata Minta: A leading food & travel journalist featured in Polish Vogue of Warsaw, author of gastronomy books, and photographer. She travels extensively, covering some of the most prestigious gastronomic events worldwide.
Joel Hart: A seasoned food and wine journalist based in London, with vast experience in exploring culinary scenes around the globe. He writes for distinguished publications and websites, including the FT Weekend, Vittles, Eater, ES Magazine, The Telegraph, and Foodism, showcasing some of the most influential restaurants worldwide.
Sabrina Ubinana: An exceptionally influential marketing director and a highly experienced foodie based in Paris. She collaborates with renowned institutions, hotels, and chateaux such as The World’s 50 Best, Cheval Blanc in Paris, and Grotta Palazzese in Puglia, among others.
Asli Bayraktar: A well-travelled foodie living in Istanbul, who divides her time between Greece, France, and Italy. She regularly explores top-tier restaurants across these regions, continuously expanding her culinary horizons.
Pole Dines Fine: A Polish travel enthusiast, food aficionado, and fine dining consultant known by his nickname. Having visited 75 countries and dined at hundreds of Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide, he is also a musician and the owner of an independent record label, blending his passions for music and gastronomy.
The awards ceremony reaches its climax this year with the announcement of The List 2025 by the FNL Best Restaurant Awards. This top-10 comprises the restaurants you must visit this year—those that, for various reasons, provided us with the most exhilarating experiences and evoked the strongest emotions throughout the passing year. It is worth noting that the restaurant ranked number one each year is automatically excluded from subsequent lists and becomes a member of an exclusive club of ‘Firsts’.
‘Mylos by the Sea’ in Leros, which secured the top spot in 2024, has become the first member of this distinguished club. Who will be the next? Patience — just 12 days to go!
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