Every year since 2002, some of the world’s most revered chefs, restaurateurs and food critics, sponsored by San Pellegrino, compile a list of what is considered to be the world’s best restaurants

There is some tough competition, and the list is always objective, but after much deliberation judges came up with the 2010 winners, listed below are what could be considered the ten best restaurants in the world, unless, of course, you know otherwise.

1. Noma, Denmark

This Copenhagan restaurant reveres all that is the earth and sea. Innovation meets the natural world in, for example, a starter that combines baby carrots, edible soil (made from nuts, beer and malt) and a cream herb emulsion.

2. El Bulli, Spain

El Bulli has been on the top ten list of best restaurants for the last decade and has one an amazing 5 times. It is little surprise that people come from across the world to sample the delights at this idyllic location in the far North of Spain.

3. The Fat Duck, UK

The Fat Duck is famous for its experimental and ever-evolving menu, and this ensures that it is the only UK restaurant in the top ten. Its owner and Executive chef Heston Blumenthal is almost a scientist with his delicious concoctions.

4. El Celler de Can Roca, Spain

Headed by three brothers, this restaurant is a taste sensation, where the quality of food is matched by the quality of delicious wines on offer.

5. Mugaritz, Spain

Spain’s third inclusion into the top ten restaurants is another addition that qualifies Spain as the superpower of fine dining. Mugaritz is earthy and innovative in its food without being over scientific.

6. Osteria Francescana, Italy

The art on the walls of this renowned restaurant compliment the art on the plates that diners visually and oralfactorily enjoy. The New York skyline acts as an inspiration for one delicious and eye-catching Italian meat dish.

7. Alinea, USA

One of three American inclusions into the list, this Chicago restaurant is said to serve the most cutting edge food in America, celebrating its roots with an unusual American twist.

8. Daniel, USA

With a French Chef using American flair, this winner climbed 33 places since 2009. Daniel has devoted an entire tasting menu to fresh seasonal vegetables, making this restaurant, on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, perfect for vegetarians and carnivores alike.

9. Arzak, Spain

Spain’s 4th inclusion in the top ten list is Arzak. Run by the same family since the late 19th century, this San Sebastian restaurant offers the finest Basque delicacies, such as Lobster with White Olive Oil and smoked white tuna with figs and pine nuts.

10. Per Se, USA

Per Se is a New York restaurant of urban fine dining. Salmon Cornet and signature Oysters and Pearls open the nine petit courses, beef with crispy bone marrow and lamb with butter poached morels ensure that this restaurant continues to get the international recognition that it deserves.