SYDNEY'S SAINT PETER JUST CRACKED THE WORLD'S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS LIST
Australia has a new reason to be proud of its food scene, with Sydney fish restaurant Saint Peter named on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list for 2026.
The Paddington favourite, run by husband-and-wife team Josh and Julie Niland, took out the number 50 spot at a glittering ceremony at the Teatro Municipal de Lima in Peru on Wednesday 4 November.
It was also crowned The Best Restaurant in Oceania, according to the official announcement from the organisers.
How Saint Peter climbed the world rankings
Saint Peter has been edging closer to the top 50 for the past few years.
As Broadsheet reports, it first appeared on the extended list at number 98 in 2024, before jumping to 66 in 2025.
This year it finally broke through, and it was the only Australian restaurant to make the list.
The original Saint Peter opened in 2016 in a former sushi train on Oxford Street, Paddington.
It has since moved into The Grand National Hotel, also in Paddington, where it celebrated its 10th birthday in September.
That same month, Josh Niland released his fourth book, Saint Peter: Chapter and Verse.
Why the world is talking about fish
So what makes Saint Peter so special?
The restaurant has built its reputation on fish butchery and dry-ageing, treating seafood with the kind of care usually reserved for prime cuts of beef.
The idea is to use as much of each fish as possible, which is good news for anyone who hates waste in the kitchen.
Another Australian win to celebrate
Saint Peter was not the only Australian name in the spotlight in Lima.
Melbourne fine diner Yiaga, led by chef Hugh Allen in East Melbourne, received the 2026 Visa One to Watch award.
The award goes to a restaurant the judges believe has the potential to break into future lists, so it could be one to book before everyone else catches on.
Who topped The World's 50 Best Restaurants list?
The number one spot went to Asador Etxebarri in Atxondo, in Spain's Basque Country.
Broadsheet notes that chef Victor Arguinzoniz cooks the entire menu over flames, right down to the desserts.
Bangkok's Gaggan came second, Copenhagen's Alchemist took third and Quintonil in Mexico City was fourth.
Rounding out the top 10 were Wing and The Chairman in Hong Kong, Kjolle in Lima, Kadeau in Copenhagen, Diverxo in Madrid and Plénitude in Paris.
Other highlights included Jessica Rosval of Al Gatto Verde being named Best Female Chef, while Tuju in São Paulo was the Highest New Entry.
This year's list features restaurants from 28 territories across six continents.
Rikki Tidball, managing director of events for the organisers, said the list "celebrates the highest calibre of hospitality on a global scale".
How to book a table at Saint Peter
If you are tempted to treat yourself, it is worth planning ahead, because bookings are likely to be in hot demand.
According to the Saint Peter website, the dining room is open for dinner seven days a week from 5.30pm, with lunch from Thursday to Sunday.
Dinner is a tasting menu priced at $395 per person, while lunch is a choice menu at $195 per person at the time of writing.
If that is more than your budget allows, the bar is a lovely alternative and walk-ins are always welcome.
The restaurant is at 161 Underwood Street, Paddington, and bookings can be made online through the website.
Bring a little Saint Peter magic home
You do not need a fine dining budget to cook fish with a bit more confidence this summer.
Ask your local fishmonger which fish is freshest that day, and do not be shy about asking for tips on how to cook it.
And keep it simple, because good seafood rarely needs much more than heat, salt and a squeeze of lemon.
With Christmas seafood season just around the corner, there has never been a better time to give it a go.
