The French Laundry Ranks #50 on World's 50 Best List

The World's 50 Best Restaurants released their hotly anticipated list today, at an elaborate awards presentation in London. And though the Bay Area had several restaurants on the organization's list of runners-up 51-100, only one made the top 50. The French Laundry came in under the wire at #50, moving down in ranking from last year's spot at #44. And with Per Se's inclusion at #40, that gives Thomas Keller the singular distinction as the only chef with two spots in the top 50.

Despite speculation following last week's release of the top 51-100, the list leaves several notable Bay Area restaurants high and dry, including three-Michelin starred Benu and two-starred Atelier Crenn, Quince and Acquerello. North America's other winners include top ranking Eleven Madison Park (#5), Alinea (#26), Per Se (#40), Le Bernardin (#18) and Blue Hill at Stone Barns (#49).

For more information on how restaurants are ranked and why anyone cares, here is Eater's detailed guide to the list's inner working (and its flaws) .