The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, in collaboration with Parmigiano Reggiano, has announced the return of its prestigious 50 Best Restaurants Scholarship for 2025. After a brief hiatus, the program is set to relaunch with enhanced opportunities for the next generation of culinary talent, providing aspiring chefs with unparalleled experiences to advance their careers.
The scholarship is open to chefs worldwide with less than three years of professional kitchen experience. The winner will receive the rare opportunity to complete internships at two of the world’s leading restaurants, including El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Spain—a two-time winner of The World’s Best Restaurant title and a member of the Best of the Best hall of fame. The second internship location will be revealed at a later date. Throughout the program, the winner will also receive a financial stipend to cover living expenses and explore the host cities.
The top three finalists will embark on an exclusive trip to Italy, where they will attend The World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony in Turin on 19 June 2025. During their visit, they will also tour Emilia-Romagna, the birthplace of Parmigiano Reggiano, gaining firsthand insight into the production of this iconic cheese.
Applications for the scholarship open on 17 March and close on 31 March 2025. Candidates are required to submit a short introductory video and answer questions about their culinary philosophy, vision, and aspirations. The selection process includes multiple rounds, culminating in the creation of a recipe featuring Parmigiano Reggiano.
William Drew, Director of Content for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, expressed enthusiasm for the program’s relaunch: “We are thrilled to reintroduce the 50 Best Restaurants Scholarship and collaborate with Parmigiano Reggiano, a brand that shares our commitment to nurturing the next generation of culinary talent. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for aspiring chefs to elevate their careers.”
Nicola Bertinelli, President of the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium, added: “This collaboration allows us to engage with young chefs, the future ambassadors of Parmigiano Reggiano, who continue to discover innovative ways to incorporate our cheese into their dishes. Parmigiano Reggiano is not just an ingredient—it’s a symbol of Italian excellence and a true protagonist at the table.”
The relaunch of the 50 Best Restaurants Scholarship underscores the organization’s dedication to fostering talent and creating unique opportunities within the global hospitality industry. Aspiring chefs are encouraged to apply and take the first step toward an extraordinary culinary journey.