Unlike most occupations, culinary arts careers are highly competitive, and many people go to extreme lengths to earn their place in the kitchen. Whether you want to learn to bake or master the art of the tasting menu, picking the best culinary program hinges on aligning personal aspirations with course offerings, curriculum quality, accreditation, faculty expertise and practical training. The right choice translates to professional success and personal fulfillment.
In addition to a world-class education, top culinary schools offer a variety of hands-on learning experiences that include student-staffed restaurants on campus; internships with industry leaders; food-focused academic courses and relevant certifications. They also feature expert chefs and bakers as instructors along with seasoned professors in business, culinary arts and liberal arts. A great culinary school is not only a source of education, but also offers an inspiring college experience with vibrant student life and a thriving community.
Just like actors receive Oscars and singers win Grammys, chefs can be honored with their own set of accolades. From the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list to Michelin Guide stars and James Beard nominations, these prestigious awards have long been coveted markers of success in the restaurant business. But one new culinary award is recasting how to celebrate food professionals, by doing away with rankings and highlighting individual contributions.
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list was launched in 2002 and quickly became one of the most prestigious honors a restaurant can achieve. But the esteemed ranking system has some serious flaws. Its staccato writing style makes it difficult to discern why a restaurant receives one star and another, two or three. Its inspectors have a tendency to overlook restaurants favored by local critics. And it’s almost impossible to avoid the feeling that the whole thing is biased.
In recent years, the top spot on the list has mostly been occupied by high-end tasting menu spots run by men. When Lima, Peru restaurant Central took the title in 2023, it was the first time a female chef had led a top-ranked restaurant and only the third non-European winner. The list has also lacked geographic open-mindedness and been accused of being a zero-sum game in which a spot on the list means another restaurant has been kicked off.
While the list isn’t without its shortcomings, it has helped propel the careers of countless chefs and restaurants around the globe. And for many aspiring chefs, it remains the best way to start their culinary careers. But what if you can’t or don’t want to attend culinary school? Here are some alternatives to consider.