Standing above the picturesque Soča river, Hiša Franko is headed by Ana Roš, who was declared the best woman chef by the Restaurant magazine last year.

This year the accolade went to Claire Smyth of the London restaurant Core.

Hiša Franko said on its Facebook page yesterday as the list was announced that they were "proud and thankful" to enter the World's 50 Best Restaurants list at 48th.

Osteria Francescana in Italy's Modena was crowned the world's best restaurant for the second time, beating out top eateries in Spain and France.

Restaurant magazine launched the awards in 2002 and they are now as coveted by restaurants as Michelin stars.

The winning restaurant has been in Spain seven times, the most of any country.