In the 2004 film “Spanglish,” Adam Sandler portrays a talented, young chef who learns that a New York Times food critic will be visiting his restaurant – and goes into a full-fledged anxiety attack as to how many ‘stars’ would be just the right amount.

He decides on 3  1/4 stars – enough to make the point of excellence – but still humble enough to retain the local, friendly nature of his restaurant.

“Please, not four stars, not four stars,” he pleads to the gods. “That will change everything.” 

In the article that is published, the food critic awards him his dreaded four stars – and the additional title of ‘best chef in America.’  

Well, imagine being a talented young chef whose eatery was just named the #1 restaurant in the world.  

That would be this guy:

Chef René Redzepi.

S. Pellegrino's annual "World's 50 Best Restaurants" list was released in London on Monday. It is the ninth edition of the much talked-about catalog discerning the best in planetary culinary excellence.

The No. 1 spot went to Chef Redzepi’s Noma in Copenhagen, Denmark, pictured here.

According to S.Pellegrino, "great restaurants are a blend of sophisticated cooking, imaginative ideas and respect for ingredients. Noma is more than this. It’s an experience that reminds you why some restaurants deserve to be revered, and why we created this list."

Although the Top 50 list is often a hotly contested one, the Guardian newspaper's restaurant critic Jay Rayner (better known to American foodies as a judge on "Top Chef Masters") agrees with the judges' decision.

Have things changed for Noma since the list was announced?

Let’s put it this way. Their online reservations system is now booked – solid – for the next seven years. 

Here are the 10 restaurants that topped the list in 2010:

1.   Noma (Copenhagen, Denmark)

2.   El Bulli (Roses, Spain)

3.   The Fat Duck (Bray, England)

4.   El Celler de Can Roca (Girona, Spain)

7.   Alinea (Chicago, Illinois)

8.   Daniel (New York)

9.   Arzak (San Sebastián, Spain)

10. Per Se (New York)

For the complete list, visit The Word's 50 Best.

You can visit Noma here.

Bon Appetit.

Photos: Bing images, CNN.com, Noma restaurant website