Written by:
peru.travel
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
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Peru is gearing up to host one of the world’s most important culinary events in 2026.
Peruvian culinary talent and cuisine have earned a special place in some of the world’s most prestigious rankings. In recent years, restaurants in Lima have secured top positions on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, which showcases some of the world’s most acclaimed dining experiences.
Now, for the first time, Lima will host the global awards ceremony. The event offers an opportunity to celebrate the talent of Peruvian chefs, discover the diversity of the country’s cuisine, and bring the flavors of Peru into the international spotlight.
Did you know that Peru has already made its mark on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants?
In 2023, Central, led by Virgilio Martínez alongside Pía León, claimed the number one spot on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. This achievement made the Lima restaurant the first South American restaurant to earn the prestigious title. More than a dining experience, Central offers an exploration of Peru’s diverse landscapes through its flavors.
Two years later, in 2025, Maido earned the same distinction. Led by chef Mitsuharu “Micha” Tsumura, the restaurant has developed a culinary concept that combines Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients, offering a contemporary expression of Nikkei cuisine. With this recognition, Maido became the second Peruvian restaurant to top the global ranking.
In November 2026, Lima will host the ceremony at a particularly significant moment: Maido will join the Best of the Best group, reserved for establishments that have reached the number one spot and are therefore no longer eligible to compete in future editions of the ranking.
It is worth remembering that, long before Central and Maido reached the top of the rankings, Peruvian cuisine was already recognized among the world’s culinary greats. In 2011, Astrid & Gastón, the iconic restaurant founded by Gastón Acurio and Astrid Gutsche, ranked 14th on the list.
Kjolle, Mérito and Mayta: Peru Among the World’s 50 Best
In the 2025 edition, three other Lima restaurants ranked among the world’s top 50.
Kjolle ranked 9th. Led by chef Pía León, it explores the diversity of Peruvian ingredients through a contemporary approach that celebrates the country’s produce and traditions.
Mérito ranked 26th. Under chef Juan Luis Martínez, the restaurant brings together ingredients and culinary influences from Peru and Venezuela, forging a distinctive culinary identity in Lima’s Barranco district.
Mayta ranked 39th. Chef Jaime Pesaque offers a contemporary interpretation of Peruvian cuisine, with a particular focus on local ingredients and the richness of the country’s produce.
Lima: A Meeting Place for the World of Gastronomy
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 ceremony will be an opportunity for Lima to welcome chefs, restaurateurs, experts and travelers eager to discover the trends shaping international gastronomy. From November 2 to 4, the international culinary community’s attention will turn to Lima, a city that invites visitors to discover Peru through its flavors.
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