Discover the Top 50 Best Restaurants in Latin America 2023
Maido in Lima: A Triumph of Nikkei Cuisine
As the soft golden lights of Rio's famed Copacabana Palace bathed a gathering of culinary greats, the air was rich with anticipation. The year was 2023, and Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, was about to unveil its latest constellation of dining stars.
At the heart of the celebration stood Maido of Lima, a place where cultures coalesce, flavors dance, and culinary traditions are both preserved and transformed. The establishment, led by the visionary Mitsuharu 'Micha' Tsumura, was crowned The Best Restaurant in Latin America, reclaiming its title after a brief interlude. But Maido isn't just a restaurant; it's a journey through Peru and Japan, crafted by the hands of a chef whose soul is steeped in the streets of Osaka and the spirit of Lima.
Micha, as the maestro is affectionately known, has woven a tapestry of taste that defies borders. His Nikkei cuisine — a Peruvian melody with Japanese notes — celebrates a symphony of the sea's bounty, paired with a wine list as thoughtful as the poetry of its dishes. Here, nigiri doesn't just sit on a plate; it tells a story on coral rock, its flavors bold, its execution sublime.
The list of 2023, with its expanded embrace, welcomed establishments from 23 cities, each a testament to the region's burgeoning culinary diversity. Buenos Aires and Lima stood tall, their eight entries each a clarion call to food lovers the world over. From the robust grills of Don Julio to the innovative plates of A Casa do Porco, these cities are not just on the map; they are the map.
But the night wasn't just about the top spots. It was a celebration of new narratives, with eight new entries like Cantina del Tigre, whose roar was heard loud and clear as it earned the Highest New Entry Award. It was a night to honor the ascenders, like Quintonil of Mexico City, which climbed a breathtaking 31 spots to secure its place at number 12.
Special awards added layers of joy to the evening. Maribel Aldaco's mastery of sweets at Fauna earned her the title of Latin America's Best Pastry Chef, while Florencia Rey's wine wizardry at Maido saw her named the Best Sommelier. And let's not forget Manu of Curitiba, whose commitment to sustainability is as deep as the roots of the Brazilian bees she protects.
As stories of chefs like Mario Castrellón of Maito and Janaína Torres Rueda's community spirit were shared, the message was clear: Latin America's culinary scene is not just about food. It's about passion, sustainability, and community — a trifecta that promises to keep this diverse and dynamic region at the forefront of the global gastronomic conversation.
So, as the night waned and the stars above Rio twinkled in approval, the 50 best were more than just a list; they were a beacon, a promise, a taste of Latin America's soul. And for those of us who live to eat, it was, quite simply, a feast for the senses.
The Chef Global Restaurant and Chef Sentiment Ratings plus Critic Reviews from our industry-leading Restaurant Critic - Paul Barron.