(Condé Nast Traveler) Culinary powerhouses from throughout Latin America gathered yesterday at the Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, in Rio de Janeiro, to hear which restaurants would be honored as the very best in the region in 2023, according to World’s 50 Best.

Five months after Central in Lima was ranked number one on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Peru once again wore the culinary crown. Chef Mitsuharu ‘Micha’ Tsumura’s Lima-based Maido took two gongs: the number one place for Latin America, and the best sommelier award. While it’s been four years since Maido topped the rankings, the persistence of Peru restaurants in top slots proves the South American country is a true gastronomic heavyweight. Tsumura noted that Maido’s win was a gain for the entire region. “This award doesn’t just reinforce Peru’s culinary standing but also Latin America’s,” said Tsumura. “We are united as a whole, so let’s hope that the work we’ve been undertaking means other restaurants in the continent can achieve the same as us.”

As for other winners on the list, Bogotá’s El Chato came in second place, marking the first time a Colombian establishment has nipped at the top spot. While two other Peruvians restaurants appeared in the top 10—Kjolle and Mayta, both in Lima—Bogotá’s Leo ranked eighth, marking real headway made by Colombia.

The continent’s women made their mark this year, with four of the five individual prizes bestowed on women leaders (more on that below). And, after a setback in 2022, Mexico’s City’s Quintonil rocketed 31 spot up the culinary charts to 12th place, taking home the ‘Highest Climber’ award. Other accolades for establishments included ‘Sustainable Restaurant,’ which went to Manu in Curitiba, Brazil; and ‘Highest New Entry’ for Cantina del Tigre in Panama City at 25th on the list. As for the ‘One To Watch,’ all eyes are now on Cordero, in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas.

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