Peru makes the world’s top 10 restaurants…TWICE

Peru has had three restaurants in the World’s Top 50 for many years.  Just last year, two restaurants appeared in the World’s top 10. When comparing to food capitals such as New York, statistically, Lima, Peru ranks higher. This may come as a surprise, but for many critics, Peruvian cuisine ranks higher than Spanish and even Italian cuisine.

Lima’s Top 3

The World’s 50 best restaurants are decided by 1,000 world renown culinary experts. Each of them participate in a well structured as well as  audited voting procedure. An annual list of the world’s finest restaurants is produced delivering a snapshot of the best destinations for unique culinary experiences.

Our South American Specialist team were excited to discover that Lima had three restaurants in the top 50 along including two ranked in the top 10 in 2017.  First we take a look at Central (5), then Maido (8) and finally Astrid y Gastón (33).  Each restaurant embodies varied aspects of Peru’s diverse culture as well as culinary innovation.

Astrid y Gastón

The restaurant that first brought Peru into the Top 50 rankings was, Astrid y Gastón. Named after chef-owner Gastón Acurio and his wife Astrid Gutsche. Astrid y Gastón has been a pioneer in contemporary Peruvian cuisine for many years. Hidden inside a gorgeous old mansion in the exclusive San Isidro district of Lima, the restaurant’s menu tributes the country’s long history of intertwining cultures.  You will find indigenous pre-Columbian traditions, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Lebanese, Japanese, as well as various other immigrant inflows represented here.

Maido

At Maido, chef Mitsuharu Tsumura pays tribute to the country’s diverse food scene via visually striking as well as delicious Nikkei cuisine. Created by Peru’s Japanese immigrants, this style of cooking is one of the primary reasons why Maido quickly rose up the worldwide rankings (31 points in one year (c.2016)). You can find Maido in the exclusive residential and upscale shopping district of Miraflores, south of downtown Lima.

Central

Central is the number one restaurant in South America. Owned by chef, Virgilio Martínez Véliz who is currently Peruvian cuisine’s biggest food name as well as being star of the new season of Netflix’s Chef’s Table.  The altitude at which the local ingredients are produced leads Central’s incredible tasting menu. Firstly, beginning at sea level up to 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) to the top of the Andes and back down to the Amazon on the other side of the mountains. The menu consists of an eclectic mix of local foods from all over South America. You will find everything from sea snails and octopus below sea level to Chaco clay and sweet lemon 3700m above sea level.  This is the place for a truly authentic South American food experience.

Concluding…

In a city overflowing with innovation as well as creativity and an abundance of fresh local produce, the accolades are no surprise. Lima has produced some of the best restaurants in the world creating incredible food experiences. Next time you find yourself in Lima; do yourself a favour, book an unforgettable culinary experience at one of these award-winning restaurants. Buen Apetito!

 References:  Thank you The Worlds 50 Best, Bloomberg.com, Central Restaurante