From Lima to Valencia: Central Claims the Top Spot at Prestigious Gastronomic Ranking

Peru’s Central Takes the Crown: The World’s Best Restaurant 2023.

Culinary Delights Unveiled: The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards 2023

% The World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards 2023 ceremony showcased the outstanding talent, creativity, and dedication within the global culinary landscape. The event highlighted the diverse flavors and innovation driving the gastronomic world forward, setting the stage for further exploration and celebration of exceptional dining experiences.

The gastronomic world gathered in Valencia, Spain, for the highly anticipated The World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards 2023 ceremony, marking the 21st year of this prestigious global ranking. The event took place at Valencia’s Les Arts Opera House, celebrating the pinnacle of culinary talent from 24 territories across five continents.

The evening witnessed Lima’s Central being named The World’s Best Restaurant 2023, as well as The Best Restaurant in South America 2023, dethroning the 2022 winner, Geranium in Copenhagen.

Central, the flagship restaurant of chefs Virgilio Martinez and Pía León, pays homage to Peru by showcasing the country’s unique biodiversity and indigenous ingredients. Guided by its research arm, Mater Iniciativa, Central’s menu intertwines traditions, history, and sustainability, making it a deserving recipient of the top spot. Following Central in the rankings are Disfrutar in Barcelona at No.2 and Diverxo in Madrid at No.3.

William Drew, Director of Content for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, expressed his pleasure in announcing Central as the new No.1, praising the team’s commitment to celebrating indigenous ingredients, innovative dishes, and warm hospitality. The list highlights the breadth of culinary talent worldwide and sets the stage for further evolution in the coming years.

South America solidified its position in global gastronomy, with nine restaurants from the continent making the list. Two new entries from South America, Pía León’s Kjolle in Lima (No.28) and El Chato in Bogotá (No.33), further contributed to the region’s culinary prowess. Asia closely followed with seven restaurants, including Singapore’s Odette, named The Best Restaurant in Asia (No.14). Notable new entries from Asia included Le Du (No.15) and Gaggan Anand (No.17) in Bangkok and Sézanne in Tokyo (No.37). The list also welcomed two Dubai restaurants for the first time: Trèsind Studio (No.11), named The Best Restaurant in the Middle East & Africa, and Orfali Bros Bistro (No.46).

The prestigious Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award was presented to Copenhagen’s Alchemist (No.5). Alchemist offers a mystical dining experience, taking guests through various locations, art forms, storytelling moments, and exquisite food, reflecting head chef Rasmus Munk’s dedication to sourcing the finest ingredients.

Pía Salazar of Nuema in Quito received The World’s Best Pastry Chef Award, sponsored by Sosa. With her experimental creations, Salazar puts Ecuador on the culinary map, transforming fruits and vegetables into sweet masterpieces. The Beronia World’s Best Sommelier Award went to Miguel Ángel Millán of Diverxo in Madrid, who expertly curates pairings for chef Dabiz Muñoz’s ever-changing menu, elevating the restaurant’s beverage program.

Table by Bruno Verjus (No.10) claimed the Highest New Entry Award, sponsored by Aspire Lifestyles. Located in Paris, this self-taught French chef’s restaurant offers simple, seasonal, and no-fuss cuisine that has gained a devoted following among gourmands.

Atomix (No.8) received the Villa Massa Highest Climber Award and was named The Best Restaurant in North America. The New York-based intimate 14-seat tasting menu restaurant, led by Junghyun ‘JP’ and Ellia Park, showcases progressive and distinctive Korean cuisine.

Julien Royer of Odette in Singapore (No.14) won the Estrella Damm Chefs’ Choice Award. This special prize is voted for by leading chefs worldwide and recognizes individuals who have made a significant positive impact on the culinary community. Royer’s restaurant, Odette, situated in the National Gallery, was also named The Best Restaurant in Asia 2023.

The Flor de Caña Sustainable Restaurant Award was presented to Fyn (No.75) in Cape Town. Chef Peter Tempelhoff’s establishment blurs boundaries by interpreting South Africa through Japanese cooking techniques. The award, audited by the Sustainable Restaurant Association, acknowledges restaurants based on environmental and social responsibility, community involvement, and staff welfare.

The evening also recognized the Champions of Change winners, Nora Fitzgerald Belahcen (founder of Moroccan social enterprise Amal), and the duo Othón Nolasco and Damián Diaz (behind the food-security project No Us Without You LA). Elena Reygadas, The World’s Best Female Chef Award recipient, Andoni Luis Aduriz of Mugaritz, the winner of the Icon Award, and New York’s Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi, winner of the Resy One To Watch Award, were also honored during the ceremony.