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Cordero

Caracas

• The Best Restaurant in Venezuela 2024

Illuminating lamb in its leading role  

On the Pass

Issam Koteich

What makes it special? Since its 2022 opening, Cordero has been blazing a trail for its innovative approach in making one protein the protagonist of its 24 dishes: lamb. In 2023, the Caracas-based establishment picked up the American Express One To Watch award and ranked #88 in the extended list of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants; in 2024, it breaks into the main ranking.

What’s in a name? Cordero means lamb in Spanish and all the sheep and lamb products – from meat to milk and cheese – are sourced from Murciano-Granadina and Assaf breeds, which are raised on partner farm Proyecto Ubre.

About the chef: Following a stint behind the burners in Europe and the Middle East, Issam Koteich returned to his native Venezuela and opened his first restaurant in the city of Mérida. He then set up shop in Dubai, where over the years, various awards were bestowed upon Latino House. On a visit to Caracas he fell in love with Proyecto Ubre, a local sheep farm located a 30 minutes’ drive from the Venezuelan capital, which propelled him to open Cordero.

On the menu: While grass-raised lamb is the star turn on each dish on the seven-course tasting menu, Koteich’s delicate hand showcases it in a multitude of ways – from jerky to cheese and even lamb chops – ensuring the palate is continually surprised. One snack is ocumo (elephant ear tuber) with sheep’s milk ricotta and lamb black pudding, while the croqueta lamb sausage comes with roasted garlic aioli and smoked apple purée. Cuello (lamb’s neck) served with silky gravy is also a must.

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