Micha Tsumura’s Lima restaurant triumphs with its brilliant blend of Japanese and Peruvian culinary cultures. At the conclusion of the 2023 ceremony – hosted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the first time – the chef outlines why Nikkei is a such a ‘sexy cuisine’
Maido reinforces Peru’s position at the pinnacle of global gastronomy with its coronation as The Best Restaurant in Latin America 2023. Chef Mitsuharu ‘Micha’ Tsumura’s acclaimed Nikkei eatery was named No.1 in Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, for a record-equalling fourth time at a dramatic live awards ceremony hosted in Rio de Janeiro.
The Lima restaurant returns to the top spot in the annual ranking for the first time since 2019. This success comes in the same year that fellow Peruvian restaurant Central was ranked No.1 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, meaning that the country can lay claim to being the premier dining destination on the planet. Central’s global success means it moves into the ‘Best of the Best’ hall of fame, rendering Virgilio Martínez and Pía León’s flagship restaurant ineligible for 50 Best rankings.
Chef Micha Tsumura has led Maido to earn The Best Restaurant in Latin America title four times
“This has been the most exciting edition of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants,” says Tsumura. “I like that there are more and more different restaurants and countries than ever before.” The annual ranking features restaurants from 23 different destinations across the region, with eight new additions for 2023, including Cantina del Tigre in Panama City, which earns the Highest New Entry Award, sponsored by Aspire Lifestyles.
The 11th annual ranking of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants was revealed live at Rio’s iconic Copacabana Palace Hotel, with El Chato in Bogotá, Colombia, rising to the No.2 spot and Don Julio in Buenos Aires, Argentina coming in at No.3.
At Maido, Tsumura and his team fuse Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients to create the ultimate manifestation of Nikkei cuisine – a historic blend of the two countries’ rich culinary heritages. The chef describes Nikkei as a “sexy cuisine” because, as he says: “It combines the power of Peruvian cuisine – the seasoning and spices – with the delicacy and precision of Japanese cuisine. It's a marriage made in heaven!”
Maido champions Nikkei cuisine: a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese culinary influences
The restaurant’s drinks offering, ranging from local cocktails to sakes and a visionary wine selection, is similarly world-class. It is led by Florencia Rey, who is crowned the Beronia Latin America’s Best Sommelier 2023 at the same awards ceremony.
Celebrating a decade since the inception of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2013, the awards programme is staged in Brazil for the first time. The host country itself celebrates with A Casa do Porco in São Paulo ranked The Best Restaurant in Brazil – as well as its co-owner Janaína Torres Rueda being named Latin America’s Best Female Chef 2023 – and Manu in Curitiba taking home the example-setting Flor de Caña Sustainable Restaurant Award.
Florencia Rey, Maido's in-house drinks specialist, took home the title of Beronia Latin America's Best Sommelier 2023
Other standout moments include an ovation for Icon Award winner Dolli Irigoyen for her pioneering career showcasing Argentine food, as well as an emotional tribute to chef Daniel Redondo, the co-founder of Maní restaurant in São Paulo, who sadly died in a road traffic accident a few days before the ceremony. Maribel Aldaco of Fauna (No.5) is revelling in the title of Latin America’s Best Pastry Chef, sponsored by República del Cacao; Pangea in Monterrey bags the Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award, while Mario Castrellón of Maito (No.6) in Panama City wins the Estrella Damm Chefs' Choice Award.
But the stage ultimately belongs to Tsumura, Lima and Peru once again. “I’m super excited. It’s been four years since the last time we won the No.1 in 2019,” he says. “I’m very happy, more than anything for the affection of the people, all the hugs I have received. Many of the friends I have now are thanks to this event. I’m delighted for my team, for Peru and for all of Latin America.”
Miss the ceremony? Watch the recorded livestream here:
The list of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, was revealed on 28th November at a live awards ceremony in Rio de Janeiro. Browse the website, join the community on Instagram, follow us on Facebook, visit us on X and subscribe to our YouTube channel and newsletter to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements.
