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Lima has once again affirmed its reputation as the gastronomic capital of the world. Maido, the city’s celebrated Nikkei restaurant, has claimed the No. 1 spot on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list, unveiled Thursday night in a star-studded ceremony in Turin, Italy.

Helmed by chef and founder Mitsuharu "Micha" Tsumura, Maido rose from fifth place last year to the top of the list, impressing with its refined fusion of Japanese techniques and Peruvian ingredients — the essence of Nikkei cuisine.

“Maido has been around for 16 years. I truly believe gastronomy can make dreams come true,” Tsumura said as he accepted the award.

Spain’s Asador Etxebarri claimed second place, followed by Quintonil in Mexico City. Rounding out the top five were Diverxo in Madrid and Alchemist in Copenhagen.

Lima had a strong presence in the top 10, with Kjolle landing at No. 9, while Mérito and Mayta also earned spots at No. 26 and No. 39 respectively — marking four Lima restaurants in the top 50.

Dubai also made a notable appearance this year with two entries:

• Trèsind Studio (No. 27): Chef Himanshu Saini’s bold reinterpretation of modern Indian cuisine continues to earn global acclaim.
• Orfali Bros Bistro (No. 37): A cozy, creative space from the Orfali brothers, blending Arab flavors with European and Asian influences in a “comfort fine dining” format.

Asia made a powerful statement in the rankings, with Bangkok leading the region by numbers. The Thai capital boasts six restaurants in the top 50, including Gaggan (No. 6), Potong — a standout debut at No. 13 — and Sorn (No. 17).

From the U.S., Atomix in New York was the sole representative, landing at No. 12 and recently honored with a James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality.

London’s Ikoyi was this year’s biggest leap, soaring 27 places to No. 15. The restaurant is celebrated for its genre-defying, African-inspired cuisine — and its now-famous smoked jollof rice.

Top 10 Restaurants – World’s 50 Best 2025:

1. Maido – Lima, Peru
2. Asador Etxebarri – Atxondo, Spain
3. Quintonil – Mexico City, Mexico
4. Diverxo – Madrid, Spain
5. Alchemist – Copenhagen, Denmark
6. Gaggan – Bangkok, Thailand
7. Sézanne – Tokyo, Japan
8. Table by Bruno Verjus – Paris, France
9. Kjolle – Lima, Peru
10. Don Julio – Buenos Aires, Argentina

The annual list — often referred to as the "Oscars of fine dining" — is curated based on the votes of over 1,100 culinary experts around the world. Notably, a restaurant can only be named No. 1 once before entering the prestigious Best of the Best hall of fame.

This elite club includes past winners such as Noma and Geranium (Copenhagen), Eleven Madison Park (New York), Osteria Francescana (Italy), Mirazur (France), and Central (Lima), the 2024 titleholder.

The 2025 awards confirm that global gastronomy is entering a golden age — with cities like Lima, Bangkok, and Dubai setting new standards in taste, innovation, and culinary culture.

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