Lima to host 2026 World's 50 Best Restaurants gala, first in South America

Lima, already recognized as South America's gastronomic capital, is set to host the prestigious 'The World's 50 Best Restaurants' gala in 2026. This marks the first time the globally renowned culinary awards ceremony will be held on the South American continent.

The event is scheduled for November 4, 2026, in the Peruvian capital. The announcement was made jointly by the awards organization and Peru's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism. Lima has previously hosted regional editions of the awards, serving as the venue for the 'Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants' lists in 2013 and 2014.

This upcoming gala follows the 2025 ceremony where Maido, a Nikkei (Peruvian-Japanese fusion) restaurant from Peru, was named the world's best. This achievement made it the second Peruvian establishment to claim the top spot, after Central in 2023. The '50 Best' event in Lima will include a leadership forum, collaborative dinners featuring renowned chefs, and a 'Chefs Feast' to highlight traditional Peruvian ingredients and culinary techniques.

Peruvian officials emphasized the significance of hosting the global event. Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Berthin Gómez, stated that Lima's selection is a "historic milestone" for Peru, reflecting sustained efforts to position the country as a premier global gastronomic tourism destination. Michael Guevara, executive president of Promperú, added that hosting such a high-profile international event confirms Peruvian gastronomy as a strategic asset for the country's international promotion.