The 50 Best Restaurants in Latin America for 2023 Were Just Announced

With Venezuela slowly opening its doors to visitors, there has been a flurry of fine dining openings that play to the country’s diverse pantry, including Cordero, which was named ‘One To Watch.’ As the restaurant raises its own flock of sheep, chef Issam Koteich puts tender lamb, after which the restaurant is named, at the center of his tasting menu. “This prize raises our visibility,” Koteich said. “People are looking at us again and doors are starting to open. We’re a part of Caracas’ new gastronomy renaissance and this is a country that needs that so much. At Cordero, we’re contributing what we can so that the positive aspects of a great country are increasingly seen.”

The top 10 restaurants in Latin America

Following Maido and El Chato, third place went to Parrilla Don Julio, the Buenos Aires steakhouse which was also given a Michelin star last week. Fourth place went to A Casa do Porco, known for its organically reared pork-led tasting menu, while Fauna, located among vineyards in Baja California, came fifth. With Maito in sixth and Kjolle—helmed by former World’s Best Female Chef Pía León, who also co-owns Central—in seventh, eight place went to Leo in Bogotá, led by chef Leo Espinosa and sommelier daughter Laura Hernández. In ninth was Chile’s gastronomy pioneer Boragó directed by Rodolfo Guzman, while the top 10 was rounded out by Lima’s Mayta.

The two dominating foodie destinations on the list are Buenos Aires and Lima, with eight mentions for each, followed by São Paulo and Mexico City with five apiece. Of the eight new entries, two—X.O. in Medellín (27) and Sikwa (47) in San José, Costa Rica—were responsible for putting their respective cities on the map in a landmark first. Overall, 23 cities across the continent made the list, giving travelers plenty to chase in the year ahead.

Aged beef tartare, nasturtium mayo, and rose petal vinaigrette served at El Chato in Bogotá

Courtesy El Chato

El Chato’s Alvaro Clavijo helped guide the restaurant to the number two spot on the list.

Courtesy El Chato

Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023

1. Maido, Lima

2. El Chato, Bogotá

3. Don Julio, Buenos Aires

4. A Casa do Porco, São Paulo

5. Fauna, Valle de Guadelupe

6. Maito,Panama City

7. Kjolle, Lima

8. Leo, Bogotá

9. Boragó, Santiago

10. Mayta, Lima

11. Nuema, Quito

12. Quintonil, Mexico City