Sometimes we feel that Peruvian gastronomy is one of the best in the world. However, recognitions such as Lima hosting the prestigious event The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 make it clear that Peruvian gastronomy has broad international recognition and is one of the best in the world.
In July, it was announced that Lima will host The World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards on November 4, 2026. At Conde Travel, we love cuisine. That’s why we’re sharing everything you need to know about the event, Peru’s culinary scene, food tours, and the must-try dishes you simply cannot miss.
Remember that this event is the perfect excuse to book your next luxury culinary trip to Peru!
Historical milestone: The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 in Lima
Major cities such as London, New York, Melbourne, and Singapore have hosted The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in previous editions. In 2026 Abu Dhabi was initially selected to host the event; however, the organization decided to move the venue to Lima.
This is the first time in Peru’s history that Lima will host such an important gastronomic event, given that The World’s 50 Best Restaurants is recognized as the Oscars of the culinary world. Furthermore, this is the first time the event will be held in a South American country. The fact that Lima is the host city acknowledges the global value of Peruvian gastronomy.
Also, it is important to know these details about the event:
- Over the course of 18 months, more than 1,000 independent experts travel the world and visit dozens of restaurants before casting their 10 votes.
- The event organizers cannot choose the winner.
- Restaurants cannot nominate themselves for inclusion on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
- The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism and PromPerú worked to have Lima considered as the host city.
Lima, the capital of flavor
Lima is known as the capital of Peruvian gastronomy. In this city teeming with migrants—where every family has ancestors from other regions or traces its origins to different parts of Peru—food has become a way for countless families to connect with their roots. That is why, in Lima, you can find dishes from the Coast, the Highlands, and the Jungle in practically any restaurant!.
However, Peruvian gastronomy is so vast that we can even find fusion cuisine! Japanese and Chinese migration has given us Nikkei and Tusán cuisines. Consequently, there was no better place to choose as the host city than Lima.
Best restaurants in Lima
Lima’s recognition as the gastronomic capital is also due to the fact that the world’s best restaurants are located there, alongside many other renowned establishments. We’ll tell you which ones you can’t miss!
- Maido: Crowned the world’s best restaurant in 2025. Mitsuharu “Micha” Tsumura’s Nikkei masterpiece has redefined Japanese-Peruvian fusion through spectacular cutting techniques. Undoubtedly, securing a table requires both planning and luck.
- Central: Led by Virgilio Martínez and Pía León, Central reached the global number-one spot in 2023. The restaurant maintains a unique approach, offering an experience that allows diners to appreciate the immense biodiversity of Peruvian ingredients.
- Kjolle, Mérito, and Mayta: These world-class establishments consistently rank among the top 50—and, in our opinion, they certainly deserve such recognition. A distinctive feature they share is the use of Amazonian ingredients combined with modern applications of ancestral techniques.
The world’s most discerning culinary experts gather for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, so the fact that they are meeting in Lima in November 2026 serves as a powerful acknowledgment of Peruvian cuisine. Of course, you too can join them!. Travel to Lima and book your gastronomic tour today.
A gastronomic experience in Peru: dishes you can’t miss
We’ve talked about Lima and its gastronomic significance. However, all of Peru boasts a unique cuisine featuring local ingredients that every expert should know! Here, we highlight the must-try dishes and where to taste them like a local expert.
- Pachamanca in Huilloc: Pachamanca is a traditional dish that is difficult to prepare. It is made on special occasions, such as the harvest or when welcoming a cherished guest; due to its complexity, several people are involved in its preparation. This dish features ingredients such as lamb and llama meat, local herbs like huacatay, vegetables such as fava beans, and tubers like potatoes and añu. To cook it, the food is buried in the ground beneath a preheated stone oven.
- Guinea pig in Cusco: Guinea pig is one of the most widely consumed animals in Cusco due to its tender meat, low fat content, and excellent flavor. You can try it in dishes such as oven-roasted guinea pig, guinea pig chactado (pressed-fried guinea pig), guinea pig soup, and more.
- Huatia in Chinchero: Huatia is an ancestral method of cooking food during celebrations or after the harvest. First, an earthen or clay oven is built and lit; once it is hot, the remains of the firewood or embers are removed, and potatoes, añu, or sweet potatoes are placed inside. Afterward, the oven is dismantled so that the tubers are buried and cooked underground. It is undoubtedly a unique way to eat! You can enjoy this dish with our private tours, contact our travel assistant and reserve your seat!
- Juane in the Amazon rainforest: This iconic dish from the Peruvian jungle is primarily prepared in June for the Feast of San Juan. Its main ingredients—though modern versions may vary—include rice, pieces of hen or chicken, eggs, olives, and turmeric, all wrapped in bijao leaves. The dish is then cooked, resulting in an exquisite and unique flavor combination. Try it on our Tambopata tour.
Additionally, if you come to Peru and want to immerse yourself in the gastronomy, we also recommend taking our cooking classes in Cusco and Lima. Learn from expert local chefs.
You can also enjoy a complete culinary experience with our Wonderland of Peru tour.
Planning the ultimate dining experience in Peru
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony will draw travelers from across the globe, making it challenging to secure a table and enjoy authentic dining experiences. Don’t worry—Conde Travel handles the logistics so you can focus on enjoying the moment. Our team at Conde Travel:
- Designs the perfect, tailor-made gastronomic itinerary for you: start your journey in Lima, exploring the historic, bohemian neighborhood of Barranco alongside the coastal beauty of Miraflores. As you tour the capital, you will enjoy a unique culinary experience with our private chefs.
- Takes you to the source of the cuisine: a luxury culinary journey shouldn’t stop at the restaurant door. We take you to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you can participate in immersive activities in Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, and Huilloc. You will learn ancestral culinary techniques and traditions from the descendants of the Incas and delight your palate with dishes like pachamanca.
- Arranges VIP logistics: we guarantee flawless luxury transfers, private bilingual guides, and reservations at exclusive hotels in San Isidro and Miraflores.
Combine culture and gastronomy
You simply cannot come to Peru without visiting Machu Picchu! That is why, at Conde Travel, we have designed packages specifically for travelers who want to savor the local cuisine, experience a world wonder, and immerse themselves in Inca history.
- Enjoy all the regions in Peru with our Wonderland of Peru.
- Discover the Peruvian coast and visit Machu Picchu with our Peru Classic.
- Combine Cusco and Lima with Peru’s Sacred Valley.
- The coast, highlands, and jungle await you with our Peru amazing package.
- Explore the deserts of the Peruvian coast and the Cusco Andes with our tour Vacation 10 days in Peru.
Secure your seat at the table now! Book your Peruvian adventure with us today.
