Friday, June 20, 2025
The 2025 edition of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants has just been unveiled, and it’s Lima’s own Maido that has captured the coveted No.1 spot. This marks a remarkable rise for the Nikkei cuisine pioneer, climbing from No.5 in 2024 to the pinnacle of global culinary recognition. Held in Turin, Italy, on June 19, the awards ceremony celebrated Maido’s chef-owner, Mitsuharu “Micha” Tsumura, for his visionary approach that combines Japanese technique with Peruvian ingredients.
In what is becoming an annual highlight in the gastronomic world, the World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards continue to shine a spotlight on the best culinary talent across 22 territories and five continents. The 2025 list includes a blend of familiar favorites and exciting newcomers, reaffirming the growing appreciation for diversity, creativity, and sustainability within the world of fine dining.
What makes Maido so exceptional, and why has it been recognized as the best restaurant in the world? This unique restaurant’s winning formula lies in its ability to combine traditional Japanese flavors with Peru’s rich culinary heritage, creating a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience. Maido’s dedication to seasonality, creativity, and cultural storytelling has won the hearts of critics and food lovers alike.
As you dive into the details of this prestigious ranking, we’ll take a closer look at Maido’s winning ingredients, the rising stars of the culinary world, and what the future of global fine dining might hold.
Maido: A Culinary Revolution in Lima
Lima has long been celebrated as one of the most vibrant food capitals in the world, and Maido is at the forefront of this movement. But what exactly sets Maido apart? The answer lies in its ability to bridge two distinct culinary worlds: Japanese precision and Peruvian zest.
Key Features of Maido’s Cuisine:
- Nikkei Fusion: Maido seamlessly merges Japanese technique with the bold, rich flavors of Peruvian ingredients, offering a unique dining experience.
- Innovative Menu: The restaurant’s multi-course tasting menu is a celebration of seasonality and cultural heritage, making each meal a journey through diverse flavors.
- Chef Micha’s Vision: Chef-owner Mitsuharu Tsumura, of Japanese-Peruvian descent, has brought over 15 years of culinary expertise to create an unforgettable dining atmosphere.
For foodies seeking something new and daring, Maido is not just a meal—it’s an exploration of taste, texture, and culture. Whether it’s through the vibrant use of native Peruvian chilies or the delicate precision of Japanese sushi, every plate tells a story.
Celebrating Diversity and Innovation in Global Gastronomy
While Maido claims the top spot for 2025, it’s important to note that this year’s list continues to highlight the diversity of global cuisine. From Spain to Mexico, and even as far as Colombia, the latest World’s 50 Best list reflects an ever-growing appreciation for creative and sustainable dining.
Top Rankings in 2025’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants:
- No.1 – Maido, Lima, Peru
- No.2 – Asador Etxebarri, Atxondo, Spain
- No.3 – Quintonil, Mexico City, Mexico
- No.4 – Narisawa, Tokyo, Japan
- No.5 – Central, Lima, Peru
These restaurants not only represent excellence but also underscore the global culinary shift towards authenticity, sustainability, and local ingredient sourcing. While Maido sets the stage for a new era in culinary creativity, it is followed closely by culinary powerhouses like Asador Etxebarri, renowned for its commitment to fire-based cooking, and Quintonil, which celebrates Mexican flavors with modern flair.
The Impact of Maido’s Victory
Maido’s climb to No.1 is a testament to the evolving trends in the world of fine dining. As restaurants across the globe continue to push the envelope, diners are becoming increasingly interested in the story behind their meals. The modern restaurant-goer seeks not only flavor but also a narrative that enriches their dining experience. Maido excels in this arena, with Chef Micha Tsumura leading a team that delivers much more than food; they offer a journey through the culinary traditions of Japan and Peru.
Key Takeaways from Maido’s Success:
- Cultural Storytelling: The integration of Japanese and Peruvian culinary traditions creates an immersive dining experience that resonates deeply with guests.
- Sustainability Practices: As sustainability becomes increasingly important to diners, Maido incorporates eco-friendly practices and locally sourced ingredients, reducing its environmental impact.
- Culinary Excellence: Maido’s ability to maintain the highest standards in both technique and creativity places it at the forefront of global gastronomy.
Maido’s victory is a beacon for emerging restaurants worldwide, showing that the future of fine dining lies in the fusion of cultures, ingredients, and innovative techniques.
Other Notable Achievements in The 50 Best Awards 2025
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants is not only about the top 1-50 ranking. Several prestigious awards are given to recognize excellence in specific categories. Here are some of the key highlights:
- Estrella Damm Chefs’ Choice Award (No.34) – Albert Adrià of Enigma, Barcelona
This award, voted on by fellow chefs, went to Albert Adrià, the celebrated chef-owner of Enigma. Adrià is widely known for his culinary innovation and creative experimentation. - Woodford Reserve Icon Award – Massimo Bottura & Lara Gilmore (Osteria Francescana, Modena, Italy)
Bottura, who has been a regular in the 50 Best rankings, continues to push the boundaries of modern Italian cuisine with social impact initiatives. - The World’s Best Pastry Chef 2025 – Maxime Frédéric, Cheval Blanc Paris (No.14)
Maxime Frédéric’s pastry creations at Cheval Blanc Paris earned him the top honors in the pastry world, recognized for his artistry and attention to detail. - The Highest New Entry Award – Potong, Bangkok (No.13)
Potong’s innovative approach to Thai-Chinese fusion cuisine earned it a spot among the world’s best for the first time, showcasing the restaurant’s creative prowess. - Sustainable Restaurant Award – Celele, Cartagena (No.48)
Celele’s commitment to sustainability and regional biodiversity earned it the prestigious award, cementing its position as a leader in ethical gastronomy.
What Does the Future Hold for Global Dining?
With 10 new entries in the 2025 list, the culinary world is undergoing a dynamic transformation. As technology, sustainability, and culture continue to shape the dining experience, it’s clear that fine dining will become increasingly diverse and accessible.
Emerging Trends in Global Fine Dining:
- Culinary Innovation: From molecular gastronomy to plant-based fine dining, chefs are constantly innovating to offer unique experiences.
- Sustainability: Environmental responsibility and the ethical sourcing of ingredients are no longer optional—they are integral to modern dining.
- Fusion and Cultural Blending: The fusion of diverse culinary traditions, like Nikkei cuisine, will continue to rise as a dominant trend.
As diners become more discerning and the demand for meaningful dining experiences grows, the world’s best restaurants will need to stay ahead of these trends to remain relevant and top-ranked. Maido’s success is just one example of how blending cultural flavors and pushing creative boundaries can elevate a dining establishment to global acclaim.
Conclusion: Maido Sets the Bar for the Future of Gastronomy
Maido’s ascent to No.1 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list for 2025 is more than just a triumph for the restaurant itself—it’s a celebration of culinary innovation, cultural fusion, and sustainability. As the global dining scene continues to evolve, restaurants like Maido are paving the way for the next generation of culinary greatness.
From its impeccable fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors to its dedication to sustainability and seasonality, Maido exemplifies what it takes to stand out in today’s competitive restaurant landscape. It’s clear that the future of fine dining will be marked by a global appreciation for diverse culinary traditions and the endless possibilities of creative innovation. For food lovers and travelers, a visit to Maido is now a must-have experience, one that promises to leave a lasting impression.
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