El Chato Claims Top Spot in Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025

By Rachel Miller / December 29, 2025

Dubai, UAE: The global culinary community gathered at Santo Domingo del Cerro for the 13th edition of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna. In a significant shift at the top of the rankings, El Chato in Bogotá ascended to the No.1 position, officially earning the title of The Best Restaurant in Latin America 2025.

A New Chapter for Colombian Gastronomy

Led by the visionary Chef Álvaro Clavijo, El Chato moved up two places from its 2024 ranking to claim the summit. The restaurant has gained international acclaim for its unparalleled commitment to local producers and its ability to redefine Colombian flavours through contemporary techniques. Craig Hawtin-Butcher, Managing Director for 50 Best, remarked that this achievement reflects the energy, talent, and authenticity that make Latin American gastronomy unique on the global stage. By positioning Colombian cuisine at the forefront, Clavijo has created a bespoke space that transcends conventional dining and celebrates the country’s vast biodiversity.

Regional Powerhouses and Rising Stars

The 2025 list underscores the continued dominance of established culinary hubs while welcoming seven new entries into the elite ranking. Buenos Aires remains a formidable culinary power with eight restaurants on the list, followed closely by Lima with seven and Santiago with five. Among the national highlights, Kjolle in Lima took the No.2 spot as the Best Restaurant in Peru, while Don Julio in Buenos Aires was named the Best Restaurant in Argentina at No.3. Other major winners include Boragó in Santiago at No.6, Quintonil in Mexico City at No.7, and Tuju in São Paulo, which was celebrated as the Best Restaurant in Brazil at No.8.

The Highest New Entry Award was presented to Casa Las Cujas in Santiago, which debuted at No.14 with its vibrant, ocean-focused cuisine. Meanwhile, Cosme in Lima secured the Highest Climer Award, jumping an impressive 19 spots to reach the No.9 position.

Celebrating Individual Artistry

The awards also shone a light on the talented individuals shaping the region’s hospitality landscape. The Icon Award presented to Rodolfo Guzmán of Boragó for his innovative use of endemic Chilean ingredients and ancestral Indigenous products. Bianca Mirabili of Evvai was named the Best Pastry Chef for her skill in fusing Brazilian roots with international techniques, while Alejandro Chamorro of Nuema in Quito received the peer-voted Chef’s Choice Award.

Tássia Magalhães of São Paulo was honoured as the Best Female Chef for her leadership and empowerment of women in the industry. Finally, the selection demonstrates that the region is not merely preserving its heritage but actively evolving. With sustainable initiatives like Oda in Bogotá winning the Sustainable Restaurant Award, the future of Latin American luxury F&B remains focused on operational excellence and ecological responsibility.

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