Colombia Boasts the Top Restaurant in Latin America in 2025

Colombia has solidified its status as a rising culinary powerhouse. The Bogot-based restaurant El Chato, led by chef lvaro Clavijo, was recognized as the best restaurant in Latin America for 2025 by The Worlds 50 Best Restaurants. The announcement was made on December 2 at Santo Domingo del Cerro in Antigua, Guatemala.

El Chatos ascent has been steady, previously ranking third in 2024 and second in 2023. Its victory is particularly noteworthy as it ends a 13-year streak in which first place was dominated exclusively by restaurants from Peru and Argentina.

Colombian cuisine received multiple accolades. Cartagenas Celele secured fifth place, while other Bogot establishmentsLeo (23), new entry Afluente (34), Humo Negro (41), and Oda (76)also featured prominently. Barranquillas Manuel (46) and Medellns Sambomb Bistr Local (98) were recognized as well.

Peruvian restaurants continued to shine. Kjolle, led by chef Pia Lon, achieved second place, marking the highest finish for a female-led restaurant. Additional Peruvian entries included Mrito (4) and Cosme (10). Santiago, Chiles Demo Magnolia ranked 31, while Guatemalas Diac came in at 37, alongside other local spots on the top 50 list.

In individual honors, women chefs stood out. Dominican chef Ins Pez Nin received the Champions of Change award for her Fundacin IMA NGO, which supports rural communities and preserves culinary traditions. Brazilian chefs Tssia Magalhes (Nelita) and Bianca Mirilia (Evvai) won Best Female Chef and Best Pastry Chef, respectively. Kjolle earned the Art of Hospitality prize, and Bogots Oda, under Natalia Cocom Hernndez, won the Sustainable Restaurant Award.

Guatemala also made a strong impression on its debut as host. Colombian chef Nicols Solanillas Ana (94) was named One To Watch, while Sublime (19), Diac (37), and Mercado 24 (42) represented Guatemala City on the list.

El Chato: Colombias Culinary Flagship

Chef lvaro Clavijos journey began at age 17, training at the Escuela de Hostelera Hofmann in Barcelona. His international experience spans Le Bristol Paris, Per Se in New York, and Noma in Copenhagen. After visa issues prevented further travel, he opened El Chato in Bogots Chapinero Alto in 2017.

El Chato blends contemporary fine dining with a family-style approach, showcasing Colombias rich biodiversity. Its nine-course tasting menu features native ingredients like tucup, jicama, and insects such as mojojoy and hormigas culonas. Signature dishes include heart of palm with rambutan, coconut, and seaweed, and San Pedreo pork with watercress, cabbage, and peas. Unique alcohol-free pairings, such as gulupa and ginger soda, complement the menu.

For visitors, El Chato offers la carte lunch options, and Clavijo also operates Selma (96), a casual dining spot, and Bar Ruda, which opened this year.

Top 10 Restaurants in Latin America 2025

1. El Chato, Bogot, Colombia
2. Kjolle, Lima, Peru
3. Parrilla Don Julio, Buenos Aires, Argentina
4. Mrito, Lima, Peru
5. Celele, Cartagena, Colombia
6. Borag, Santiago, Chile
7. Quintonil, Mexico City, Mexico
8. Tuju, So Paulo, Brazil
9. Cosme, Lima, Peru
10. Nuema, Quito, Ecuador

Other notable newcomers to the 2025 list included Arami in La Paz (48), Demo Magnolia in Santiago (31), and Crizia in Buenos Aires (40). Across Latin America, 22 cities were represented, offering travelers a rich array of culinary destinations.

Analysis: Colombia's Culinary Surge and the End of a 13-Year Streak

Colombia's culinary scene has gained remarkable recognition with the recent announcement that El Chato, led by Chef Álvaro Clavijo, was named the best restaurant in Latin America for 2025. This recognition marks a significant milestone, as it breaks the 13-year dominance of restaurants from Peru and Argentina in the top spot. El Chato's rise from third place in 2024 and second in 2023 reflects a growing appreciation for Colombia's rich culinary diversity and innovation.

The top rankings for Colombian establishments are not isolated, with several others, such as Celele in Cartagena (fifth) and Leo in Bogotá (23rd), solidifying the country's presence in the Latin American gastronomic scene. El Chato’s nine-course tasting menu, which incorporates unique Colombian ingredients like tucupí and mojojoy, showcases the nation's biodiversity and creativity in fine dining.

While Colombian restaurants have made notable progress, Peru continues to shine with Kjolle securing second place, and other top Peruvian restaurants like Mérito and Cosme keeping the country prominently in the culinary spotlight. This underlines the ongoing culinary rivalry in Latin America, with both nations presenting exceptional dining experiences.

Furthermore, the recognition of women chefs, such as Inés Páez Nin, Best Female Chef Tássia Magalhães, and Pastry Chef Bianca Mirilia, demonstrates a growing inclusivity and empowerment within the gastronomic world. The diverse representation of countries, including notable entries from Chile, Brazil, and Ecuador, further enriches the Latin American culinary landscape.

The 2025 rankings serve as a testament to the region’s evolving gastronomic identity. With Colombia now firmly established as a culinary powerhouse, the coming years are poised to witness even more international attention and acclaim for Latin American restaurants.

Sources:

• Colombia Is Home to the Best Restaurant in Latin America in 2025