Colombia has confirmed its present culinary standing on the world stage. El Chato was simply named the best restaurant in Latin America 2025 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, in a ceremony on December 2 held at Santo Domingo del Cerro, in Antigua, Guatemala. Until now, El Chato, the Bogotá-based institution led by chef Álvaro Clavijo, has inched towards the high spot rating third in 2024 and second in 2023. But it has been 13 years since a restaurant exterior of Peru or Argentina has claimed first place, making this an thrilling sign that the nation’s meals scene is rising in the ranks.
El Chato wasn’t the solely win for Colombia. Cartagena‘s Celele ranked fifth, and was supported by legendary Leo (23), new entry Afluente (34), Humo Negro (41), and Oda (76)—all from the capital—plus Barranquilla’s Manuel (46), and Sambombí Bistró Local of Medellín (98).
Lima’s Kjolle (from chef Pia Léon) ranked in second place, marking the first time an institution led by a feminine chef has been that shut to the high prize. Two different Peruvian spots, Mérito (4) and Cosme (10), additionally made the high 10.
In addition to restaurant wins, three of the six particular person chef prizes have been bestowed on ladies this 12 months. The Dominican Republic’s Inés Páez Nin took dwelling the Champions of Change prize, marking the first time it has been awarded in Latin America. Better often called Chef Tita, her Fundación IMA NGO empowers rural households and preserves culinary strategies; the basis of her restaurant is about a lot greater than the meals on the plate alone.
Tássia Magalhães of Nelita in São Paulo was anointed Best Female Chef for championing expertise in her women-only kitchens at Lita wine bar and Mag Market bakery, whereas her Brazilian colleague Bianca Mirilia of Evvai was named Best Pastry Chef. Kjolle, in the meantime, picked up the Art of Hospitality prize whereas Bogotá’s Oda, led by Natalia Cocomá Hernández, picked up the Sustainable Restaurant Award for safeguarding regional biodiversity by partnering with the Botanical Garden of Bogotá.
The evening additionally proved bountiful for the Central American nation making its internet hosting debut: all eyes will now be centered on Guatemala City’s Ana (94), led by Colombian chef Nicolás Solanilla, which was named One To Watch for a way Solanilla celebrates his adopted dwelling’s substances. Also from Guatemala City: Sublime ranked at 19, whereas new entry Diacá got here in at 37, and Mercado 24 ranked 42.