Elysium
In the dazzling world of gastronomy, the annual unveiling of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list feels like the Oscars of cuisine. This year, all eyes turned toward Lima, Peru, as Maido ascended to the coveted number one position for 2025. Known for its artful blend of Japanese precision and Peruvian zest, Maido is not just a restaurant—it’s a transformative dining experience.
The recognition wasn’t just about flavors on a plate. It celebrated innovation, culture, and storytelling through food. The win shines a global spotlight on Lima’s vibrant culinary scene and on Chef Mitsuharu “Micha” Tsumura’s inspired journey.
What Makes a Restaurant the Best in the World?
Criteria for Ranking
Earning the title of the world’s best restaurant involves more than just serving exceptional dishes. The rankings consider:
- Creativity and originality in cuisine
- Quality of ingredients
- Dining atmosphere and service
- Consistency and innovation
- Global culinary influence
Role of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy
The list is curated by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, a 1,080-member panel of renowned chefs, food critics, restaurateurs, and culinary experts from 27 regions. Each member casts ten votes for restaurants they’ve personally visited and loved.
Maido: The Crown Jewel of Lima, Peru
The Rise of Nikkei Cuisine
Maido’s triumph is anchored in its unique culinary identity—Nikkei cuisine, a harmonious fusion of Japanese techniques and Peruvian ingredients. It’s more than a trend; it’s a legacy that reflects the cultural tapestry of Peru’s Japanese-immigrant community.
Chef Mitsuharu “Micha” Tsumura’s Vision
Chef Tsumura, fondly known as “Micha,” has spent over a decade refining Maido’s vision. With meticulous attention to detail, his tasting menus showcase the diversity of Peru’s natural pantry—from the Amazon to the Andes and the Pacific Ocean.
Seasonal Menus and Culinary Philosophy
Maido’s menu evolves with the seasons, ensuring freshness and sustainability. Signature dishes include sea urchin rice with egg yolk, beef short ribs with miso, and Amazonian river fish in ponzu sauce. The restaurant’s philosophy? Let the ingredients speak, but let them speak in harmony.
The Top 10 Restaurants of 2025: A Global Showcase
1. Maido – Lima, Peru
A true pioneer in fusion gastronomy, Maido dazzles with every course, making it a deserving titleholder of World’s Best Restaurant for 2025.
2. Asador Etxebarri – Atxondo, Spain
Set in the Basque countryside, this restaurant is famed for grilled simplicity. Chef Victor Arguinzoniz uses open flames to turn seasonal ingredients into rustic perfection.
3. Quintonil – Mexico City, Mexico
This spot celebrates modern Mexican cuisine with dishes like cactus sorbet and spider crab mole. Sustainability and heritage are at the heart of its ethos.
4. DiverXO – Madrid, Spain
Chef Dabiz Muñoz brings a wildly imaginative, Asian-influenced tasting menu to life with theatrical flair and bold combinations.
5. Alchemist – Copenhagen, Denmark
A multi-sensory dining experience, Alchemist offers immersive storytelling through food, featuring dishes such as aged pigeon in beeswax and edible art.
6–10 Highlights:
- Gaggan (Bangkok, Thailand): A progressive Indian restaurant with explosive flavors.
- Sézanne (Tokyo, Japan): Neo-French cuisine at its most refined.
- Table by Bruno Verjus (Paris, France): Open-kitchen elegance.
- Kjolle (Lima, Peru): A botanical-driven Peruvian tasting experience.
- Don Julio (Buenos Aires, Argentina): Steakhouse excellence with organic sourcing.
Spotlight on Latin American Gastronomy
Peru’s Culinary Revolution
Peru now dominates the global food map. From Central to Kjolle and now Maido, Lima has become a must-visit food destination, offering unmatched biodiversity and regionality.
Argentina and Mexico’s Vibrant Food Scenes
Argentina’s Don Julio celebrates beef heritage, while Mexico’s Quintonil and Rosetta reinvent traditional recipes with modern techniques.
Asia’s Rising Stars in the Culinary World
Bangkok’s Bold Flavors and Innovation
With six restaurants in the top 50, Bangkok’s Gaggan, Potong, and Le Du exemplify the Thai capital’s rapid culinary evolution, blending heritage with avant-garde innovation.
Japan’s Harmonious Techniques and Elegance
Restaurants like Sézanne, Narisawa, and La Cime offer serene, artistic dining grounded in precision and minimalism, reflecting Japanese philosophy.
European Excellence in Haute Cuisine
Spain and France’s Consistent Presence
From DiverXO and Elkano in Spain to Plénitude and Arpège in France, Europe continues to elevate fine dining through innovation rooted in tradition.
The New Nordic Influence from Denmark
Copenhagen’s Alchemist and Kadeau represent the sustainable, immersive storytelling that’s reshaping Europe’s culinary edge.
Notable Mentions Beyond the Top 10
Atomix (USA) and Other High Achievers
New York’s Atomix, ranked #12, combines Korean inspiration and fine dining artistry, earning both accolades and the James Beard Award for hospitality.
Ikoyi (UK) and the Global Climber Stories
Ikoyi, now in London’s The Strand, climbed 27 spots, fueled by its West African-inspired tasting menu and cutting-edge presentation.
Culinary Trends Shaping Fine Dining in 2025
Sustainability and Local Sourcing
Top restaurants now focus on:
- Organic, farm-to-table sourcing
- Zero-waste cooking
- Eco-friendly operations
Cross-Cultural Fusion and Innovation
The blending of global flavors, such as Nikkei (a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine) or Thai-Chinese, reflects a more interconnected and borderless culinary world.
How the 2025 Rankings Were Compiled
Voting Process and Judge Selection
Judges must visit the restaurants they vote for and cannot vote based solely on reputation. This ensures authentic, first-hand experiences drive rankings.
The “Best of the Best” Rule Explained
Once a restaurant earns the #1 spot, it joins a hall of fame. Past winners include Noma, Eleven Madison Park, and Central, ensuring fresh competition each year.
What This Means for Culinary Tourism
Lima as a Gastronomic Destination
Maido’s success is already boosting travel interest in Peru. Foodies now plan entire trips around restaurant reservations in Lima.
Future Trends in Food Travel
Expect more destination dining, with travelers prioritizing cities like Bangkok, Copenhagen, and Tokyo for their unique culinary draws.
FAQs about the World’s Best Restaurant for 2025
Maido’s fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors, its seasonal menu, and consistent excellence over the years made it stand out globally.
A Japanese-Peruvian chef known for pioneering Nikkei cuisine, he leads Maido with a philosophy rooted in cultural storytelling through food.
Votes from the World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, made up of industry experts who visit and evaluate the restaurants, determine rankings.
Nikkei is a fusion of Japanese culinary techniques with Peruvian ingredients, reflecting Peru’s Japanese-immigrant heritage.
Peru, Spain, Mexico, Denmark, Thailand, Japan, France, and Argentina were all represented.
Yes, Maido accepts reservations and welcomes diners from around the world. Early booking is essential due to high demand.
Crafted with finesse by Elysium987
World’s Best Restaurant for 2025: What We Can Learn from Maido’s Success
Maido’s victory as the World’s Best Restaurant for 2025 isn’t just a personal win for Chef Micha; it’s a celebration of cultural fusion, perseverance, and culinary artistry. It signals a global shift toward embracing diverse culinary narratives and sustainable practices.
As gastronomy continues to evolve, restaurants like Maido set the gold standard, reminding us that food, at its best, is both an art form and a bridge between worlds.
World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 List
1. Maido (Lima, Peru)
2. Asador Etxebarri (Atxondo, Spain)
3. Quintonil (Mexico City, Mexico)
4. Diverxo (Madrid, Spain)
5. Alchemist (Copenhagen, Denmark)
6. Gaggan (Bangkok, Thailand)
7. Sézanne (Tokyo, Japan)
8. Table by Bruno Verjus (Paris, France)
9. Kjolle (Lima, Peru)
10. Don Julio (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
11. Wing (Hong Kong)
12. Atomix (New York City)
13. Potong (Bangkok)
14. Plénitude (Paris, France)
15. Ikoyi (London, England)
16. Lido 84 (Gardone Riviera, Italy)
17. Sorn (Bangkok, Thailand)
18. Reale (Castel di Sangro, Italy)
19. The Chairman (Hong Kong)
20. Atelier Moessmer Norbert Niederkofler (Brunico, Italy)
21. Narisawa (Tokyo, Japan)
22. Suhring (Bangkok, Thailand)
23. Boragó (Santiago, Chile)
24. Elkano (Getaria, Spain)
25. Odette (Singapore)
26. Mérito (Lima, Peru)
27. Trèsind Studio (Dubai, UAE)
28. Lasai (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
29. Mingles (Seoul, South Korea)
30. Le Du (Bangkok, Thailand)
31. Le Calandre (Rubano, Italy)
32. Piazza Duomo (Alba, Italy)
33. Steirereck (Vienna, Austria)
34. Enigma (Barcelona, Spain)
35. Nusara (Bangkok, Thailand)
36. Florilège (Tokyo, Japan)
37. Orfali Bros (Dubai, UAE)
38. Frantzén (Stockholm, Sweden)
39. Mayta (Lima, Peru)
40. Septime (Paris, France)
41. Kadeau (Copenhagen, Denmark)
42. Belcanto (Lisbon, Portugal)
43. Uliassi (Senigallia, Italy)
44. La Cime (Osaka, Japan)
45. Arpege (Paris, France)
46. Rosetta (Mexico City, Mexico)
47. Vyn (Skillinge, Sweden)
48. Celele (Cartagena, Colombia)
49. Kol (London, England)
50. Restaurant Jan (Munich, Germany)
