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Maido in Lima: The World's Best Restaurant 2025

In a spectacular evening held in Turin, Italy, the gastronomic world gathered on June 19, 2025, to honor culinary brilliance at The World's 50 Best Restaurants awards. Maido, a renowned Nikkei restaurant in Lima led by chef-owner Mitsuharu 'Micha' Tsumura, has risen to claim the prestigious title of The World's Best Restaurant. This year’s event, hosted at the Lingotto Fiere, recognized culinary excellence from across five continents and 22 territories, highlighting various new entries that made their mark on the prestigious list.

For years, Maido has enchanted diners with its exquisite multi-course tasting menu, which draws inspiration from both Japanese culinary techniques and vibrant Peruvian flavors. By taking diners on a journey through the seasons and cultural narratives, Chef Micha creatively tells the story of his heritage and skills honed over more than 15 years in the kitchen.

“Receiving this award is a true honor, and it reflects the hard work and passion of my team,” said Chef Micha upon receiving the award. “We strive to push the boundaries of flavor while paying homage to our roots.”

This year, Maido moved up from its previous ranking of No. 5 in 2024, reflecting the heightened appreciation for its innovative approach to Nikkei cuisine. Following closely behind in the rankings are Asador Etxebarri from Atxondo, Spain, in second place, and Quintonil from Mexico City in third.

William Drew, Director of Content for The World's 50 Best Restaurants, echoed the sentiments of admiration for Maido’s diverse offerings. “Chef Micha and his team create an unforgettable dining experience, combining tradition with modern creativity. This year’s list emphasizes the global appreciation for diversity and excellence in the world of hospitality,” he stated.

Beyond the top three, the awards also celebrated numerous culinary talents and innovations. Albert Adrià received the Estrella Damm Chefs' Choice Award for his exceptional contributions to the gastronomic community. Similarly, Massimo Bottura and his wife Lara Gilmore were honored with the Woodford Reserve Icon Award, recognizing their impactful social projects through their restaurant, Osteria Francescana.

In recognition of extraordinary skill in the pastry arena, Maxime Frédéric of Cheval Blanc Paris was named The World's Best Pastry Chef. Mohamed Benabdallah from Asador Etxebarri received The World's Best Sommelier Award for his exceptional viticultural expertise. The Highest New Entry Award went to Potong from Bangkok, while Ikoyi in London was recognized as the Highest Climber this year, showcasing the dynamic evolving landscape of gastronomy.

Furthermore, as part of the awards, Celele in Cartagena was honored with the Sustainable Restaurant Award in recognition of its commitment to sustainability and the preservation of regional heritage. Aspiring chef Angélica Ortiz also caught the attention of the awards committee as she received the 50 Best Restaurants Scholarship, supporting her culinary journey.

The scene at the awards was a rich tapestry of culinary celebration, where chefs, food enthusiasts, and industry leaders came together to share their love for gastronomy. Maido’s ascent to the top of the list of The World's 50 Best Restaurants is a complete testimony to the profound influence of culture and creativity within the culinary arts, and the vibrant representation of Nikkei cuisine continues to gain global recognition.

As the evening concluded, it was evident that Maido, with Chef Micha at the helm, has not only won an award but has also set a benchmark for excellence that many will aspire to in the years to come. If this year's event revealed anything, it is that gastronomy is a vibrant, evolving art form, celebrated by many across the world, and Maido stands at the forefront of this culinary renaissance.