Don Julio Reclaims Its Title as Latin America's Best Restaurant for 2024 in Rio de Janeiro
In an exciting announcement at the 2024 Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants ceremony held in Rio de Janeiro, Don Julio has reclaimed its position as the top restaurant in Latin America for the second consecutive year. This prestigious event, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, demonstrates the vibrant culinary scene in Latin America, with selections made by a panel of 300 dedicated food experts from various regions.
Don Julio, located in Buenos Aires, triumphantly takes its place once again, noted not only for its exceptional steaks but also for an extensive wine list that perfectly complements its dishes. The restaurant is under the skilled management of Pablo Rivero, an acclaimed restaurateur and sommelier. Rivero's dedication to quality and hospitality has earned Don Julio a reputation that extends beyond Argentina, highlighting the best of Argentine cuisine to the world.
The announcement of the top restaurants celebrates culinary excellence from 22 cities, with cities such as Buenos Aires, Lima, and São Paulo each showcasing their vibrant food cultures. Buenos Aires stands out with eight representatives on the list, signifying its strong influence in the Latin American gastronomic landscape. Lima and São Paulo follow closely behind, each contributing seven restaurants to the rankings.
Among the immediate competitors of Don Julio is Maido, which has been awarded the title of the Best Restaurant in Peru, securing the second place spot. In third place, El Chato has earned recognition as the Best Restaurant in Colombia, demonstrating a diverse range of flavors across Latin America.
Additionally, notable recognitions given during the ceremony include Boragó in Santiago, recognized as the Best Restaurant in Chile, and Lasai in Rio de Janeiro, which has been awarded as the Best Restaurant in Brazil. Quintonil from Mexico City also shines by being named the Best Restaurant in Mexico.
The ceremony also celebrates exciting new culinary talents, with Trescha in Buenos Aires receiving the accolade for the Highest New Entry at No. 33. Meanwhile, the Highest Climber Award, given to the restaurant making the biggest jump in the rankings, was earned by Rafael in Lima after it advanced 27 spots to No. 19.
In addition to recognizing restaurants, individual chefs were also honored. Harry Sasson, a Colombian chef and restaurateur, received the prestigious Woodford Reserve Icon Award, while Camila Fiol has been celebrated as Latin America's Best Pastry Chef for her innovative creations at Fiol Dulcería in Santiago.
William Drew, the Director of Content for Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants, expressed his excitement for this year’s results, stating, "We congratulate all the establishments recognized in this year's Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants list and reaffirm our commitment to positioning Latin American cuisine among the most esteemed in the world. We look forward to witnessing the ongoing growth and success of these remarkable restaurants in the years to come."
The event not only champions established restaurants but also new ones eager to make their mark in this dynamic industry. The recognition received by these culinary establishments motivates chefs and restaurateurs to continuously innovate and redefine the dining experience in Latin America.
As these culinary stars continue to shine, the event affirms the region's ongoing evolution as a culinary powerhouse on the world stage. The full list of Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants can be accessed for those wishing to explore more about these gastronomic leaders.