El Chato Crowned Best Restaurant in Latin America in 2025

In a remarkable celebration of culinary excellence, El Chato, a contemporary Colombian restaurant, has been named the number one restaurant in Latin America for 2025. The announcement was made during a star-studded event held in the picturesque city of Antigua, Guatemala, marking the 13th edition of the prestigious Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants list, which is sponsored by S.Pellegrino Acqua Panna.

Led by the talented chef Álvaro Clavijo, El Chato has garnered international acclaim not only for its innovative dishes but also for its steadfast commitment to local producers and sustainable sourcing practices. This recognition places Bogotá firmly on the culinary map, showcasing Colombian cuisine's vibrant flavors and rich heritage to a global audience.

The 2025 ranking features restaurants from 21 cities across Latin America, with each offering a unique taste of their regional culinary cultures. Following El Chato in the list, Kjolle (ranked second) holds the title of Best Restaurant in Peru, while Don Julio (ranked third) is distinguished as the Best Restaurant in Argentina. This year’s list also reflects the increasing recognition of South American cuisine, with eight establishments from Buenos Aires and seven from Lima recognized among the top fifty.

A total of seven restaurants made their debut on the 2025 list. Notably, Casa Las Cujas from Santiago secured the Highest New Entry Award, ranking at No. 14. Other new additions from Santiago include Yum Cha (No. 28), Demo Magnolia (No. 31), and Karai by Mitsuharu (No. 45). Additional newcomers this year are Arami (No. 48) in La Paz and El Mercado (No. 27) in Buenos Aires, while Afluente (No. 34) from Bogotá also made its first appearance on the list.

In addition to the main rankings, special awards were bestowed to various culinary talents. Cosme, ranked No. 9, received the Highest Climber Award after moving up 19 spots. Notable chefs such as Rodolfo Guzmán from Boragó and Bianca Mirabili of Evvai brought home prestigious awards for their contributions to the culinary arts.

Craig Hawtin-Butcher, Managing Director for 50 Best, expressed immense pride in celebrating El Chato's achievement. He stated, "We are truly delighted to celebrate El Chato as The Best Restaurant in Latin America 2025. Our sincerest congratulations to Álvaro Clavijo and his entire team for creating such a special space that has brought Colombian cuisine to the forefront of the international stage."

The 50 Best organization partners with Deloitte to ensure voting integrity and transparency, relying on the expertise of 300 regional judges who contribute their culinary insights to the selection process. This collaborative effort reinforces the credibility and prestige of the Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants list.

As culinary enthusiasts look forward to exploring the flavors of these top establishments, the list also encourages food lovers to support local restaurants and the talented chefs behind them. With El Chato leading the way, the emphasis on sourcing local ingredients is likely to inspire more restaurants to adopt similar practices, ultimately benefiting the culinary landscape across Latin America.

For a complete overview of the top 50 rankings, additional special awards, and insights into this vibrant culinary community, readers can refer to the full list available through the 50 Best media center. The event in Antigua not only honored the achievements of individual restaurants but also served as a platform for promoting Latin American gastronomy on the world stage.

As El Chato takes the spotlight, the future looks bright for Latin American cuisine, and its influence is expected to resonate far beyond the region's borders.