Quick Facts
- Historic Victory: For the first time in the 13-year history of the awards, a restaurant located outside of Peru or Argentina has secured the #1 position.
- The Winner: El Chato, located in Bogotá, Colombia, and led by Chef Álvaro Clavijo, is officially the best restaurant in Latin America for 2025.
- Regional Dominance: Colombia saw a massive surge in influence with 8 restaurants appearing in the 2025 top 100 list, spanning Bogotá, Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Medellín.
- Sustainable Leadership: Bogotá's Oda was recognized with the Sustainable Restaurant Award, highlighting the country's commitment to ethical gastronomy.
- Women in Food: Tássia Magalhães of Nelita (São Paulo) was crowned Best Female Chef for her pioneering work with women-only kitchens.
The New King of Latin American Gastronomy
The gastronomic landscape of Latin America has long been dominated by the culinary powerhouses of Lima and Buenos Aires. For over a decade, names like Central, Maido, and Don Julio have rotated the crown. However, 2025 marks a tectonic shift in the industry. The announcement of Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 has confirmed that the culinary epicenter has moved north to the high-altitude Andean plateau of Bogotá.
Which restaurant is ranked #1 in Latin America for 2025?
El Chato, located in Bogotá, Colombia and led by chef Álvaro Clavijo, was named the best restaurant in Latin America for 2025. This historic achievement marks the first time in 13 years that a restaurant outside of Peru or Argentina has claimed the top spot.
This win is not just a victory for a single establishment but a testament to Colombia's pulsating food scene. The ranking reflects a broader movement of "New Colombian" cuisine that prioritizes biodiversity, indigenous ingredients, and modern techniques over classical European traditions.
Inside El Chato: Why It Won
To understand why El Chato claimed the top spot, one must understand the journey of its architect, Chef Álvaro Clavijo. His career path reads like a global culinary odyssey, with stints at the Michelin-starred Hofmann in Barcelona, the legendary Noma in Copenhagen, and Per Se in New York. When he returned to Bogotá in 2017 to open El Chato in the bohemian Chapinero Alto neighborhood, he brought a refined "Old World" precision to the raw, untamed ingredients of his homeland.
The experience at El Chato is a masterclass in sensory contrast. The nine-course tasting menu is a journey through Colombia's varied ecosystems—from the Amazonian jungle to the Caribbean coast. Guests are often surprised by the inclusion of hormigas culonas (literally "big-ass ants") and mojojoy (a type of palm larva), which Clavijo transforms from rustic snacks into high-concept delicacies. One signature dish features heart of palm paired with rambutan and the aforementioned ants, creating a flavor profile that is earthbound yet ethereal.
For those looking to experience El Chato without the commitment of the full tasting menu, there is an insider secret: the restaurant offers an à la carte menu during lunch service. Furthermore, Clavijo’s casual sister spot, Selma (currently ranked #96), offers a more accessible entry point into his culinary philosophy.
The Best of the Best: Top 10 Breakdown
The 2025 list showcases an incredible diversity of styles, from the fire-focused grills of Argentina to the hyper-local Amazonian explorations of Peru. While Colombia holds the top spot, Peru remains a formidable contender with two spots in the top five.
What are the top 5 restaurants in Latin America for 2025?
According to the official rankings, the top five are:
- El Chato (Bogotá, Colombia)
- Kjolle (Lima, Peru)
- Parrilla Don Julio (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
- Mérito (Lima, Peru)
- Celele (Cartagena, Colombia)
| Rank | Restaurant | City | Chef |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | El Chato | Bogotá, Colombia | Álvaro Clavijo |
| 2 | Kjolle | Lima, Peru | Pía León |
| 3 | Parrilla Don Julio | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Pablo Rivero |
| 4 | Mérito | Lima, Peru | Juan Luis Martínez |
| 5 | Celele | Cartagena, Colombia | Jaime Rodríguez |
| 6 | Maido | Lima, Peru | Mitsuharu Tsumura |
| 7 | Quintonil | Mexico City, Mexico | Jorge Vallejo |
| 8 | Metzi | São Paulo, Brazil | Luana Sabino & Eduardo Ortiz |
| 9 | Cosme | Lima, Peru | James Berckemeyer |
| 10 | Faustina | Santiago, Chile | Carolina Bazán |
One of the most notable climbers this year was Cosme in Lima, which jumped an impressive 19 spots to break into the top ten at #9. This indicates that while the top spot has shifted, the depth of talent across the continent continues to deepen.
Celebrating Women in Culinary Excellence
The 2025 awards also highlighted the vital role of women in shaping the future of Latin American gastronomy. Beyond Pía León’s success at Kjolle (#2), the individual accolades focused on systemic change within the kitchen.
Who is the Best Female Chef in Latin America for 2025?
Tássia Magalhães of Nelita in São Paulo was awarded the title of Best Female Chef for her work in championing women-only kitchens. Her restaurant, Nelita, is celebrated for its precise Italian-influenced cuisine and its commitment to providing a professional platform for female culinary talent.
In addition to gender equity, the awards recognized environmental stewardship. Oda, another Bogotá standout, received the Sustainable Restaurant Award. Led by Jeferson García, Oda focuses on circular economy principles, ensuring that every part of an ingredient is utilized, thereby minimizing waste while maximizing flavor.
Colombia’s Rising Influence: Beyond Bogotá
While El Chato takes the headlines, Colombia's culinary dominance is a nationwide phenomenon. The 2025 list features 8 total entries in the top 100, showcasing the regional diversity of the country.
Cartagena: The Soul of the Coast
Cartagena is no longer just a colonial tourist destination; it is a serious dining hub. Celele (#5), located in the vibrant Getsemaní neighborhood, is the pioneer of Caribbean flower and fruit research. Chef Jaime Rodríguez explores the forgotten ingredients of the coast, resulting in dishes that are as visually stunning as they are culturally significant.
- Mar y Zielo: Offers a spectacular rooftop setting paired with modern coastal fusion.
- Candé: The place to go for authentic folklore, live music, and traditional seafood platters.
Medellín: Innovation in the Valley
Medellín’s dining scene has evolved rapidly from casual eateries to sophisticated tasting rooms.
- Carmen: A long-time favorite that continues to innovate with its 7-course tasting menu focused on Colombian "biomes."
- Sambombí (#98): Known for its casual, high-energy vibe and a menu that changes daily based on market availability.
Planning Your 2025 Culinary Tour
If you are planning a trip to experience the best restaurant in Latin America 2025, Bogotá should be your first stop. However, traveling for food in Colombia requires some logistical foresight.
Travel Logistics & Tips:
- Getting There: Major carriers like Delta have expanded their "Delta One" service on the JFK to BOG route, making the journey to the capital more comfortable than ever.
- The Altitude Factor: Remember that Bogotá sits at 8,600 feet (2,600 meters). Take it easy on the first day, hydrate well, and be mindful that alcohol may affect you more quickly.
- Reservations: For El Chato and Celele, booking at least 4-6 weeks in advance is highly recommended following their top-tier rankings.
Where to Stay:
- Bogotá: The Orchids in the historic La Candelaria district offers colonial charm, while the Four Seasons Casa Medina is located perfectly for those dining in Chapinero.
- Cartagena: Movich Cartagena provides a stunning rooftop view of the old city walls.
- Medellín: Marquee Hotel in the heart of El Poblado puts you within walking distance of the city’s best nightlife and dining.
Cultural Add-ons: To truly appreciate the food at El Chato, take a tour of the Paloquemao fruit market. It is here that you will see the raw, colorful inspiration for Colombia's top chefs—mountains of lulo, granadilla, and mangosteen that eventually find their way onto the world's best plates. In Medellín, a graffiti walk through Comuna 13 provides the necessary historical context to understand the city's incredible resilience and transformation.
FAQ
Why is El Chato's ranking so significant?
It marks the first time since the list's inception in 2013 that a restaurant outside of Lima (Peru) or Buenos Aires (Argentina) has held the #1 spot. It signals a shift in global gastronomic attention toward Colombia's unique biodiversity.
How much does a meal at El Chato cost?
While prices fluctuate, the tasting menu typically costs between $100 and $150 USD per person (excluding wine pairings), which is significantly more affordable than comparable #1 ranked restaurants in Europe or North America.
Is Bogotá safe for culinary travelers?
Yes. The neighborhoods where these top restaurants are located—such as Chapinero, Usaquén, and La Candelaria—are generally safe and well-patrolled, though standard urban precautions should always be taken.
Experience the Flavors of Colombia
The rise of El Chato and the broader Colombian culinary scene represents a new era for Latin American travel. It is a destination where ancestral traditions meet avant-garde techniques, all served with the warmth that Colombia is famous for.
