Exploring Peru’s eclectic cuisine at the world’s best restaurant

Central, a renowned restaurant located in Lima, Peru, has been named the best restaurant in the world on the 2023 World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.

Led by a female chef, it marks a historic milestone for South American gastronomy. Central’s mission is to delve into Peru’s distinct cuisine, culture, traditional cooking methods, and diverse environment, showcasing them to the world.

With a panel of 1,080 global gastronomy experts, Central’s culinary experience, centered around the country’s ecosystems and their array of flavors, was unanimously chosen as the world’s finest.

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list is a trusted resource that offers insights into exceptional culinary destinations and global gastronomic trends.

Central’s journey immerses guests in Peru’s diverse ecosystems at different altitudes.

Virgilio Martínez and Pía León, the husband-and-wife team behind Central, have curated a menu inspired by the country’s biodiverse landscapes.

Each dish represents a specific region of Peru.

The restaurant is complemented by Mater Iniciativa, a research organization headed by Martínez’s sister, which conducts innovative food and beverage projects and develops gastronomic concepts.

Central offers various experiences that traverse different altitudes and ecosystems.

The “Mundo Mater” tasting menu allows guests to explore 14 ecosystems through beverage pairings.

Some standout dishes include “Black Rocks” featuring yuyo seaweed, mussels, and squid; “Extreme Altitude” showcasing corn, kiwichas, and sweet potato leaves; and “Amazonian Water” presenting pacu fish, watermelon, and coca leaf.

Since its establishment in 2008, Central has garnered numerous accolades and distinctions, including being named the Best Restaurant in Latin America multiple times.

It has become a symbol of Latin American culinary excellence and sustainability.

Central’s success represents a significant shift in gastronomy, recognizing an independent, family-owned establishment from Peru as the pinnacle of global cuisine.

Three other Lima restaurants made the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list: Maido at No. 6, Kjolle at No. 28 (Pía León’s solo venture), and Mayta at No. 47.

These establishments combine native Peruvian ingredients with innovative culinary approaches, further elevating Peru’s traditional and contemporary gastronomy on the world stage.

What’s on the menu at Central

The menu at Central offers a range of captivating experiences that delve into various altitudes and ecosystems.

One of these exceptional dining options is the “Mundo Mater” tasting menu, also known as the “Mater World.”

This culinary journey invites guests to explore 14 diverse ecosystems, accompanied by a carefully curated selection of beverage pairings.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the tantalizing dishes on this extraordinary menu:

“Black Rocks”: This delectable dish features yuyo seaweed, a red algae that is characteristic of Peru and Chile, combined with mussels and squid.

“Dry Valley”: Delight your taste buds with the flavors of shrimp, hole pumpkin (a distinct Peruvian squash), and avocado, inspired by the bountiful offerings of Peru’s dry valleys.

“Extreme Altitude”: Experience the essence of the Peruvian Andes with this dish that combines corn, kiwichas (an ancient grain), and the vibrant flavors of sweet potato leaves.

“Cold Sea Current”: Immerse yourself in the treasures of the ocean with the Murike grouper, accompanied by razor clams and vongole, capturing the essence of Peru’s cold sea currents.

“Sea Brain Algae”: This dish showcases the remarkable flavors of squid, sea lettuce, and codium, a type of seaweed, offering a captivating taste inspired by the mysteries of the sea.

“Amazonian Water”: Indulge in the unique harmony of pacu fish, a freshwater species native to South America, combined with refreshing watermelon and the traditional Andean plant, coca leaf, known for its ability to combat altitude sickness.

“Andean Forest”: Delight in the rich flavors of pork belly, olluco (an Andean tuber), and callampa mushroom, capturing the essence of the lush and diverse Andean forest.

These exquisite dishes exemplify the culinary artistry and dedication to showcasing Peru’s remarkable ingredients and flavors at Central, making each dining experience an unforgettable exploration of Peru’s gastronomic wonders.