Colombia has proven its current culinary status on the world stage. El Chato was just named the best restaurant in Latin America 2025 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, in a ceremony on December 2 held at Santo Domingo del Cerro, in Antigua, Guatemala. Until now, El Chato, the Bogotá-based establishment led by chef Álvaro Clavijo, has inched toward the top spot ranking third in 2024 and second in 2023. But it has been 13 years since a restaurant outside of Peru or Argentina has claimed first place, making this an exciting signal that the country’s food scene is rising in the ranks.
El Chato wasn’t the only win for Colombia. Cartagena‘s Celele ranked fifth, and was supported by legendary Leo (23), new entry Afluente (34), Humo Negro (41), and Oda (76)—all from the capital—plus Barranquilla’s Manuel (46), and Sambombí Bistró Local of Medellín (98).
Lima’s Kjolle (from chef Pia Léon) ranked in second place, marking the first time an establishment led by a female chef has been that close to the top prize. Two other Peruvian spots, Mérito (4) and Cosme (10), also made the top 10.
In addition to restaurant wins, three of the six individual chef prizes were bestowed on women this year. The Dominican Republic’s Inés Páez Nin took home the Champions of Change prize, marking the first time it has been awarded in Latin America. Better known as Chef Tita, her Fundación IMA NGO empowers rural families and preserves culinary techniques; the foundation of her restaurant is about so much more than the food on the plate alone.
Tássia Magalhães of Nelita in São Paulo was anointed Best Female Chef for championing talent in her women-only kitchens at Lita wine bar and Mag Market bakery, while her Brazilian colleague Bianca Mirilia of Evvai was named Best Pastry Chef. Kjolle, meanwhile, picked up the Art of Hospitality prize while Bogotá’s Oda, led by Natalia Cocomá Hernández, picked up the Sustainable Restaurant Award for safeguarding regional biodiversity by partnering with the Botanical Garden of Bogotá.
The night also proved bountiful for the Central American nation making its hosting debut: all eyes will now be focused on Guatemala City’s Ana (94), led by Colombian chef Nicolás Solanilla, which was named One To Watch for how Solanilla celebrates his adopted home’s ingredients. Also from Guatemala City: Sublime ranked at 19, while new entry Diacá came in at 37, and Mercado 24 ranked 42.
