Is not a secret that Peruvian Cuisine keeps receiving praise and admiration not only in South American territory but in the whole world. Actually, is a fact that Peruvian food is on its way to becoming the best Cuisine in the world
This statement was proved on Tuesday, June 20th, 2023, when the world’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 sponsored by s.pellegrino & Acqua Panna named Central Restaurant by Virgilio Martinez the world’s best restaurant.
Since the awards’ establishment in 2002, this is the first time a restaurant not only in Latin America but in South America won the prize. This was a triumph for Latin American food and certainly, for Peruvian Cuisine.
An award undoubtedly worth it for Virgilio Martínez and Pía León joined this and started this project more than 15 years ago,
Central, in Lima Peru made its first appearance on this major list in 2013, ranked 50th. The following year, it advanced to fifteenth place. Since then, its presence has been constant. In 2022, it finished second and was named the finest restaurant in South America and Latin America.
An approach for handling innovation and exploration
Virgilio and Pia developed a passion for Peruvian cuisine through their many travels across the country. They met producers, tried unique meals, and found creative ways to serve them.
In 2018, the couple moved to Casa Tupac. It’s a huge building in Lima’s Barranco area that provides a peaceful retreat making it a haven of tasty food and kind service. It has a huge garden, an exploration center, León’s solo restaurant, Kjolle, and the couple’s family home.
They didn’t stop until Central had earned its well-deserved recognition. They both set up a research center at the restaurant called Mater Iniciativa to investigate Peruvian biodiversity. In this approach, their goal is to design the menu to give first-time visitors to Peru a chance to learn about the country through its food.
Central’s staff collaborates with local communities, gatherers, and farmers to conserve distinctive products and promote sustainability. In this sense, the restaurant serves as a vehicle for fostering variety while still conserving Peruvian culinary culture.
The duo have become global ambassadors for Peruvian tastes because of their recent start-up. Mil restaurant was established in the mountains near Cusco, close to the Sacred Valley. The restaurant was followed by Maz in Tokyo, Japan. The pair are always looking for new experiences as each location produces one-of-a-kind culinary experiences with Peruvian and local delicacies.
More than just fine dining
As Central’s concept evolved, so did its menu, which takes customers on a journey across Peruvian ecosystems categorized by altitude, from meters under the Pacific Ocean to 4,200 meters in the Andes’ highest peaks.
The couple has gradually developed various tasting menus. Territorio en Desnivel, 12 Ecosystems offers a menu that takes you from the ocean to the mountains, then down to the jungle, and back up. We can say this menu represents the restaurant’s “base” experience.
Experiencia Creatividad del Dia: 12 Ecosystems. As the name suggests, this menu is subject to change depending on the day as it’s based on the seasonal items.
Experiencia Creatividad Mundo is similar to the Daily creativity experience, only that this tasting menu highlights the greatest seasonal ingredients from each altitude. Keep in mind that this menu will be considerably longer because there are 14 dishes.
Mundo Mater consists of 14 dishes, two more than “Territorio en Desnivel.” This menu is more expensive, but if you can afford it, be sure you won’t be disappointed.
Their menu also includes wine, fermented beverages, and spirits pairings. The non-alcoholic experience includes nectars, infusions, and extracts made using Mater Iniciativa ingredients.
F.A.Q
What kind of food does Central offer?
The menu was made to show Peru through the food. That’s why Central doesn’t serve popular dishes like ceviche, pollo a la brasa, or chifa.
Rather, guests can choose among 12-14 meals based on ecosystems in Peru. Each “ecosystem” contains materials that show a cooking technique used by the inhabitants of that ecosystem.
How much will I pay?
Dinner at Central Restaurant costs about $300. The cost varies by the tasting menu chosen. The cost per attendee is projected to vary between $250 and $400, excluding beverages.
Does Central Restaurant have vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes, Central’s culinary team accommodates diners’ diets. They include vegetarian and vegan options on the menu.
Is it required to reserve in advance?
Yes, as Central Restaurant is prestigious and in high demand. You should make a reservation several months in advance to get a spot.
What Can I Wear
Central does not have a dress code, so you can visit this eatery as you are most comfortable.
How long does the menu take?
The 12-dish menu may last around 4 hours, depending on if you added wine or juice pairing. The 14-dish menu may last 5 hours.
Viagens Machu Picchu is pleased to operate tours in Lima and to promote Peruvian culture, such as Peruvian gastronomy. Take a look at our travel packages to see what Peru has to offer in attractions, traditions, and food. Buen Provecho!
Central Restaurant’s address: Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco, Lima, Perú.
Contact: +51 1 242 8515
