In a stunning — but not surprising — turn of events, Maido, the acclaimed Nikkei restaurant in Lima, Peru, was crowned the No. 1 restaurant in the world by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, sponsored by S. Pelegrino Acqua Panna.
That’s right. Out of every fine dining spot on Earth, from Paris to Tokyo, from Copenhagen to Cape Town, the best place to eat… is in Lima, the Peruvian capital.
Maido beats other fine restaurants such as Asador Etxberri, Alchemist, or Quintonil. This win is more than just a shiny trophy for Chef Mitsuharu “Micha” Tsumura. It’s a loud, proud statement: Peruvian food is turning into the best cuisine in the world.
So, let’s explore what makes Maido so extraordinary, who’s behind it, what’s on the menu, and why Peru has become one of the most exciting food destinations in the world.
So… What Is Maido?
To begin with, Maido (pronounced mah-ee-do) means “welcome” in Japanese. And that’s exactly how you feel the moment you walk into this sleek, minimalist restaurant in Lima’s upscale Miraflores district.
You’re not just a guest — you’re part of a story that blends two powerful food cultures: Japanese and Peruvian.
Therefore, Maido is a Nikkei restaurant, a term that refers to the unique culinary fusion developed by the descendants of Japanese immigrants in Peru.
It’s a meeting point between Japanese precision and Peruvian flavor — a harmony that feels effortless, but is anything but simple.
From the Pacific coast to the Andes to the Amazon rainforest, Maido takes you on a mouthwatering journey through Peru’s astonishing biodiversity, all while using Japanese techniques like sushi-making, fermentation, and knife work. And the result? Pure magic.
Meet the Mastermind: Chef Mitsuharu “Micha” Tsumura
Behind every world-class restaurant, there’s a genius — and in this case, his name is Micha Tsumura. Born in Lima in 1981 to a Japanese-Peruvian family, Micha grew up surrounded by food, culture, and two worlds that would eventually blend perfectly on the plate.
Afterwards, He studied culinary arts in the U.S., then trained in Osaka, Japan, learning the discipline and delicacy of authentic Japanese cuisine.
However, Micha wasn’t content with just copying tradition. He wanted to create something new — something that felt like home.
In fact, that’s when he returned to Lima and began building his dream: He opened Maido’s doors in 2009. Over the years, Micha has become one of the world’s most respected chefs.
However, he’s also one of the most down-to-earth. His passion isn’t just about fine dining — it’s about telling stories, connecting cultures, and celebrating Peru’s natural gifts.
With his warm personality, boundless curiosity, and deep respect for both of his cultural roots, Micha turned Maido into much more than a restaurant. Then, he turned it into a movement.
What’s on the Menu? A Taste of Maido
If you’re lucky enough to get a reservation (good luck after this win!), you’ll likely want to try Maido’s signature “Nikkei Experience” tasting menu — a dazzling 12-course parade of textures, colors, aromas, and emotions.
Every dish is inspired by a different Peruvian ecosystem, from the icy waters of the coast to the tropical depths of the jungle. But each plate is filtered through Japanese mastery. So, here are some unforgettable highlights:
Paiche Nigiri with Cocona and Miso
A buttery Amazonian fish served sushi-style, topped with a tangy native fruit and Japanese miso. Bright, savory, and elegant in one bite.
Choripan Bao
A soft, steamed bun filled with chorizo sausage, rocoto mayo, and pickled onions. A nod to Peruvian street food, reimagined with Japanese finesse.
Cuy Pekinés (Peking-style Guinea Pig)
Yes, guinea pig — a traditional Andean protein — marinated and served in a crispy pancake with hoisin sauce and pickled vegetables. A bold and playful fusion.
Sea Urchin Rice with Quail Egg
Creamy, rich, and packed with umami, this dish is a celebration of Peru’s Pacific bounty and Japanese rice-cooking technique.
Squid with Leche de Tigre Foam
A nod to ceviche, but turned into art. The iconic citrusy marinade becomes a light foam that dances over tender squid slices.
Amazonian Chocolate and Camu Camu Dessert
Sweet, sour, and sensual — a perfect finale featuring Peru’s native superfruits and fine cacao. And don’t forget:
Likewise, Maido offers vegetarian and pescatarian versions of its tasting menus, always showcasing the full palette of Peru’s incredible ingredients.
Each dish is presented like a jewel, accompanied by a detailed explanation from the staff, because Micha believes that food is education as much as enjoyment.
Climbing to the Top: A History of Maido’s Accolades
Maido has never been a hidden gem. For example, since it opened in 2009, it’s been steadily climbing the ranks of the global dining scene.
-In 2017, Maido was named the No. 1 restaurant in Latin America for the first time.
-It held that title for three consecutive years, earning global praise for both its food and storytelling.
-It entered the World’s 50 Best at #8, then rose to #5, then #2 — and finally, in 2025, it took the crown as the No. 1 restaurant in the world.
-This is no fluke. It’s the result of vision, dedication, and consistency — and a deep understanding of how to innovate without losing identity.
The Rise of Peruvian Cuisine: From Lima to the World
Maido’s big win is part of a much larger story: Peru’s meteoric rise as a global food destination. Not too long ago, Peruvian cuisine was barely known outside South America. Today, it’s everywhere — and everyone wants a taste. Why?
Incredible Biodiversity
Peru is one of the most ecologically diverse countries on Earth, with over 80 microclimates. That means an explosion of unique ingredients — from 3,000+ potato varieties to Amazonian exotic fruits like camu camu, cocona, aguaje, and more.
Cultural Fusion
Peruvian food blends Indigenous, Spanish, African, Chinese (chifa), and Japanese (nikkei) influences. The result is one of the most layered, multicultural cuisines in the world.
Innovation Meets Tradition
Chefs like Gastón Acurio, Virgilio Martínez, Pía León, and Mitsuharu Tsumura have put Peru on the map — not just for trendy dishes, but for sustainable practices, native ingredient research, and social impact.
Peru is no longer a rising star. It’s a culinary superpower.
It’s not only about Maido in 2025
Peru’s food scene just keeps getting better! Besides Maido’s coronation as the best in the world, the 2025 edition of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants brought more amazing news for Peru’s top culinary stars. Here’s what happened:
Central: Still the Best of the Best!
Even though it no longer competes in the rankings (because it already hit #1 in 2023!), Central by Virgilio Martínez has now been honored in the elite “Best of the Best” group—alongside global legends like ElBulli. Central continues to shape the future of Peruvian cuisine and inspire chefs worldwide.
Kjolle Joins the Global Top 10!
Big cheers for Pía León and her restaurant Kjolle, which just reached #9 in the world! This is Kjolle’s first time in the top 10 and a huge jump from 16th place last year.
Known for its creative, nature-inspired menu and strong connection to Peru’s biodiversity, Kjolle is a beautiful symbol of where Peruvian cuisine is headed.
Mérito Enters the Top 50 for the First Time
What a debut! Mérito, led by Venezuelan-Peruvian chef Juan Luis Martínez, landed at #26 in the world—its first time in the global Top 50 after ranking 55th last year.
Located in Lima’s Barranco district, Mérito blends Caribbean flavors with local Peruvian ingredients in truly exciting ways.
Mayta Keeps Rising
Finally, we have chef Jaime Pesaque and his team at Mayta moved up to #39, continuing their steady climb up the global food ranks.
Also, with bold, modern Peruvian dishes and a strong focus on storytelling through food, Mayta is proving that passion and creativity can take you far.
In short, 2025 was a fantastic year for Peruvian gastronomy! From legends like Central to exciting new entries like Mérito, Peru’s culinary stars are shining brighter than ever on the world stage.
Thinking of Visiting? Here’s a Tip
Maido is located at Calle San Martín 399 in Miraflores, Lima — a neighborhood known for its food, art, and coastline views. After this win, expect reservations to book out months in advance, so plan early!
So, if you can’t score a seat, don’t worry — Lima has a galaxy of other unforgettable restaurants: Central, Kjolle, Rafael, Isolina, Mérito, and many more. However, if you do get into Maido… you’re in for a life-changing experience.
A Win for Maido, a Win for Peru
In conclusion, Maido’s victory in 2025 is a beautiful reminder that the best food in the world doesn’t always come from where you expect. Sometimes it comes from the meeting of cultures, the honoring of traditions, and the boldness to innovate with heart.
Peru has climbed from humble kitchens to global glory — and Maido is now its shining star. For instance, raise your chopsticks (or your fork), take a bite of Peru, and remember: The world’s best restaurant is not just in Peru. It is Peru.
Finally, to learn more about Peruvian food, culture, and attractions, stay tuned to our blog. Also, keep in mind that Viagens Machu Picchu can make your dreams come true in Peru.
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