The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, will stage its 2026 awards programme in Lima, Peru, marking the first time the globally recognised event has been held in South America. Scheduled for 4 November 2026, the event is being organised in partnership with PromPerú, the Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism under the country’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism.

The announcement further reinforces Peru’s growing reputation as one of the world’s leading culinary destinations. Lima previously hosted the inaugural Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants awards in 2013, and over the past decade the city has become home to a growing number of restaurants recognised on both the regional and global 50 Best rankings.

The destination has gained further international recognition following Maido’s victory as The World’s Best Restaurant 2025 at the awards ceremony in Turin, Italy. The restaurant became only the second Peruvian establishment to claim the No. 1 ranking within three years and has since entered the Best of the Best hall of fame, making it ineligible for future editions of the list.

Ahead of the awards ceremony, 50 Best and PromPerú will present a multi-day programme celebrating Peru’s culinary culture and hospitality industry. The schedule will include #50BestTalks, a thought leadership forum addressing key topics shaping global hospitality; 50 Best Signature Sessions, where internationally recognised chefs collaborate with local culinary talent in public dining events; the traditional Chefs’ Feast, highlighting regional ingredients and cooking traditions; and the live awards ceremony revealing The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 ranking.

The programme will also be preceded by a series of special award announcements recognising outstanding individuals and establishments across the global restaurant industry.

“We are thrilled to be bringing The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 awards ceremony to South America for the very first time this November,” said Rikki Tidball, Managing Director of Events for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. “Peru is a destination that truly embodies the spirit of the awards and a place where centuries of rich cultural heritage have given rise to one of the most exciting dining scenes in the world. Together with PromPerú, we look forward to welcoming the international hospitality community and celebrating the culinary excellence that has made Peru one of today’s most influential gastronomic destinations.”

Berthin Enrique Gómez Vela, Peru’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, described the announcement as a milestone for the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

“The selection of Lima as the host city for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants marks a historic milestone for Peru and reflects our long-term commitment to positioning the country among the world’s leading culinary and tourism destinations,” he said. “Hosting this event will place Peru at the centre of the global gastronomic conversation while showcasing the richness of our cuisine, biodiversity, native ingredients and culinary talent.”

Beyond the annual rankings, 50 Best said it will continue using its global platform—including 50 Best Discovery, special awards, and editorial content—to spotlight restaurants and bars worldwide while promoting collaboration, diversity, and culinary exploration across the hospitality industry.

The organisation also confirmed that Deloitte will continue serving as its official independent adjudication partner, overseeing the integrity and authenticity of the voting process for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026.