Written by:
peru.travel
Thursday, October 16, 2025
The event reaffirmed Peru’s status as a global culinary powerhouse.
At the ninth edition of The Best Chef Awards, held in Milan, nine representatives from Peru stood out among 783 chefs from 69 countries, once again strengthening the global prestige ofPeruvian gastronomy.
Among the Peruvian awardees were Pia Leon, Virgilio Martinez, Rafael Osterling, and Mitsuharu "Micha" Tsumura — celebrated for their talent and remarkable contributions to haute cuisine. Four Peruvian chefs earned the highest honor of three knives, a distinction granted to those who achieve at least 80 % of the maximum score: Juan Luis Martinez (Merito), Mitsuharu Tsumura (Maido, named the best restaurant in the world by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025), Pia Leon (Kjolle), and Virgilio Martinez (Central, also recognized as the world’s best restaurant in 2023)..
In the two-knives category — awarded to chefs who achieve at least 40 % of the maximum score — the honorees included Jaime Pesaque (Mayta) and Luis Valderrama Silva, alongside Virgilio Martinez, for their work at Mil, the only Peruvian restaurant recognized outside Lima, located in Moray, Cusco. Santiago Fernandez, from the Peruvian restaurant MAZ in Tokyo, Japan, also received the two-knives distinction.
You may also like:Peruvian restaurant Maido wins award for the best restaurant in the world
Restaurant Maido. / ©Shutterstock
Finally, earning the one-knife distinction — awarded to those who achieve at least 20 % of the maximum score — were Anthony Vasquez (La Mar) and Rafael Osterling (Rafael), completing an outstanding representation of Peruvian culinary talent on the international gastronomic stage.
Peruvian gastronomy continues to strengthen its standing as one of the world’s finest, blending tradition, innovation, and a deeply rooted cultural identity. With internationally acclaimed chefs and restaurants consistently ranking among the world’s best, Peru reaffirms its place as a true culinary epicenter.
From the ancestral flavors of the Andes to contemporary fusions, every Peruvian dish tells a story of land, memory, and creativity. This year, more than ever, you have the perfect opportunity to experience these culinary talents through their creations — dishes you can savor at some of Lima’s most celebrated restaurants.
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