Don Julio tops LatAm 50 Best Restaurants 2024

Don Julio in Buenos Aires beat off tough competition to be named The Best Restaurant in Latin America 2024, reclaiming the top spot for the first time since 2020.

The ceremony for Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants sponsored by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, took place at Rio de Janeiro's iconic Museu Histórico Nacional on Tuesday, 26 November, with the region's culinary community coming from all over Latin America for the list countdown.

Known for its incredible steaks, extensive wine list, and legendary hospitality, the Argentinian parrilla Don Julia climbed from third place last year, to the number one spot after previously topping the list in 2020. The restaurant is run by renowned restaurateur and sommelier Pablo Rivero, who has steered the establishment to the highest levels in Latin America with passion and dedication to excellence.

Lima, Peru’s legendary Nikkei restaurant Maido, by Mitsuharu ‘Micha’ Tsumura came second in the year it celebrates its 15-year anniversary, after topping the list last year. Bogota's El Chato by chef Alvaro Clavijo claimed third spot.

While the entire list featured restaurants from 22 cities across the region, Buenos Aires has the most restaurants on the list this year with eight. Lima and São Paulo both have seven on the list of 50-1.

Several special awards were also announced on the night with Latin America's Best Pastry Chef award going to Camila Fiol, the creative force behind Santiago confectionary store Fiol Dulcería. Laura Hernández Espinosa was awarded the title of Latin America's Best Sommelier, while Harry Sasson, Colombia’s renowned chef-restaurateur, won the Icon Award for his contributions to the region’s culinary culture. The recipients join the list of previously announced winners in the lead up to the ceremony.

See the full list of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024, below. 

1. Don Julio, Buenos Aires 
2. Maido, Lima 
3. El Chato, Bogotá 
4. Kjolle, Lima 
5. Boragó, Santiago 
6. Celele, Cartagena 
7. Lasai, Rio de Janeiro 
8. Mérito, Lima 
9. Quintonil, Mexico City 
10. Leo, Bogotá 
11. Nuema, Quito 
12. Alcalde, Guadalajara 
13. Mayta, Lima 
14. Maito, Panama City 
15. A Casa do Porco, São Paulo 
16. Tuju, São Paulo 
17. Fauna, Valle de Guadalupe 
18. Gran Dabbang, Buenos Aires 
19. Rafael, Lima 
20. Evvai, São Paulo 
21. Oteque, Rio de Janeiro 
22. Sublime, Guatemala City 
23. Villa Torél, Ensenada 
24. Pujol, Mexico City 
25. Sikwa, San José 
26. Nelita, São Paulo 
27. Metzi, São Paulo 
28. Cosme, Lima 
29. Mishiguene, Buenos Aires 
30. La Mar, Lima 
31. El Preferido de Palermo, Buenos Aires 
32. Arca, Tulum 
33. Trescha, Buenos Aires 
34. Niño Gordo, Buenos Aires 
35. Maní, São Paulo 
36. Huniik, Mérida 
37. Julia, Buenos Aires 
38. Gustu, La Paz 
39. Mercado 24, Guatemala City 
40. Cantina del Tigre, Panama City 
41. Lo de Tere, Punta del Este 
42. Manuel, Barranquilla 
43. Máximo Bistrot, Mexico City 
44. Cordero, Caracas 
45. Humo Negro, Bogotá 
46. Aramburu, Buenos Aires 
47. Sud 777, Mexico City 
48. Rosetta, Mexico City 
49. Mil, Moray 
50. Kotori, São Paulo