Launched in 2013 to celebrate gastronomy across the continent and provide diners around the globe with regional insights and culinary recommendations, Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, will land in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro in November 2023 to celebrate its 10-year anniversary with a highly anticipated events programme. Here’s everything you need to know
Ten years ago, the first edition of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants was unveiled in the Peruvian capital of Lima, marking a watershed moment for the region’s gastronomic scene. Now, the event is set to travel to Brazil for the first time to reveal the list of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, in Rio de Janeiro – the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvellous City). 
Christ the Redeemer, located atop Corcovado Mountain, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Set to take place on Tuesday 28th November, the prestigious awards will gather the most influential figures in the region’s culinary community in Rio de Janeiro, whose many claims to fame include being the second most populous city in Brazil, the birthplace of the Bossa Nova (a relaxed style of samba) and the home of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: Christ the Redeemer, located atop Corcovado Mountain.
The Brazilian city is well known for its carnival, samba and beaches, such as Copacabana and Ipanema; but as the cultural hub of the country, it also possesses a rich gastronomic history. The indigenous, European, African and Asian influences that characterise Brazil result in delicious combinations such as feijoada, the national dish, a style of bean stew with pork or beef usually served with rice; while other delightful foods that set Rio apart include pão de queijo (cheese bread), coxinha (a deep-fried chicken croquette), the picanha cut of beef, similar to a rump steak, moqueca (fish stew) and brigadeiros (bite-sized chocolate desserts).
Feijoada is the national dish of Brazil and is usually prepared with black beans in Rio de Janeiro
The city’s diverse food scene and the Southern Hemisphere’s warm weather will provide the perfect backdrop for the revelation of the new list of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 in November, with the event programme – hosted in partnership with Rio de Janeiro City Hall – also including the brand’s celebrated thought-leadership panel, #50BestTalks, which will again gather leading culinary thinkers and innovators to discuss a timely subject of special relevance to the sector.
The joyful occasion will also feature once-in-a-lifetime culinary experiences in the form of the 50 Best Signature Sessions, a collaborative dining series featuring chefs from across the globe teaming up with local talent, which will be landing in Latin America for the first time. These events will be open to all food lovers in and around Rio de Janeiro at the end of November, so anyone interested should stay tuned to 50 Best’s social media channels for the latest updates.
On the day before the awards, the traditional Chefs’ Feast will gather the finest cooks from across Latin America to celebrate together over Rio de Janeiro’s most famous dishes and drinks. Finally, on the evening of 28th November, the list of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 will be unveiled at a glittering awards ceremony.
Accolades such as the Estrella Damm Chefs’ Choice Award, the Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award, the Latin America’s Best Pastry Chef Award, sponsored by República del Cacao, and the Beronia Latin America’s Best Sommelier Award will also be revealed during the proceedings, which will culminate in the announcement of the establishment occupying the No.1 place and crowned The Best Restaurant in Latin America 2023, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna.
Rio de Janeiro is one of the most popular cities in South America, famous for its beaches and nature
In the weeks prior to the ceremony, a handful of special recognitions will be announced, including the Latin America’s Best Female Chef Award, the American Express One To Watch Award and the Icon Award, as well as the 2023 edition of the venues ranked between 51st and 100th in Latin America.
The lists are the result of the opinions and experiences of the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurant Academy, an influential group formed of 300 regional restaurant industry experts who each year vote confidentially for their 10 favourite restaurant experiences of the last 18 months. To learn more about this process and how it is independently adjudicated by Deloitte, visit The Voting System webpage.
The 2022 edition of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants was celebrated in the Mexican city of Mérida, Yucatán, in November 2022, when Central in Lima was voted as The Best Restaurant in Latin America. To find out the next winner, mark November 28 in your calendar now and make sure you don’t miss the reveal of the finest dining destinations across the continent.
Are you looking forward to the announcement of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna? Browse the website and join the community on Instagram, follow us on Facebook, visit us on Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements.
