Central Restaurant Elevates to 'Best of the Best' Status, Exiting World's Top 50 Ranking

Lima, Peru – Central, the renowned Peruvian restaurant led by chefs Virgilio Martínez and Pía León, has officially exited The World's 50 Best Restaurants ranking as of 2025. This development is not a demotion but rather a recognition of its historic achievement, having previously secured the coveted number one position. According to rules implemented in 2019 by The World's 50 Best Restaurants organization, any restaurant that reaches the top spot is inducted into a permanent 'Best of the Best' hall of honor, making them ineligible to compete in subsequent rankings. This prestigious status places Central alongside other culinary giants such as El Bulli, The French Laundry, and Noma. In related news, Maido, another acclaimed Peruvian restaurant, has claimed the number one position in The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025. Following the same rule, Maido is set to join the 'Best of the Best' elite group in 2026, further cementing Peru's leading role in global gastronomy.