Central

Lima, Peru | World's 50 Best No.1 (2023)

Every altitude’s ecosystem, on one plate

Lima, Peru. A kitchen that turns ecosystems into food, from the sea to the high Andes, altitude by altitude. Researching ingredients with Mater Iniciativa, Central was named No.1 at The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2023. MAZ in Tokyo is its only sister restaurant outside Peru.

Taught by: Virgilio Martínez (Chef)

“The most important thing is to know the why. Why you’re doing it, why you’re cooking. That’s what I talk about.”

Questions this series answers

1. The thinking that defines Central’s food: How does the world’s best restaurant serve the same “Central food” in another country, with different ingredients? Even a dish they planned won’t go out if humidity keeps it from being 100%. That judgment reveals the thinking behind everything they cook.
2. How to build a team that delivers anywhere: Does the food change on the days the chef isn’t there? Why can the world’s best restaurant keep delivering far from home? He explains what he gives his team, and what he trusts them with.