Chablé Yucatán Chef Luis Ronzón Earns World-Class Status

Chef Luis Ronzón from Ixi’im restaurant at Chablé Yucatán moved up the ranks at The Best Chef Awards 2025, earning recognition in the World Class category during Thursday’s ceremony in Milan, Italy.

The distinction marks another step forward for the Mexican chef, who entered last year’s list in the Excellent category with one knife. This year’s upgrade to World Class status with two knives reflects his continued growth in technique, flavor, and dedication to Mexican cuisine.

Ronzón leads the kitchen at Ixi’im, the signature restaurant of Chablé Yucatán resort in Chocholá. The restaurant sits inside a restored 19th-century henequen hacienda and has earned its own recognition, including the 2018 Prix de Versailles Award for design and architecture.

The ninth edition of The Best Chef Awards brought together culinary leaders from around the globe to Milan, a city known for blending tradition with innovation. The two-day event featured panel discussions at the Franciacorta wine region before the main gala at Studio 90, a converted airplane factory in the city’s industrial quarter.

The awards use a knife-based ranking system that expanded last year to recognize a broader range of talent. Three Knives go to chefs scoring at least 80% of the maximum. Two Knives recognize those reaching 40%, while One Knife acknowledges chefs who hit 20%. The system aims to spotlight excellence across different stages of culinary careers.

Ronzón’s path to Yucatán began with apprenticeships at some of the world’s most respected kitchens. He trained under Chef Yuri de Gortari before working at Noma in Copenhagen under René Redzepi. He also spent time at Malabar in Peru and served as sous chef at Quintonil in Mexico City for three years.

Ixi’im’s menu, developed with renowned chef Jorge Vallejo, celebrates Yucatecan ingredients and traditions. The restaurant draws from Mayan agricultural techniques, traditional pib cooking methods, and the region’s Lebanese heritage. Ingredients come from the resort’s own Mayan garden, where herbs, fruits, and vegetables grow using ancestral farming practices.

The restaurant’s collection of over 3,400 tequila bottles includes rare pieces like bottles painted by Rufino Tamayo and an 1845 José Cuervo label. Ixi’im offers tasting experiences for both hotel guests and outside visitors, though reservations are required.

Located about 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Mérida in the village of Chocholá, the restaurant operates Tuesday through Sunday starting at 1 p.m. Its setting in the former machine room of the working hacienda adds historical context to the dining experience.

The Best Chef Awards platform focuses on connecting food lovers worldwide and creating space for knowledge exchange among culinary professionals. The organization emphasizes recognizing chefs not just for technical skill but for their vision and broader impact on gastronomy.

Ronzón’s recognition places him among Mexico’s top culinary talent on the international stage. His work at Ixi’im has helped position the restaurant among the country’s finest, earning spots on various national and international lists.

The 2024 awards, held in Dubai, saw Rasmus Munk of Alchemist in Copenhagen take top honors, followed by Albert Adrià from Enigma in Barcelona and Eric Vildgaard of Jordnær in Denmark. Special awards recognized achievements in pastry, new entries, and restaurant concepts.

This year’s Milan ceremony also introduced a humanitarian award recognizing chefs who provide food relief in challenging circumstances, emphasizing cuisine’s role beyond fine dining.

For Ronzón, the World Class designation confirms what diners at Ixi’im have experienced: careful attention to detail, respect for local ingredients, and dishes that tell the story of Yucatán’s rich culinary heritage. His continued presence on prestigious lists suggests more recognition may follow as he refines his craft in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula.

Ixi’im Restaurant

Location: Chablé Yucatán, Tablaje 642, Chocholá, Yucatán
Distance from Mérida: 45 kilometers (28 miles), approximately 45 minutes by car
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, starting at 1 p.m.
Reservations: Required (call +52 55 4161 4262)
Dress code: Smart casual
Special experiences: Tequila tastings available; cooking classes with Chef Ronzón can be arranged
Note: The tasting menu with wine pairing typically costs around 3,980 pesos (approximately $220 USD)