Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2022 returns in November with a new home — Mérida.
The awards gala, the first full gathering of Latin America’s gastronomic community since 2019, is Nov. 15. The event will be in-person as well as live-streamed on YouTube.
Previously held in Mexico City, Lima, Bogotá, and Buenos Aires, the awards program returns to Mexico in collaboration with the Yucatán Ministry of Tourism and sponsored by San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna.
Chefs, restaurateurs, media, and foodies will gather in the cultural and gastronomic capital of Mexico’s southeast region for the pinnacle of the year’s culinary calendar to celebrate the richness and diversity of Latin American cuisine.
Before the gala, a thought-leadership forum called #50BestTalks will tackle the theme of Cocina Consciente (Conscious Cooking), to discuss working conditions, sustainability, healthier food, and ethical sourcing practices. Big-name speakers are promised.
Three special award announcements will precede the live program, including Latin America’s Best Female Chef Award on Sept. 20, the Icon Award on Oct. 11 and the American Express One To Watch Award on Oct. 25.
The crown for world’s top restaurant in 2022 goes to Geranium in Copenhagen. The best restaurant in North America is Pujol in Mexico City, at No. 5 on the global list.
The 50 best restaurants in Latin America will be announced on Nov. 3.
“We are very excited to bring as many people as possible together from across Latin America once again in 2022,” said William Drew, 50 Best Restaurants‘ content director. “We look forward to celebrating more restaurants, teams, and culinary talent than ever, as well as experiencing the vibrant city of Mérida and exploring the gastronomically diverse region of Yucatán. At the same time, 50 Best aims to foster collaboration, inclusivity, and discovery, and help drive positive change in the hospitality sector.”
Michelle Fridman, The Yucatán tourism minister, called it “an honor” for the state to host the program.
“Yucatán is home to one of the best gastronomy scenes, and as we start our celebration of a year of Yucatecan cuisine, we are thrilled to show the world’s greatest chefs our culinary offer,” said Fridman.
