The global reference for hospitality.
Central
Lima · Peru
Destination Restaurants in Lima · Contemporary Peruvian
The World's 50 Best Restaurants (Ranked No. 1)
Photo: Official website · centralrestaurante.com.pe
Awards & Recognition
The World's 50 Best Restaurants
Ranked No. 1 · 2023
Central maps Peru's ecosystems through tasting menus organized around altitude and habitat. Led by Virgilio Martínez and Pía León, its culinary work is closely connected to Mater Iniciativa, placing research into biodiversity at the center of the restaurant's identity.
The Story
Origin
Virgilio Martínez opened Central in Lima in 2008. Its relocation to Barranco in 2018 brought the restaurant into a broader environment for culinary research and collaboration.
Philosophy
Peru is explored through interconnected ecosystems rather than a fixed repertoire of national dishes.
Why Important
Central expanded the global visibility of Peruvian biodiversity and demonstrated how field research could shape a restaurant's entire concept.
Differentiation
The altitude-based structure and close relationship with Mater Iniciativa give Central an unusually explicit research framework.
Food Philosophy
Courses draw on ingredients and relationships found at different elevations, from the Pacific coast to the Andes and Amazon.
Guest Experience
The tasting menu moves through landscapes, with explanations that connect unfamiliar ingredients to their habitats.
Design Philosophy
The setting supports the idea of the restaurant as both a dining destination and a place of investigation.
Design & Architecture
Architecture
The Barranco site accommodates dining alongside related culinary and research activities.
Design Language
Contemporary, earthy and research-oriented.
Interior Design
Natural references and views toward working spaces connect the meal to the processes behind it.
Graphic Identity
Altitude and ecosystem terminology structure the presentation of the menus.
Gallery · 2 photos
Watch · Reviews & Tours
THE WORLD’S NO.1 Restaurant in 2023 - Central, Peru (Virgilio Martínez)
Review · Alexander The Guest · 3y ago
My review of Central Restaurante in Lima, Peru
Review · Sade Burrell · 4y ago
Is this the Most Important Restaurant IN THE WORLD : Central (Lima, Peru)
Review · madventure · 1y ago
Inside Central In Lima: The World’s Best Restaurant 2023
Review · The 50 · 3y ago
Central is the Best Restaurant in the World 2023! Lima, Peru Tops the 50 Best List!
Review · Anders & Kaitlin · 3y ago
Central 14 Course Experience 🇵🇪 Lima Peru 4K 2023
Review · People Watching · 3y ago
