Nikkei cuisine is the elegant marriage of Peruvian ingredients and Japanese techniques—a culinary genre born from the Japanese diaspora in Peru. At the heart of this movement is Maido, under the creative vision of celebrated chef Mitsuharu "Micha" Tsumura.

• Inventive Dishes: Imagine Amazonian paiche transformed with miso, or delicate nigiri infused with Andean herbs. Every dish is a cross-continental conversation.
• Locally Sourced Excellence: From fresh scallops in Paracas to citrus from the Sacred Valley, ingredients are carefully curated and celebrated on every plate.
• Theatrical Presentation: Meals unfold in curated tasting menus, revealing a narrative that blends innovation, precision, and heritage.

This harmony between tradition and creativity has elevated Maido into a temple of modern gastronomy. For those who demand the extraordinary, it’s not just a reservation—it’s a rite of passage.

Trained in both Lima and Osaka, Chef Micha blends the discipline of Japanese culinary artistry with the bold soul of Peruvian cuisine. His work has not only redefined fine dining in Latin America but has positioned Lima as a must-visit destination for gourmet travelers.

• Global Recognition: Ranked consistently in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Maido leads the Latin American culinary scene.
• Cultural Advocate: Through food, Tsumura tells the story of Peru’s multicultural identity—an experience best appreciated when explored in its native land.
• Beyond the Plate: Chef Micha is a mentor to rising chefs and a proud ambassador of Peru’s culinary potential on the world stage.

His passion for authenticity, respect for local traditions, and relentless pursuit of innovation continue to inspire the next generation of chefs around the globe.

A table at Maido is one of the most sought-after reservations in the world. But why worry about logistics, timing, or access, when a specialized local travel operator can elevate the entire journey for you?

• Concierge-Level Planning: From your boutique hotel in Lima to a seamless transport to Maido, everything is curated for comfort and style.
• Exclusive Access: With early reservations and priority seating, you’ll enjoy Maido at its fullest—no stress, just indulgence.
• Gastronomic Extensions: Continue your culinary exploration through Peru with curated food tours, market visits, and even private cooking sessions led by renowned chefs.

While some travelers opt to plan on their own, discerning guests understand the value of expertise and access. Letting a seasoned luxury travel provider handle the details ensures your experience matches the standards of the restaurant itself.

Peru’s gastronomic excellence is only one facet of its luxury travel offering. After Maido, imagine sipping wine in a Sacred Valley vineyard, watching the sun rise over Machu Picchu, or cruising on Lake Titicaca aboard a private yacht.

• Cusco & Machu Picchu: Experience the cradle of the Inca Empire in high style with private guides and luxury train journeys.
• Arequipa & Colca Canyon: Discover colonial charm and dramatic landscapes, paired with gourmet alpaca dishes and regional pisco tastings.
• Amazon & Paracas: Connect with nature in first-class ecolodges or beachfront resorts, with world-class cuisine served under the stars.

A trusted luxury operator like Ile Tours transforms these possibilities into a seamless, soul-stirring itinerary—because an experience like Maido deserves to be part of something even greater.

Inside The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025

When The World’s 50 Best Restaurants unveils its prestigious ranking each year, the global culinary community takes notice. In 2025, all eyes turned once again to Lima, Peru—where Maido ascended to the number one spot. But what does this award truly signify, and how did a restaurant from South America reach such an elite status? For food-lovers with a passion for world-class experiences, this ranking offers more than bragging rights—it maps a journey worth taking.

At Ile Tours, we understand that luxury isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you experience it. Discover what it means to explore Peru’s culinary crown jewel with service as refined as the cuisine itself.

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list is curated by over 1,000 culinary experts—chefs, food writers, critics, and gastronomes from every corner of the globe. Each year, they cast votes based on their most remarkable dining experiences from the past 18 months. What sets the list apart is its balance between innovation, tradition, atmosphere, and storytelling.

• Global Perspective: The list celebrates diversity—recognizing excellence in every continent, not just the usual capitals of cuisine.
• Focus on Experience: It's not just about food, but the entire emotional and cultural journey that a restaurant offers.
• Credibility: With an anonymized voting system and no entry fee, the award remains one of the most authentic recognitions in the world of fine dining.

To dine at one of these select establishments is to step into a living expression of culinary artistry. And in 2025, that pinnacle experience awaits you in Lima.

Maido has long been celebrated as a leader in Nikkei cuisine, a fusion that mirrors Peru’s multicultural soul. But its path to the top was not overnight. From placing within the Latin America top ten a decade ago, to consistently climbing the global list year after year, its rise reflects the relentless dedication of Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura and his visionary team.

• 2015-2018: Maido entered the Latin America 50 Best list, gaining a loyal global following.
• 2019-2023: Ranked in the global top 10, Maido became a “must-visit” on every gourmet traveler’s list.
• 2025: Crowned the best restaurant in the world—a milestone not just for Maido, but for all of Latin American gastronomy.

For travelers who seek meaningful and immersive experiences, Maido’s journey mirrors that of Peru itself: deeply rooted, yet endlessly innovative. A table at Maido is now a seat at the summit of culinary achievement.

For those who value travel not just as a destination, but as a transformation, dining at the world's top restaurant adds a dimension of cultural depth and sensory exploration. The ranking is a compass, guiding discerning travelers to the places where food becomes memory.

• Prestige: Dining at a top-ranked restaurant offers the thrill of exclusivity and global recognition.
• Authenticity: At Maido, each dish is a story told through Peruvian ingredients and Japanese craftsmanship.
• Connection: The experience bridges continents and cultures—perfect for those who appreciate meaningful travel moments.

With careful planning and attention to detail, a visit to Maido can become the centerpiece of a luxury Peruvian itinerary—something Ile Tours is uniquely equipped to craft.

Traveling to Lima for a world-class dining experience shouldn’t come with logistical headaches. From navigating reservations and accommodations to enhancing your stay with cultural or scenic excursions, luxury travel is best enjoyed when curated by local experts.

• Personalized Service: Whether you’re in Lima for one night or ten, every detail is thoughtfully arranged around your comfort and taste.
• Seamless Reservations: We handle everything—from airport transfers to dinner confirmations, ensuring you never miss a moment.
• Gourmet Extensions: Add vineyard tours, market tastings, or private chef encounters to deepen your culinary exploration of Peru.

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list may guide you to Maido—but it’s the way you experience it that turns a dinner into a lifelong memory. Trusting professionals who live and breathe Peru is the smartest way to ensure every part of your journey lives up to the world-class standards you've come to expect.

What Makes Maido Truly Exceptional

In a world full of culinary trends and fleeting food fads, only a handful of restaurants manage to achieve timeless greatness. Maido, located in the heart of Lima, Peru, is one such rarity. Named the world’s best restaurant in 2025, Maido has captivated travelers, critics, and food lovers with its masterful blend of Japanese technique and Peruvian soul. But what truly sets it apart? The answer lies in its unforgettable dishes, artfully curated tasting menus, and a profound respect for native ingredients.

For those seeking more than just fine dining—for those seeking a transformational experience—Ile Tours offers curated journeys that make Maido more than a reservation. It becomes a story you’ll tell forever.

Every dish at Maido is a revelation—a thoughtful marriage of Japanese precision and the bold, earthy flavors of Peru. Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura doesn’t just blend two cuisines; he creates an entirely new language of taste. Some of the most iconic creations include:

• Chashu de Paiche: Amazonian river fish marinated and slow-cooked with Japanese soy and mirin, finished with native Andean spices.
• Nigiri de Lomo Saltado: A brilliant reinterpretation of Peru’s most famous stir-fry, served as a melt-in-your-mouth sushi bite.
• Sudado Ramen: A soulful bowl of ramen infused with the essence of traditional Peruvian fish stew—fiery, aromatic, and comforting.
• Uni with Quinoa Tempura: Creamy sea urchin balanced with a crisp, nutty quinoa crunch, showcasing the harmony of land and sea.

These dishes aren’t just food—they are expressions of identity, history, and innovation, designed to surprise, delight, and provoke wonder.

Maido’s tasting menu is an orchestrated performance of color, texture, and flavor—15 meticulously crafted courses that narrate the journey of Nikkei cuisine from its humble roots to global recognition. It’s no exaggeration to say that each course feels like a chapter in an epic novel.

• Amuse-bouches: Playful bites that ignite curiosity—think blue potato spheres or leche de tigre pearls with a yuzu twist.
• Land and Sea Courses: From scallops with rocoto emulsion to wagyu with cassava glaze, every course unfolds like poetry.
• Sweets & Final Notes: Desserts like miso-lucuma ice cream or matcha alfajores end the evening on a note of nostalgic elegance.

Every guest receives more than a menu—they receive an edible map of Peru’s flavors, techniques, and rich cultural tapestry. For luxury travelers who want to understand a place through its food, this is a once-in-a-lifetime invitation.

At the heart of Maido’s brilliance lies an uncompromising commitment to sourcing. Chef Tsumura works directly with Peruvian fishermen, farmers, and foragers to highlight rare and endemic ingredients in their purest forms.

• Amazonian Wonders: Ingredients like paiche, camu camu, and ají charapita are delivered fresh from the rainforest.
• Andean Staples: Quinoa, purple corn, and muña are elevated from rustic roots to haute cuisine.
• Sustainable Seafood: All fish are sourced responsibly, supporting local communities and protecting marine biodiversity.

The result is not only a feast for the senses but a celebration of Peru’s rich biodiversity. For eco-conscious travelers who value ethical luxury, Maido’s ingredient philosophy adds deep meaning to every bite.

Dining at Maido is unforgettable—but experiencing it within a curated, luxury journey through Peru takes it to a whole new level. With the guidance of local experts, every moment—from arrival in Lima to your final dessert spoonful—feels seamless, exclusive, and elevated.

• Tailored Itineraries: Combine Maido with Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley vineyards, and coastal retreats for a truly immersive experience.
• Stress-Free Planning: With early table reservations, boutique hotel bookings, and private transfers arranged in advance, your only task is to enjoy.
• Gastronomic Enhancements: Add chef-led cooking classes, Pisco tastings, and market tours to round out your gourmet adventure.

While anyone can make a reservation, those who understand the value of expert planning and local insight know that true luxury lies in the details. That’s where specialized travel operators make all the difference.

How to Experience Maido as a Traveler

For food lovers and luxury travelers alike, a visit to Maido in Lima isn’t just a meal—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Recently named the world’s top restaurant, Maido has become a bucket-list destination for those who seek both refined flavors and cultural depth. But how do you truly make the most of your visit? From securing a coveted reservation to planning a personalized stay in Lima, there are a few key things to know before you go.

With expert guidance, travelers can enjoy Maido as part of a broader, tailor-made journey through Peru’s capital—rich in flavor, comfort, and cultural connection.

Demand for Maido is higher than ever. Securing a seat requires foresight and a bit of strategy. Here are some essential tips:

• Book Early: Reservations open three months in advance and fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Consider Lunch: While dinner is popular, the lunch service offers the same tasting menus with a slightly more relaxed ambiance.
• Travel Assistance: Relying on a local operator can often grant access to exclusive booking windows and premium seating arrangements.

For those on tight itineraries, coordinating flights, hotel check-ins, and Maido’s availability can be a challenge best handled by professionals who know Lima’s rhythms and the restaurant’s calendar inside out.

Maido offers a signature Nikkei tasting menu that features seasonal variations inspired by Peru’s diverse ecosystems. Depending on when you visit, you may find:

• Summer (Dec–Mar): Fresh Amazonian fruits, light ceviches, and delicate seafood pairings ideal for warmer days.
• Winter (Jun–Aug): Earthy root vegetables, richer broths, and deeper umami notes dominate the plate.
• Spring & Fall: Transitional dishes combining the best of land and sea, with playful uses of citrus, corn, and foraged herbs.

No two visits to Maido are ever the same. For travelers with refined palates, this offers an exciting reason to return—and even plan your trip around culinary seasonality.

While Maido doesn’t impose a strict dress code, the atmosphere is refined and sophisticated. Guests are encouraged to wear smart casual to business casual attire.

• For Men: Collared shirts, dress shoes, and well-fitted trousers. Jackets are optional but stylish.
• For Women: Elegant blouses, dresses, or tailored separates. Heels or formal flats are perfect choices.
• Avoid: Shorts, sandals, and overly casual attire that may detract from the ambiance.

After all, part of the joy of fine dining is the ritual—and looking the part enhances the memory.

A night at Maido becomes even more meaningful when framed by an immersive Lima itinerary. To elevate your experience, consider pairing your meal with:

• Luxury Accommodations: Stay at award-winning properties such as Hotel B in Barranco or Belmond Miraflores Park for oceanfront views and impeccable service.
• Cultural Immersion: Explore the Larco Museum, colonial plazas, and contemporary galleries before your reservation.
• Coastal Escapes: Add a day trip to the Palomino Islands or Paracas Bay for nature, history, and seaside tranquility.

A curated itinerary crafted by experts ensures that your visit to Maido fits seamlessly into a wider journey through Lima's history, art, and refined hospitality.

Maido isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a world-class destination, a culinary masterpiece, and a cultural experience you’ll remember forever. But experiencing Maido the right way requires more than just a dinner reservation—it demands perfect timing, flawless logistics, and local knowledge that only a true expert can provide.

Why risk missing out on Lima’s most exclusive dining experience when you can have it seamlessly arranged as part of a luxury, custom-crafted itinerary through Peru’s most iconic destinations? Ile Tours offers personalized access, early reservations, and a full-service travel experience designed for travelers who expect the exceptional.

• ✔ Priority Booking at Maido – no stress, no waitlists
• ✔ Private Luxury Transfers & Accommodations in Lima’s finest hotels
• ✔ Fully Customizable Itineraries that pair gastronomy with culture, history, and relaxation
• ✔ On-the-Ground Support from Peru-based experts who know every hidden gem

Whether you’re a culinary traveler, a honeymooning couple, or simply someone who refuses to settle for ordinary—this is your invitation to experience the best of Peru with the peace of mind only true expertise can provide.

Reserve Your Culinary Journey to Maido Now 

Limited seats. Unforgettable memories. Your table at the world’s #1 restaurant awaits.