Don Julio: The Best Restaurant in Latin America

“God belongs to everyone, but it seems He has a special affection for Argentines. Argentina knows no limits, and that greatly benefits our gastronomy,” said a still-surprised and emotional Pablo Jesús Rivero after receiving the award for the best restaurant in Latin America for the second time—Don Julio first won in 2020—during the Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants 2024 ceremony, held on November 26 at the Historic Museum of Rio de Janeiro.

As Rivero said, it was a stellar night for Argentine gastronomy, filled with shining moments. Beyond Don Julio’s victory, seven other Buenos Aires restaurants made the list, with several noteworthy achievements:

1. Aramburu’s Comeback: After earning two Michelin stars, Aramburu returned to the top 50, ranking 46th.
2. Trescha’s Impressive Rise: Tomás Treschanski’s Trescha climbed from 94th in the extended list to 33rd this year.
3. Gran Dabbang’s Ascent: This Buenos Aires staple rose eight spots to 18th, continuing its streak as an industry favorite.

The list also included Niño Gordo (34th), Julia (37th), Mishiguene (29th), and El Preferido de Palermo (31st). In the extended rankings (50th to 100th), Crizia (53rd), Anchoíta (73rd), Alo’s (81st), Mengano (82nd), and Mendoza’s Azafrán (84th) were featured. Notably, Azafrán’s chef Daniel Espinoza received the Acqua Panna award for “Gastronomic Connection” from the San Pellegrino Young Chef Academy this year.

Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants 2024: Key Reflections

It’s clear that 50 Best Latam has acknowledged Michelin’s influence, especially with Aramburu and Trescha. After both earned Michelin stars, their rankings improved. Will Michelin now take note of Gran Dabbang, one of the most notable absences from its inaugural Argentine guide?

Among the Argentine restaurants listed, there’s a strong generational mix, with younger chefs reshaping the scene, particularly through establishments like Julia, Mengano, Trescha, and Niño Gordo. However, there’s still a lack of representation from regions outside Buenos Aires—only Azafrán from Mendoza remains—and few female-led restaurants, a critical gap.

Argentina’s Night in Rio: Local Chefs’ Reactions

The atmosphere among Argentine chefs was one of camaraderie and pride. The awards were seen as a collective victory. “This helps us all; it’s a snapshot of what’s happening in gastronomy. I’m very happy and ready to keep working,” said Treschanski, who received numerous congratulations for his achievements at just 26.

"This helps us all; it’s a snapshot of what’s happening in gastronomy", Tomás Treschanski

Germán Sitz, chef and owner of Niño Gordo, highlighted: “Today’s gastronomic snapshot of Argentina is impressive. The scene is on a growing curve, with more ambitious projects and refined concepts.”

Julio Martín Baez from Julia expressed joy over the recognition: “I’m thrilled to be included, especially since so many new restaurants made the list. This puts us on a pedestal and gives us global visibility. It’s great for Argentina.”

Facundo Kelemen of Mengano shared: “We worked hard to get here and showcase what we do. Argentine gastronomy is in a unique moment and on the rise.”

"Argentine gastronomy is in a unique moment and on the rise", Facundo Kelemen

Nearby, Gonzalo Aramburu reflected: “There’s a generational shift happening. I approach it with the same excitement as the first time. We care about Argentina succeeding and gastronomy thriving in the Southern Hemisphere.”

"We care about Argentina succeeding and gastronomy thriving in the Southern Hemisphere", Gonzalo Aramburu

Latin America's Top 50 Restaurants:

1. Don Julio, (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
2. Maido (Lima, Perú)
3. El Chato (Bogotá, Colombia)
4. Kjolle (Lima, Perú)
5. Boragó (Santiago, Chile)
6. Celele (Cartagena, Colombia)
7. Lasai (Río de Janeiro, Brasil)
8. Mérito (Lima, Perú)
9. Quintonil (Ciudad de México)
10. Leo (Bogotá, Colombia)
11. Nuema (Quito, Ecuador)
12. Alcalde (Guadalajara, México)
13. Mayta (Lima, Perú)
14. Maito (ciudad de Panamá, Panamá)
15. Casa do Porco (São Paulo, Brasil)
16. Tuju (São Paulo, Brasil).
17. Fauna (Valle de Guadalupe, México)
18. Gran Dabbang (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
19. Rafael (Lima Perú). 
20. Evvai (São Paulo, Brasil)
21. Oteque (Río de Janeiro, Brasil)
22. Sublime (ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala). 
23. Villa Torél (Ensenada, México)
24. Pujol (Ciudad de México, México)
25. Siwka (San José, Costa Rica)
26. Nelita (São Paulo, Brasil)
27. Metzi (São Paulo, Brasil)
28. Cosme (Lima, Perú)
29. Mishiguene (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
30. La Mar (Lima, Perú)
31. El Preferido de Palermo (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
32. Arca (Tulum, México)
33. Trescha (Buenos Aires, Argentina). 
34. Niño Gordo (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
35. Maní (São Paulo, Brasil)
36. Huniik (Mérida, México)
37. Julia (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
38. Gustu (La Paz, Bolivia)
39. Mercado 24 (ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala)
40. Cantina del Tigre (ciudad de Panamá, Panamá)
41. Lo de Tere (Punta del Este, Uruguay)
42. Manuel (Barranquilla, Colombia)
43. Máximo Bistrot (Ciudad de México, México)
44. Cordero (Caracas, Venezuela)
45. Humo Negro (Bogotá, Colombia)
46. Aramburu (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
47. Sud 777 (Ciudad de México, México)
48. Rosetta (Ciudad de México, México)
49. Mil (Moray, Perú)
50. Kotori (São Paulo, Brasil)

Special Awards:

• Best Pastry Chef: Camila Fioil (Chile)
• Best Sommelier: Laura Hernández Espinosa (Colombia)
• Best Chef: Marsia Taha (Bolivia)
• Chef’s Choice: Sergio Díaz (Sublime, Guatemala)
• Art of Hospitality: Tuju (Brazil)
• Icon Award: Harry Sasson
• Highest New Entry: Trescha