Brief History
In 2008, Virgilio Martínez launched Central in Lima, aiming to craft a gourmet dining adventure rooted in Peruvian ingredients and culinary methods.
Intrigued by this audacious concept, Pía León joined in 2009 and eventually became Martínez’s head chef and life partner, laying the groundwork for the Central experience.
A Labor of Love
Martínez and León both possess a profound passion for Peru’s culinary treasures, a fervor so infectious that it even drew Martínez’s sister, Malena, into the team to lead Mater Iniciativa, the restaurant’s research division.
The trio frequently embarks on journeys across Peru, collaborating with producers, sampling unique ingredients, and devising innovative ways to present them on the plate.
Exploring Altitudes
Over time, Central’s concept evolved, culminating in a menu that guides diners through diverse Peruvian ecosystems, categorized by altitude – spanning from below sea level in the Pacific Ocean to the lofty peaks of the Andes.
Each dish mirrors the origins of its ingredients, whether from the Dry Valley (featuring shrimp, loche squash, and avocado) to the Amazonian Water (highlighting pacu fish, watermelon, and coca leaf).
A Tranquil Oasis
In 2018, Martínez and León relocated Central to a spacious edifice in Lima’s Barranco district, known as Casa Tupac.
This serene locale includes an expansive garden, a research center, León’s solo restaurant, Kjolle, and the couple’s family residence, offering a sanctuary of delectable flavors and gracious hospitality.
Guests can explore 15 diverse Peruvian ecosystems, ranging from 15 meters under the Pacific Ocean to 4,200 meters high in the Andes.
Barcelona’s innovative seafood restaurant, Disfrutar, is the second best restaurant in the world.
Diverxo, an unconventional high-end dining destination in Madrid, is the third best restaurant in the world.
50 Best Restaurants In The World
1.Central in Lima, Peru – South America’s Premier Dining Destination.
- Disfrutar (Barcelona, Spain) – Leading Restaurant in Europe
- Diverxo (Madrid, Spain)
- Asador Etxebarri (Atxondo, Spain)
- Alchemist (Copenhagen, Denmark)
- Maido (Lima, Peru)
- Lido 84 (Gardone Riviera, Italy)
- Atomix (New York City) – Most Improved, Top Restaurant in North America
- Quintonil (Mexico City, Mexico)
- Newcomer: Table by Bruno Verjus (Paris, France) – Best Debut
- Newcomer: Trèsind Studio (Dubai, UAE) – Outstanding Restaurant in the Middle East and Africa
- A Casa do Porco (São Paulo, Brazil)
- Pujol (Mexico City, Mexico)
- Odette (Singapore) – Finest Restaurant in Asia, Chef’s Choice: Julien Royer
- New: Le Du (Bangkok, Thailand)
- Reale (Castel di Sangro, Italy)
- New: Gaggan Anand (Bangkok, Thailand)
- Steirereck (Vienna, Austria)
- Don Julio (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
- Quique Dacosta (Dénia, Spain)
- Den (Tokyo, Japan)
- Elkano (Getaria, Spain)
- New: Kol (London, England)
- Septime (Paris, France)
- Belcanto (Lisbon, Portugal)
- Schloss Schauenstein (Fürstenau, Switzerland)
- Florilège (Tokyo, Japan)
- New: Kjolle (Lima, Peru)
- Boragó (Santiago, Chile)
- Frantzén (Stockholm, Sweden)
- Mugaritz (San Sebastian, Spain)
- Hiša Franko (Kobarid, Slovenia)
- New: El Chato (Bogotá, Colombia)
- Uliassi (Senigallia, Italy)
- Ikoyi (London, England)
- New: Plénitude (Paris, France)
- New: Sézanne (Tokyo, Japan)
- The Clove Club (London, England)
- The Jane (Antwerp, Belgium)
- Restaurant Tim Raue (Berlin, Germany)
- Le Calandre (Rubano, Italy)
- Piazza Duomo (Alba, Italy)
- Leo (Bogotá, Colombia)
- Le Bernardin (New York City)
- Nobelhart & Schmutzig (Berlin, Germany)
- Newcomer: Orfali Bros (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
- Mayta (Lima, Peru)
- Newcomer: La Grenouillère (La Madelaine-sous-Montreuil, France)
- Newcomer: Rosetta (Mexico City)
- The Chairman (Hong Kong) – Leading Restaurant in Hong Kong
