central
GASTRONOMY & CULINARY ARTISTRY
Located in the trendy Barranco district of Lima, Central Restaurante is a globally celebrated gastronomic destination renowned for showcasing Peru’s incredible biodiversity. The flagship restaurant offers an immersive, altitude-based tasting menu that takes diners on a culinary journey across Peru’s distinct ecosystems.
The Mastermind: Virgilio Martínez
Born in Lima, Virgilio Martínez Véliz is a visionary chef credited with putting contemporary Peruvian cuisine on the global map.
- Background: He trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Ottawa and London and worked in kitchens across the globe before returning to Peru to reconnect with his native culture.
- Research & Philosophy: His motto, “outside there is more,” drives his philosophy of constant exploration. To source his highly unconventional ingredients (like rare Andean tubers and lake algae), he co-founded Mater Iniciativa, an interdisciplinary research center staffed by biologists, anthropologists, and locals.
Other Projects: Alongside his wife and co-chef, Pía León, he runs other acclaimed restaurants including Mil (Cusco), Kjolle (Lima), and Maz (Tokyo).
Major Achievements
- The World’s Best: In 2023, Central made history by claiming the #1 spot on the prestigious The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, becoming the first restaurant in South America to achieve this title.
- Latin American Dominance: Prior to being named the best globally, Central was crowned the #1 Best Restaurant in Latin America multiple times.
- Beyond Rankings:
After achieving the highest recognition in global gastronomy, Central entered an entirely different category of prestige. Restaurants rthat reach the #1 position on the World´s 50 Best Restaurants list are moved into the exclusive “Best of the Best” hall of fame, meaning they are no longer eligible to compete on the annual ranking. Rather than disappearing from relevance, Central now exists beyond the standard rankings – recognized as one of the defining restaurants of modern gastronomy worldwide.
- Global Influence: Martínez was prominently featured in the hit Netflix series Chef’s Table, which skyrocketed global awareness of his altitude-based concept and Peruvian biodiversity.
Sustainable Excellence: Beyond culinary arts, Central has been awarded the Sustainable Restaurant Award by The World’s 50 Best for its ethical sourcing, fair-trade practices, and deep community involvement
central
GASTRONOMY & CULINARY ARTISTRY
Experience Peru’s intredible bicdiversity through a visionary’s lens. Apu Retreats is proud to highlight
Central Restaurante, globally celebrated for its altitude-based tasting menu. Located in Lima’s trendy
Barranco district, Central takes diners on an immersive culinary journey across Peru’s distinct ecosystems,
showcasing unique and often undiscovered ingredients.
Meet the mastermind: Virgilio Martinéz
Chef & Visionary
Born in Lima, Virgilio Martínez Véliz is a visionary chef credited with putting contemporary Peruvian cuisine on the global map.
- Background: He trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Ottawa and London and worked in kitchens across the globe before returning to Peru to reconnect with his native culture.
- Research & Philosophy: His motto, “outside there is more,” drives his philosophy of constant exploration. To source his highly unconventional ingredients (like rare Andean tubers and lake algae), he co-founded Mater Iniciativa, an interdisciplinary research center staffed by biologists, anthropologists, and locals.
Other Projects: Alongside his wife and co-chef, Pía León, he runs other acclaimed restaurants including Mil (Cusco), Kjolle (Lima), and Maz (Tokyo).
MATER INICIATIVA: THE HEART OF RESEARCH
EXPLORING UNCONVENTIONAL INGREDIENTS
Source rare Andean tubers, lake algae, and more through constant exploration
A dedicated center staffed by multidiciplinary experts.
GLOBAL ACCLAIM & ACHIEVEMENTS
A legacy of excellence recognized worldwide.
#1 in the word 2023
Made history as the first SA restaurant to achieve the 81 spot cn World's 90 Best. Exists beyond competition in "Best of the Best" hall of fame, a deffining restaurant of modern gastronomy.
#1 latin america
Crowned Latin America's #1 Best Restaurant multiple times. A leading force in regional dominance and innovation
Global Influence
Martines was prominently featured in Chef's Table, showcasing altitude-based concepe and biodiversity to a worldwide audience.
Sustainable excellence
Awarded Sastainsble Restaarant Award by World's 50 Best for ethical starcing, fair- trade practices, znd deep community invelvement.