Maido in Lima: The World’s Best Restaurant and the Rise of Its Waiting List

The culinary spotlight is shining brightly on Lima, Peru. Following its recent recognition as the best restaurant in the world by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Maido, the Nikkei culinary jewel led by chef Mitsuharu Tsumura, has officially become one of the hardest dining reservations to secure globally.

A Historic Win for Peruvian Gastronomy

Announced during a prestigious gala in Turin, Italy, Maido’s ascent to the number one position comes just two years after Central—another Lima-based restaurant—achieved the same honor. Maido had already established itself as a pillar of Latin American cuisine, being crowned the best restaurant in the region four times and maintaining a spot in the global top 10 for over a decade.

This latest accolade, however, has triggered a massive surge in demand. As of late June, Maido’s reservation system is already showing a waitlist for July and extremely limited availability for August, with prime time slots filling within minutes of becoming available.

How to Book a Table at Maido

Reservations for Maido must be made through its official website, which redirects guests to Mesa 24/7, a Peruvian platform that manages table bookings. Availability is categorized by party size—solo diners may find a few open slots in August, while couples and groups are already facing long waits, even into the following month.

How Much Does It Cost to Dine at Maido?

Maido offers both à la carte and multi-course tasting menus. Prices for individual dishes range as follows:

  • Nikkei Ceviche: S/95
  • Tuna Belly Tartare: S/149
  • Nigiris (starting from): S/45
  • Katsu Sando: S/49
  • Duck Rice: S/99

For those seeking a full culinary experience, tasting menus are available:

  • Maido Experience (no pairing): S/969 per person
  • With wine pairing: S/1,619
  • 15th Anniversary Pairing Menu: S/2,199
  • Non-alcoholic pairing: S/1,319

Dining in Lima? Stay Connected with PeruSIM

If you’re planning a culinary trip to Lima to visit Maido, staying connected is key for handling online reservations, navigating the city, and discovering hidden gastronomic gems. Fortunately, PeruSIM has a store located in the international arrivals area of Jorge Chávez International Airport, where travelers can purchase Peru SIM cards with data plans tailored for tourists—perfect for staying online without high roaming fees.

Why Maido Matters

Maido’s rise is not just a personal triumph for chef Tsumura but also a national celebration. It cements Lima’s position as a global culinary capital and draws attention to the innovation behind Nikkei cuisine—a harmonious blend of Japanese precision and Peruvian flavors.

With its reputation now cemented, Maido offers more than just a meal—it offers a sensory experience deeply rooted in cultural fusion and culinary excellence.

FAQs

How can I make a reservation at Maido?

Through Maido’s official website, which links to Mesa 24/7 for available time slots.

Is there a waitlist for Maido?

Yes. July is already waitlisted, and August dates are filling fast.

What’s the cost of a tasting menu at Maido?

Prices range from S/969 to S/2,199 depending on pairing choices.

Where is Maido located?

Maido is in Miraflores, one of Lima’s most vibrant districts.

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