Known for tequila and mariachi music, the capital of Jalisco will be the backdrop for the region's most prestigious culinary celebrations later this year.
With its rich cultural heritage, impressive architecture and close connections to tequila-producing territories in Jalisco, Guadalajara has long attracted visitors. Now, the city's culinary scene is stepping into the spotlight as it prepares to welcome chefs and restaurateurs from across the region for Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants 2026, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, on 1 December.
In collaboration with the official host destination partner, Jalisco Ministry of Tourism, there will be an extensive programme of events ahead of the awards ceremony, including the highly anticipated thought leadership series 50 Best Talks on 30 November, which will see leading figures from the region's culinary scene discuss some of the industry's most pressing topics.
Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco, the home of tequila production
The city will also play host to 50 Best Signature Sessions in the days surrounding the ceremony. These one-off collaborations see local restaurants host chefs from Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants for an exclusive pop-up. These sessions are ticketed and open to the general public, with more details to come soon.
The winners of several awards, including the Champions of Change Award, the Art of Hospitality Award and the One To Watch Award, will be revealed in the weeks before the Guadalajara events.
In the run-up, the extended 51-100 list will also be unveiled, highlighting the breadth and diversity of Latin America's dynamic restaurant scene.
A dish from Alcalde, one of Guadalajara's most celebrated restaurants
In 2025, eight restaurants in Mexico made it onto the list of Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants, with a further seven appearing on the extended 51-100 list, demonstrating the country's importance as a culinary destination.
Guadalajara's Alcalde (No.15) was the second highest-ranked restaurant in the country after Mexico City's Quintonil (No.7). Two more of the capital's restaurants – Máximo (No.30) and Rosetta (No.39) – made the ranking. Ensenada's Villa Torél (No.16), Valle de Guadalupe's Fauna (No.17), Tulum's Arca (No.22) and Mérida's Huniik (No.32) complete the Mexican representation on the list.
Last year's list was topped by El Chato in Bogotá, followed by Kjolle in Lima (No.2) and Don Julio in Buenos Aires (No.3).
The list of Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 will be announced on 1 December live from Guadalajara.
